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Blood Tests

Fasting Requirements:

* Fasting for up to 12 hours is generally required before blood tests.
* If you take multiple medications, consult your doctor about which ones should be taken the night before and follow their instructions precisely.

Common Types of Blood Tests:

* Complete blood count (CBC): Measures the composition of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
* Basic metabolic panel: Includes tests for glucose, electrolytes (calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride), and kidney function (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen).
* Coagulation factors: Assesses the ability of blood to clot.
* Autoimmune and immune-system tests: Detect antibodies or other markers associated with autoimmune diseases.

Interpreting Results:

* Blood test results may vary based on factors such as diet, age, ethnicity, gender, menstrual cycle, exercise, medication use, and other non-disease-related reasons.
* Discuss any abnormal results with your healthcare provider.
* A single blood test is rarely used to diagnose or treat a condition, but it can provide insights into your general health and potential issues that may require further investigation.

Importance of Blood Tests:

* Blood tests are valuable tools for assessing an individual's health status.
* By identifying potential problems early on, they can facilitate timely lifestyle changes or treatments to improve health outcomes.