What Can Doctors See When They Check Your Blood?

Blood tests reveal many different things. They can tell a doctor if you are anemic, if you are taking drugs, or if you have a particular ailment. Blood tests are an integral part of a person's health care.

Complete Blood Count

• Patient

  When the doctor orders a CBC, or complete blood count, he will be able to determine if you have anemia, infection, cancer or an immune disorder, among other things. This is a routine blood test that is commonly ordered at check-ups.

Red Blood Cells

• In the lab

  An abnormal red blood cell count will alert your physician to the possibility of anemia, dehydration, bleeding or other disorders you may have.

White Blood Cells

• White blood cells are part of your immune system. They fight off infections and disease in your body. If you have an abnormal white blood cell count, you may have an infection, a blood disorder of some kind, or you may have an immune deficiency.

Platelet Count

• Your platelet count, which determines how your blood clots, will let the doctor know if you are at risk of heart disease or stroke. You may have a bleeding disorder if your blood is too thin.

Glucose Levels

• Sugar labs

  A blood test that reveals a high level of glucose, the sugar our body uses to give us energy, may reveal that you have diabetes.