Understanding Routine Blood Work: What It Reveals to Your Doctor

Question
When you are sent for "routine" blood work what are they looking for?  What does routing blood work tell a Dr?

Answer
Madeline,

Routine can me different things to different physician specialists and the age / sex of the patient.

For example a healthy female younger than 40 may only require, a urine test, CBC and metabolic profile.  Older women may require cancer markers.  Men may require a PSA as part of their bloodwork to assess prostate health.  

Generally speaking routine blood work includes a Complete Blood Count (CBC), A metabolic profile (Na, K, Cl, CO2, Glucose, Liver function, renal function), Urinalysis, Lipid Profile.  It helps a doctor as part of your annual physical exam screen you for disease processes like Diabetes, Anemias, high Cholesterol, etc.

Hope that helps.

JP Saleeby, MD
www.saleeby.net