Getting a blood test is the most accurate way to determine the state of health or disease in your body. Blood tests are also helpful for identifying genetic predispositions so you can be aware of health conditions that may arise in the future. Our experienced, efficient, and client-focused team here at Trinity Medical Laboratories in Marlton, New Jersey is ready to provide accurate testing with a quick turnaround time so you can get the answers that you need fast.
What Can You Discover From a Blood Test?
- Assess your overall health
- Diagnose a medical condition
- Check the status of a medical condition
- Determine your blood type
- Assess the health of your organs
- Check for genetic predispositions
- Identify drugs in the body
- Assess how well your blood is clotting
- Determine if the medications you are taking are effective
Blood tests are common and allow your doctor to get a deeper look into how your body is functioning with current and precise data. This is a low-risk test that is quick and easy. Blood will be taken which will be sent to us here at the lab. We quickly and accurately analyze the sample and have your results within 24 hours. We even offer same day and expedited results so you can get the answers that you need fast. We are fully licensed and accredited while going above and beyond for every client we work with.
Types of Blood Tests
Typically your doctor will order a specific type of blood test based on symptoms you may be having. When visiting a new doctor or periodically with your current doctor they may order a standard blood test near you just to check on your overall health and make sure there are no underlying conditions you may not be aware of. Below are some of the most common types of blood tests.
Complete Blood Count
A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is the most common test which you may get during a physical. This test measures different factors in the blood to determine your overall health. This test can alert you of immune system disorders, infections, blood clotting disorders, anemia, and other diseases. The components in your blood that are measured in this test are listed below.
Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells carry and deliver oxygen throughout the body. Abnormal levels of red blood cells could be a sign of dehydration, iron deficiency, anemia, internal bleeding, COPD, heart disease, pulmonary fibrosis, or other conditions affecting the lungs and heart.
White Blood Cells
White blood cells fight infections and diseases. Abnormal levels of white blood cells could be a sign of infection, a bone marrow disease, an immune system disorder, blood cancer, or a reaction to a specific medication.
Platelets
Platelets are blood cell fragments that stick together to help your blood clot. They seal cuts and blood vessels to stop the bleeding. Abnormal levels of platelets could be a sign that your blood doesn’t clot enough or conversely that your blood clots too much.
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein molecule in the red blood cell that carries oxygen throughout the body. Abnormal levels of hemoglobin could indicate a blood disorder such as sickle cell anemia.
Hematocrit
The hematocrit is the ratio of red blood cells to all other types of blood cells. This test measures the volume of your blood that is composed of red blood cells and is expressed as a percentage. Abnormal hematocrit levels could indicate a blood or bone marrow disorder.
Basic Metabolic Panel
A basic metabolic panel, also known as a blood chemistry test, is actually a group of tests that identify blood glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, carbon dioxide, electrolytes, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Information from these tests can give us insight into muscle, heart, bone, and organ function. These tests use plasma from the blood and can help us identify conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, hormone imbalances, and more.
Complete Metabolic Panel
A complete metabolic panel includes all of the tests in the basic metabolic panel plus additional tests used to measure liver function. A liver panel specifically checks liver enzyme levels in the blood. The liver is an important organ that breaks down toxins and converts nutrients into energy. If there are abnormal levels of liver enzymes, it may be an indication of liver damage or diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Enzyme Markers
Enzymes are specialized protein molecules that are catalysts for chemical changes within the cell. There are many enzymes in the body, all with their own specific jobs to perform. Enzyme marker tests identify where there are abnormal levels of certain enzymes which could indicate a problem or imbalance in the body. Below are types of enzymes that are identified in blood tests and what could be going on when abnormal levels are found.
Heart Enzymes
Certain enzymes are released during a heart attack and indicate that damage has occurred in the heart. A doctor may check for CK-MB enzymes if a heart attack is suspected.
Liver Enzymes
When liver enzyme levels are elevated, there could be damage or inflammation in the liver. This could be caused by:
- Liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or cancer
- An underactive thyroid
- Physical trauma to the liver
- Alcohol consumption
- Celiac disease
- Prescription medications like statins
- Epstein-Barr
- Mononucleosis
- Pancreatitis
- Galbladder inflammation
- Tylenol or other over the counter medication use
CPK Isoenzymes
Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) enzymes are located in the brain, heart, and skeletal muscles. The CPK isoenzymes test measures levels of different CPK’s in the blood to determine if damage has occurred. CPK-1 is found primarily in the brain and lungs and increased levels of this enzyme can be the result of brain injury, stroke, brain cancer, a pulmonary infarction, or a seizure. Elevated CPK-2 levels could be a result of a heart attack, open-heart surgery, or inflammation in the heart. Elevated CPK-3 levels could be caused by seizures, a recent surgery, intramuscular injections, or other muscle stressors.
