When doctors check blood what are they looking for?

Doctors look for many things when they check blood. Some of the most common things they look for include:

* Complete blood count (CBC): This test measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood. It can help diagnose conditions such as anemia, leukemia, and infections.

* Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): This test measures how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube. It can be used to diagnose conditions such as inflammation, infection, and autoimmune diseases.

* C-reactive protein (CRP): This test measures the level of C-reactive protein in your blood. CRP is a protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation. It can be used to diagnose and monitor conditions such as infection, injury, and autoimmune diseases.

* Electrolytes: Electrolytes are minerals that help regulate the balance of fluids in your body. They can be tested to diagnose conditions such as dehydration, kidney disease, and electrolyte imbalances.

* Liver function tests: These tests measure the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood that are produced by the liver. They can be used to diagnose conditions such as liver damage, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.

* Kidney function tests: These tests measure the levels of certain substances in your blood that are filtered by the kidneys. They can be used to diagnose conditions such as kidney disease, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections.

* Thyroid function tests: These tests measure the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood. Thyroid hormones help regulate your metabolism. They can be used to diagnose conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

* Lipid panel: This test measures the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. Cholesterol and triglycerides are fats that can build up in your arteries and lead to heart disease and stroke.

* Glucose tolerance test: This test measures how your body responds to glucose (sugar). It can be used to diagnose conditions such as diabetes and prediabetes.

These are just a few of the many things that doctors can look for when they check blood. By testing your blood, doctors can diagnose a wide range of conditions and monitor your health over time.