What Blood Tests Can Tell You

Complete blood count (CBC)

A CBC measures the levels of different types of blood cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It can help diagnose conditions such as anemia, leukemia, and infections.

Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)

A CMP measures the levels of various chemicals in your blood, including electrolytes, glucose, and liver enzymes. It can help diagnose conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease.

Lipid panel

A lipid panel measures the levels of different types of fats in your blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. It can help diagnose conditions such as high cholesterol and heart disease.

Thyroid panel

A thyroid panel measures the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. It can help diagnose conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Vitamin B12 and folate levels

Vitamin B12 and folate are essential nutrients that are involved in the production of red blood cells. Low levels of these nutrients can lead to anemia.

Iron levels

Iron is an essential mineral that is involved in the production of red blood cells. Low levels of iron can lead to anemia.

Calcium levels

Calcium is an essential mineral that is involved in the building of bones and teeth. Low levels of calcium can lead to osteoporosis.

Potassium levels

Potassium is an essential mineral that is involved in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid balance. Low levels of potassium can lead to hypokalemia.

Sodium levels

Sodium is an essential mineral that is involved in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid balance. High levels of sodium can lead to hypernatremia.

Chloride levels

Chloride is an essential mineral that is involved in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid balance. Low levels of chloride can lead to hypochloremia.

Bicarbonate levels

Bicarbonate is an essential mineral that is involved in the regulation of blood pH. Low levels of bicarbonate can lead to acidosis.

Creatinine levels

Creatinine is a waste product that is produced by the kidneys. High levels of creatinine can indicate kidney disease.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels

BUN is a waste product that is produced by the breakdown of protein. High levels of BUN can indicate kidney disease.

Glucose levels

Glucose is a sugar that is the body's main source of energy. High levels of glucose can indicate diabetes.

Insulin levels

Insulin is a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. High levels of insulin can indicate insulin resistance or diabetes.

C-peptide levels

C-peptide is a hormone that is produced along with insulin. High levels of C-peptide can indicate insulin resistance or diabetes.

HbA1c levels

HbA1c is a measure of how much glucose is attached to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. High levels of HbA1c can indicate diabetes.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a type of fat that is found in the blood. High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease.

Total cholesterol

Total cholesterol is the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, including LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol. High levels of total cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.

LDL (bad) cholesterol

LDL cholesterol is a type of cholesterol that can build up in the arteries and lead to heart disease. High levels of LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.

HDL (good) cholesterol

HDL cholesterol is a type of cholesterol that helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries. High levels of HDL cholesterol can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.

VLDL cholesterol

VLDL cholesterol is a type of cholesterol that is produced by the liver. High levels of VLDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease.

Lipoprotein(a) levels

Lipoprotein(a) is a type of lipoprotein that is made up of LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein(a). High levels of lipoprotein(a) can increase the risk of heart disease.

Homocysteine levels

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced in the body. High levels of homocysteine can increase the risk of heart disease.

CRP levels

CRP is a protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation. High levels of CRP can indicate inflammation and an increased risk of heart disease.