Blood Tests
Procedure:
* A phlebotomist uses a needle to draw a sample of blood, typically from a vein in the arm.
* The process usually takes a few minutes.
* Many patients can access their results securely online.
Purpose:
* Blood tests are used to diagnose various conditions, including:
* Infections
* Diseases
* Cholesterol levels
* Thyroid function
Ordering:
* Doctors typically order blood tests during physical checkups or screenings.
* Tests may evaluate for conditions such as heart disease, thyroid disease, cancer, diabetes, and sexually transmitted infections.
Safety:
* Blood tests are generally safe.
* Small amounts of blood are drawn to check for a wide range of issues.
Preparation:
* If recommended by your doctor, understand the specific measurements being tested and any necessary preparation.
* You may experience a slight prick during the procedure.
Research Applications:
* Blood tests are used in pharmacogenomics research to study drug interactions with genes.
* Clear preparation instructions should be obtained from your doctor.
* Tests may require precise timing or fasting, as specific diets or timing may be required.
DDxHub is a concentrator that holds a lot of disease descriptions. It relies on the System knowledgebase to diagnose a health condition.
Differential diagnosis Hub is the System distinguishing of a particular disease or health condition from others.