Lipid Panel
During a lipid panel, your cholesterol levels are checked. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as “good cholesterol”, breaks down harmful substances in the blood and helps the liver convert them into waste. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “bad cholesterol”, can cause plaque to develop in your arteries which may lead to cardiovascular disease.
Coagulation Panel
A coagulation panel tests the blood for clotting capabilities. The inability to clot can cause excessive blood loss while the blood clotting too much can result in dangerous blood clots in the body which can lead to strokes or pulmonary embolisms.
Thyroid Panel
Your thyroid is a small gland located in your neck which regulates your mood, metabolism, and energy levels. A thyroid panel measures different hormones that are secreted from this gland to determine how the thyroid is functioning. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can lead to anxiety, restlessness, a racing heart, trouble sleeping, and weight loss. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can result in fatigue, depression, weight gain, a slow heart rate, and even coma.
DHEA-Sulfate Serum Test
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone made in your adrenal glands. Low levels can be caused by kidney disease or type 2 diabetes while high levels can result from polycystic ovary syndrome or a tumor in the adrenal glands, among other conditions.
C-Reactive Protein Test
High levels of C-reactive protein created by your liver could indicate:
- heart disease
- cancer
- lupus
- rheumatoid arthritis
- inflammatory bowel disease
STD Tests
Sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes can be detected using a blood sample STD test.
Drug Testing
Utilizing the most accurate testing available, we are able to determine which types of drugs are in the body.
Blood Type Testing
Determining your blood type is very important, especially when you are about to get surgery or give birth. If you need a blood transfusion, your body will only accept its own blood type or an O blood type which is compatible with all other types. Human blood types are differentiated by their antigens which are markers on the surface of the red blood cells. The most common blood type test identifies blood group antigens (ABO) and the Rh antigen which is either positive (+) or negative (-). Your blood type is either A (+ or -), B (+ or -), AB (+ or -), or O (+ or -).
It is important for a pregnant mother and her fetus to find out their blood types because if the mother has a negative Rh antigen and the baby has a positive Rh antigen, the mother’s immune system could develop antibodies that attack the baby’s red blood cells. This is known as Rh incompatibility.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing examines your DNA to identify any mutations that can cause illness or disease. Several types of genetic testing can be done for different reasons as listed below.
Predictive or Diagnostic Testing
If a certain disease or condition runs in your family, you may want to get this test done. It could reveal if you have the genetic markers for developing this condition before you even show symptoms. With this knowledge, you can take preventative measures to decrease your chances of developing the disease. If you have symptoms of a condition that is caused by a gene mutation (such as Huntington’s disease), a genetic test can confirm the diagnosis.
Carrier Testing
Before having children, you may want to get blood work to determine if you carry specific genes. If certain diseases run in your family, you and your partner may want to get a blood test done to determine if you carry genes that predispose you to conditions that you could pass on to your children.
Prenatal Testing
A mother can find out if her baby has abnormalities in their genes by doing a prenatal test. An amniocentesis is a test done between 15 and 18 weeks where the doctor collects a small sample of amniotic fluid from around the baby. The protein levels of the fluid are tested to identify birth defects that may be present. Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and Tay-Sachs disease can be identified through this test.
Newborn Screening
In the United States, it is mandatory for all newborns to be tested for genetic abnormalities that can lead to more serious conditions. This test is crucial in catching conditions such as hypothyroidism and sickle cell disease early on and treating them from birth for the best possible outcome.
Put Your Trust in the Best
There’s no need to wait for days while your test results come in. We make sure you get the most accurate test results in the shortest amount of time possible. Using the finest instruments and technology on the market, we provide unmatched quality to our clients. Not only will you experience the highest quality in testing, we also provide the highest quality customer service in the industry. We value our clients and view our relationships as blessings. Call or email us today at Trinity Medical Laboratories in Marlton, New Jersey and let us serve your testing needs with the highest standards in the industry.
