UBC News

Don't Skip These Three Major Blood Tests: Advice From Doctors And Lab Techs

Episode Summary

A majority of working Americans surveyed said their work schedules were an obstacle to getting lab work done. Diagnostic testing is important for your health, but some are more important than others. Experts share which ones are absolutely necessary.

Episode Notes

Everyone knows that regular lab testing is key to early detection and treatment of disease. And yet, more than 90 percent of American workers surveyed said that work got in the way of timely bloodwork and diagnostic testing.

If a majority of people seem okay putting off testing, how important can it really be?

More important than you know. The numbers don't lie, according to the lab technicians who see them every day.

Besides work schedules, barriers like money and fear of bad results also led American workers to procrastinate everything from blood tests to colonoscopies, according to WorkLife magazine. Unfortunately, health issues that linger undetected tend to cost more and create more disastrous long-term effects.

Between 30 and 50 percent of all cancer cases could be prevented by early detection, according to data from the World Health Organization. Up to 80 percent of premature heart disease, diabetes, and strokes could be prevented through lifestyle changes if they were detected early. And those are just the big scary ones. Many conditions could be more easily managed with early detection.

Doctors want you to get all your lab tests. But if time and money are limited, here are the ones they say are vital:

A Complete Blood Count test measures your red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. It gives your doctor a snapshot of your overall health and can detect things like immune issues, infections, and anemia.

A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel checks for liver and kidney function, electrolytes, fluid levels, and fasting blood glucose. Blood glucose levels are an indicator for diabetes.' A Lipid Panel measures your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Elevated levels of these can indicate a higher risk for heart disease and stroke.

You don't live to work, you work to live. Keeping up with your health is more important than most realize until it's too late. Go to the lab at lunch. Schedule an early morning appointment. Bring the lab to you. Do whatever it takes.

Even if you're in good health, getting annual tests sets a baseline so your doctor has something to compare against down the road. Don't be part of the 94 percent. Take charge of your health. Make a plan today!

Click the link in the description to learn more. Mobile Lab Techs City: Teaneck Address: 362 Cedar Lane Website: https://www.mobilelabtechs.com/ Phone: 8662423826 Email: Win.meik@mobilelabtechs.com