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Testing, Testing 123: Phlebotomy Basics

When my mother underwent chemotherapy, we spent a lot of time visiting the phlebotomy lab for blood testing. I was always impressed by how easily the phlebotomist was able to find and puncture a vein to draw blood on the first try. I knew there had to be a method to it, and was astounded by how effortless and painless they made the process. It led me to research a lot about blood tests, from drawing to the actual screening. I've created this site to share what I've learned in the hopes of teaching others. The more you understand, the more control you can have over your own health care.

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Testing, Testing 123: Phlebotomy Basics

Understanding The Different Types Of Blood Tests

by Francisco Arnold

Blood is one of the most important components of your body and is vital to sustaining a healthy and happy life. Blood can also reveal quite a lot about how your body fights illnesses, what type of problems it is currently dealing with, and any genetic predispositions you may have for certain issues in the future. All of this and more can be deduced through blood testing. If you have had blood tests ordered then you may be confused as to what they actually mean. Here is a quick breakdown of the three reasons why you will have blood tests ordered and what information your doctors are hoping to get from them.

Monitoring For Change 

If you are in a hospital or have a chronic condition of some kind then regular blood tests will most likely be ordered to see how you are faring. Your blood will contain a lot of information both in regards to the medication you may be taking and to see if there are any changes for better or for worse. Depending on the severity of the issue you may be required to have blood tests done quite often. These monitoring tests are done once the problem is established and are done to help provide your doctors with a map of how to treat you.

General Screenings

You have probably heard stats and figures that say, people of a certain age, gender, or background are more likely to get certain diseases. Doctors use blood tests to then check if you actually are suffering from the diseases that you are most likely a candidate for. For certain people this may be a heart problem, for others, this may be an immune issue. Whatever the case, if you are in a high-risk group, then blood testing can be used to determine for sure whether or not you have a problem, and then preventative work can get started right away.

Targeted Diagnosis

Sometimes doctors will have a very good idea about what disease you could be facing and want a blood test done to firmly confirm or deny their suspicions. These targeted tests can be much more in-depth and take a little bit longer, but they are very necessary when it comes to patients who have been struggling to get a clear view of their health. These diagnostic tests are probably what you are most familiar with, although all three forms of blood testing serve their own purpose and are done every day by experienced professionals.

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