Blood accounts for about 7-8% of a person's body weight. It is composed of approximately 55% plasma and 45% blood cells. Blood flows through the blood vessels, supplying oxygen and nutrients to various organs. Additionally, it delivers antibodies and cells that can fight infections and clots to prevent bleeding when necessary.
Blood contains vital information about an individual's health. Blood tests can help detect diseases early, diagnose infections, assess nutritional status, evaluate organ function, and monitor the effects or side effects of medications.
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) A CBC analyzes the number, size, and distribution of blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets), providing information on conditions such as anemia, infections, or bone marrow diseases like leukemia.Anemia is diagnosed when hemoglobin levels drop below 13g/dl for men and 12g/dl for women, indicating reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.TestNormal RangeUnitSignificance (Related Diseases)
| White Blood Cells (WBC) | 4-10 | k/uL | Anemia, immune dysfunction, infection, bleeding disorders, etc. |
| Hemoglobin (Hb) | Men: 13-17, Women: 12-16 | g/dL | Anemia |
| Platelets (PLT) | 150-400 | k/uL | Blood clotting disorders |
For instance, a temporary increase in white blood cells can occur due to infections like colds or gastroenteritis. Low white blood cell counts, though common, may require follow-up testing.
2. Lipid Profile This test measures total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which are important indicators of atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, and stroke risk.TestNormal RangeUnitSignificance (Related Diseases)
| Total Cholesterol | <200 | mg/dL | Hyperlipidemia |
| Triglycerides (TG) | <150 | mg/dL | |
| HDL Cholesterol | >40 | mg/dL | |
| LDL Cholesterol | <130 | mg/dL | Dyslipidemia |
A diagnosis of dyslipidemia can be made if LDL cholesterol exceeds 130mg/dl. Avoid consuming excessive carbohydrates or alcohol before testing for accurate results.
3. Diabetes Testing (Fasting Blood Sugar and HbA1c) Fasting blood sugar levels above 126mg/dL or HbA1c above 6.5% indicate diabetes. Blood sugar levels between 100-125 mg/dL or HbA1c between 5.7-6.4% signify a pre-diabetic state, which requires monitoring.TestNormal RangeUnitSignificance (Related Diseases)
| Fasting Blood Sugar | 74-109 | mg/dL | Diabetes |
| HbA1c | <5.7 | % | Diabetes |
| Insulin | 2.6-24.9 | uU/mL | Insulin resistance |
4. Liver Function Tests The liver is crucial for metabolism, detoxification, and nutrient processing. Liver function tests are the first step in identifying potential liver diseases. Conditions like alcohol-induced, viral, drug-related, or toxic liver damage can affect liver function.TestNormal RangeUnitSignificance (Related Diseases)
| AST (SGOT) | Men: <40, Women: <32 | U/L | Liver damage due to hepatitis, drugs, or obesity |
| ALT (SGPT) | Men: <41, Women: <33 | U/L | |
| GGT (γ-GTP) | Men: 10-71, Women: 6-42 | U/L | |
| Total Bilirubin | <1.2 | mg/dL | Jaundice |
5. Hepatitis Testing (Viral Markers) A significant portion of chronic liver disease in Korea is due to hepatitis B or C viral infections. A hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test indicates infection, while a positive C hepatitis antibody (anti-HCV) test suggests C hepatitis infection, which requires further confirmation.TestNormal RangeSignificance (Related Diseases)
| Hepatitis A Antibody | Positive | Immunity to Hepatitis A |
| Hepatitis B Surface Antigen | Negative | Hepatitis B infection |
| Hepatitis C Antibody | Negative | Hepatitis C infection |
6. Uric Acid (Gout) Test This test measures uric acid, a byproduct of purine metabolism. Elevated uric acid levels, often caused by alcohol, obesity, or meat consumption, can lead to gout. However, if high uric acid levels occur without a gout attack, treatment may not be necessary.TestNormal RangeUnitSignificance (Related Diseases)
| Uric Acid | Men: 3.4-7.0, Women: 2.4-5.7 | mg/dL | Hyperuricemia, Gout |
7. Electrolyte Tests Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, and phosphorus, play essential roles in regulating body fluids and maintaining cellular function. Imbalances can occur due to kidney, endocrine, or heart disorders.
8. Thyroid Function Test The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism. Blood tests for thyroid hormones (free T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) can help diagnose hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or thyroiditis.TestNormal RangeUnitSignificance (Related Diseases)
| TSH | 0.27-4.20 | mIU/L | Thyroid disorders |
9. Kidney Function Test The kidneys regulate fluid balance and excrete waste. Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels indicate reduced kidney function but may also be affected by dehydration.TestNormal RangeUnitSignificance (Related Diseases)
| Creatinine | Men: 0.7-1.2, Women: 0.5-0.9 | mg/dL | Kidney diseases |
10. Tumor Marker Test Tumor markers are substances produced in large quantities by cancer cells. These markers help assess cancer progression, stage, and treatment response. However, tumor marker tests may show false positives or negatives, so they are used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests.
TestNormal RangeUnitSignificance (Related Diseases)
| AFP | <7.0 | ng/ml | Liver cancer, chronic liver disease |
| CEA | Varies | Colon cancer, digestive cancers | |
| CA19-9 | <27 | U/ml | Pancreatic cancer |
| PSA | Varies | Prostate cancer | |
| CA125 | <35 | U/ml | Ovarian cancer |
11. Immunoserological Tests These tests detect infections like syphilis or HIV. Since these tests are highly sensitive, false positives may occur. Additional tests are often needed to confirm a diagnosis.
Blood tests, such as CBC, biochemical tests, and immunological assays, provide critical insights into early disease detection and diagnosis.
Conclusion:
Blood tests are essential diagnostic tools that offer critical insights into a person's overall health, aiding in the early detection and management of various diseases. From assessing blood components, lipid levels, and glucose to evaluating organ function, blood tests help identify conditions such as anemia, diabetes, liver disease, kidney dysfunction, and even cancer. Regular blood testing not only allows for timely interventions but also helps monitor the effectiveness of treatments and manage potential health risks. As such, they play a crucial role in preventive healthcare and the ongoing management of chronic diseases.
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