Blood analysis

Definition

Blood analysis is the examination of blood samples to assess an individual's health status or diagnose medical conditions. It provides crucial information about nutritional deficiencies, infections, and overall hematologic wellness.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Blood analysis can detect deficiencies in essential nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, and folate which are critical for proper hematologic function.
2. Complete blood count (CBC) is a common type of blood test that measures various components like red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels.
3. High levels of homocysteine in the blood can be an indicator of poor nutrition and increased risk for cardiovascular diseases.
4. Blood glucose levels are often assessed during a blood analysis to monitor conditions like diabetes that can have significant implications on overall health.
5. Serum ferritin levels measured during a blood analysis help determine the body’s iron storage status which is vital for diagnosing anemia.

Review Questions

• What nutritional deficiencies can be detected through blood analysis?
• How does a Complete Blood Count (CBC) contribute to assessing hematologic wellness?
• Why is it important to measure serum ferritin levels during a blood analysis?

Related terms

Complete Blood Count (CBC): A comprehensive test that evaluates different components of the blood including red cells, white cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.

Serum Ferritin:

A test that measures the amount of ferritin in the blood to assess iron stores in the body.

Homocysteine:

An amino acid in the blood that, at elevated levels, may indicate poor nutrition and increased cardiovascular disease risk.