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  • Routine blood tests are part of most physical examinations. The standard blood tests includes a complete blood count, metabolic panel, lipid profiles and tests to assess major organs such as the kidneys and liver. Results are compared with average or standard ranges, with anything over or under the range flagged for the doctor's attention.

    Significance

    Several portions of a routine blood test are significant. Blood glucose tests, for example, assess how well the body's insulin adjusts blood glucose levels, and high blood glucose results may be a sign of diabetes. Other portions of routine blood tests such as the lipoprotein panel assess risks for heart disease, such as high cholesterol.

    Function

    The function of routine blood tests is to help a doctor assess the patient's overall health and wellness. Because routine blood tests provide insight into so many different aspects of a patient's health, from the health of various organs to hallmarks of future disease, they give doctors much information in a small amount of time.

    Features

    A routine blood test checks for the following: complete blood count, red blood cells, white blood cells, blood enzymes, metabolic profile, lipoprotein profile, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and other enzymes and chemicals.

    Identification

    Routine blood tests can identify current illnesses such as an infection, anemia, thyroid disease, kidney or liver disease, diabetes or high cholesterol levels. They can also identify risks for future disease, such as an increased risk for strokes, heart attack or diabetes.

    Misconception

    A misconception about routine blood tests is that a reading within the standard or normal range is always a sign that everything is OK. Doctors must always evaluate the test along with the patient's history and physical exam results to make a diagnosis.

    Source:

    Nationanl Institute of Health - Common Blood Test Overview

    Internet Encyclopedia of Science

    Sanford Laboratories explanation of routine blood tests

    Resource:

    National Institute of Health

    Encyclopedia of Science

    Sanford Laboratories: Routine Blood Tests

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