If you're feeling run down, itchy, or just generally not like yourself, you might want to get a blood test to see whether something more serious is going on. A blood test is a simple and painless way to check for underlying medical conditions. Here are two conditions that could be diagnosed with a blood test at a medical clinic.
Anemia
A blood test is the most common way to diagnose anemia. Anemia is a condition with a decreased hemoglobin level in the blood. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein that helps carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. A decrease in hemoglobin levels can cause various symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
A blood test can measure the hemoglobin levels in the blood and help to determine if someone has anemia. In some cases, additional tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis or to determine the cause of the condition. For instance, if your doctor suspects you have iron-deficiency anemia, they may order a test to measure the level of iron in your blood.
Treatment for anemia may depend on the underlying cause. If a lack of iron causes anemia, then iron supplements may be recommended. If a chronic illness causes your condition, treatment will focus on managing the underlying condition.
Autoimmune Disorders
A variety of blood tests can be used to diagnose autoimmune disorders at a medical clinic. The test can measure the levels of various antibodies in your blood.
Antibodies are proteins your immune system produces to protect your body from invading viruses and bacteria. If you have an autoimmune condition, your immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that attack and destroy healthy cells in your body.
There are many different types of autoimmune disorders, each with specific symptoms. And blood tests can help your doctor determine which type of disorder you have and how best to treat it.
One common test is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test, which assesses the rate at which red blood cells settle in a blood tube. A high ESR can be indicative of rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica.
Other blood tests that can diagnose autoimmune disorders include the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test. This test measures the levels of antibodies that attack the nucleus of cells. A positive ANA test can indicate lupus, scleroderma, and Sjögren's syndrome.
These tests are just a few examples of how medical clinics use blood tests to diagnose autoimmune disorders. If you think you might have an autoimmune disorder, talk to your doctor about which blood tests are right for you.
