Types of Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy, the act of drawing blood for testing purposes, is performed to assess different diseases and ailments in the body. These samples are drawn to detect an ailment and its stage, and to monitor treatment. Phlebotomy is also used to analyze blood types that may be used for blood donations. There are four types of blood tests that are commonly performed during routine checkups.

Complete Blood Count

• Complete blood count tests measure abnormalities in your red and white blood cells, and abnormalities in other blood cells and blood cell fragments associated with the amount of iron and water in your body. Among other findings, CBC tests can detect common diseases such as anemia, different blood cancers, bone marrow deficiency, infections and immune deficiency issues.

Blood Chemistry

• Blood chemistry tests measure the different chemicals in your blood by testing the glucose (sugar), calcium and mineral levels in your body. Typically done on your blood's plasma, they provide insight on the health of your organs, bones, heart and other muscles. These tests can signal the onset of such ailments as dehydration, high blood pressure, liver disease and heart failure.

Blood Cardiac Enzyme

• Blood cardiac enzymes tests are performed during the course of several days to measure whether your blood contains an abnormal amount of enzymes. A high level of various enzymes are released from the heart at the onset of heart attack. These tests sometimes are the only indication that you've experienced cardiac arrest. Blood cardiac enzyme measurements also test the amount of harm to a patient from a chest injury or electrical shock.

Lipoprotein Panel

• The lipoprotein panel test is a blood test used in identifying patients at risk for heart disease. This test measures the levels of good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, and detects abnormalities in the amount of triglycerides. Elevated triglycerides lead to the clogging and blockage of your arteries, leading to heart disease.