What does a blood count test look like?
Proper prevention is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. It is thanks to preventive examinations that various types of diseases can be detected at an early stage of their development. They also allow for the determination of general health status and indicate the need for further diagnostics, if such arises. One of the most important preventive examinations is a blood count. What does the test involve and what is worth knowing about it?
How to perform a blood count test?
A complete blood count is generally ordered by a primary care physician. With a referral, you do not have to bear the cost of the examination. It is possible to have a complete blood count done without a referral, although in that case, you will have to pay the appropriate fee. It is worth knowing, however, that the cost of a complete blood count is not high and generally ranges from 20 to 30 PLN, depending on the laboratory chosen. There are no strictly defined rules regarding how often this type of examination should be performed. It is recommended to do it at least once a year if the patient does not complain of any ailments and wants to undergo the examination solely for preventive purposes.
A complete blood count (CBC) detects:
A blood count provides information about the general condition of the body and diseases that have not yet shown worrying symptoms. One of these is, for example, atherosclerosis, today referred to as a civilization disease. Its appearance is indicated by the levels of „bad” and „good” cholesterol. Its early detection is particularly important, as it is responsible for heart attacks or strokes, which often lead to patient death. A blood count also makes it possible to determine the level of blood cells (both red and white) and to measure the level of TSH, which is related to thyroid function. A blood count can also be directed towards specific diseases, although in this case, an additional fee must be paid, or an appropriate referral must be presented.
How is a blood draw for a complete blood count performed?
Taking blood for a complete blood count is a very simple procedure. It is performed in the treatment room. It is important not to consume any food before the examination, and to arrive at the room on an empty stomach early in the morning. A brief interview precedes blood collection. The material for morphological studies is collected using a small syringe. Slight bleeding usually stops after about 3 minutes. After this time, the patient can return home, and their blood sample is sent to the laboratory. As a rule, the results are available the next day at the clinic, although, for example, at the Zawiercie Medical Center, upon the patient's request, test results can also be sent by e-mail on the same day.
Where can I consult my test results?
After receiving the results, consult them with your primary care physician. They will also decide how often the complete blood count should be repeated and if further diagnostics are necessary through specialized tests.