the 6 most important blood tests
TRANSCRIPT
The 6 Most Important Blood Tests
1. Chemistry Panel And Complete Blood Count
The Complete Blood Count measures the number, variety, percentage, concentration, and quality of platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells, and thus is useful in screening for infections, anemias, and other hematological abnormalities.
2. Hemoglobin A1C
This test measures a person’s blood sugar control over the last two to three months and is an independent predictor of heart disease risk in persons with or without diabetes.
3. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein manufactured by the prostate gland in men. Elevated levels may suggest an enlarged prostate, prostate inflammation, or prostate cancer.
4. Homocysteine
High homocysteine levels have been associated with increased risk of heart attack, bone fracture, and poor cognitive function.`
5. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Secreted by the pituitary gland, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) controls thyroid hormone secretion in the thyroid.
6. Testosterone
Testosterone is produced in the testes in men, in the ovaries in women, and in the adrenal glands of both men and women. Men and women alike can be dramatically affected by the decline in testosterone levels that occurs with aging.