How Often Should You Have A Blood Sample Taken?

Although many people consider it unnecessary to have a blood sample taken because they are healthy, that is exactly the reason why they should get it. Blood tests are routinely required to detect diseases early enough to be able to treat them in a timely manner.

When your doctor requires routine blood tests, they do so to look for signs of certain diseases that are common in certain age groups. Some parts of the blood may change before symptoms manifest. It is a great benefit in terms of preventative medication and avoiding future complications.

On the other hand, if the patient is already suffering from a chronic disease,  then a routine blood test allows professionals to keep an eye on the development and effectiveness of the prescribed treatment.

As a rule, persons who are considered healthy should only have a blood sample taken once a year. However, patients with chronic diseases will need to have them taken from time to time, especially at the beginning of treatment.

What can doctors see in a blood test?

When we talk about blood tests, we are referring to biochemical tests of blood tissues. Blood is a fluid that travels in the bloodstream through veins and arteries.

Although liquid, blood consists of:

• Solid material. The solid part of blood is also known as formed elements, such as red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
• Liquid. The liquid part of the blood is plasma.

Some parts of the test focus on the solid part of blood and analyze its cells. The number of red blood cells, for example, determines how many of these cells are present in a given amount of blood. The number of white blood cells and  platelets can also be determined. 

In addition, a microscope can also look at formed blood elements. Red blood cells can be larger or smaller and have deformities or special edges that signal the presence of a disease.

On the other hand, laboratories have a wide range of parameters to measure the liquid part of the blood. They most commonly measure the plasma concentration of sugar, creatinine, urea, uric acid and lipids. Medical professionals can  also measure the concentration of ions, such as potassium, sodium and magnesium.

Through blood tests, a person can  receive information about the hormonal concentration of their body. A doctor will typically ask for studies of thyroid function to determine the number of hormones produced by the thyroid gland.

Finally, there is serology used in laboratories to  detect the presence of infectious diseases  or the presence of antibodies against these diseases.

Required blood tests for each age group

Certain  routine blood tests have been established for each stage of life. In other words, medical professionals will focus on what are the most appropriate biochemical tests for patients based on the patient’s age.

These protocols have been established globally and nationally based on the most common age groups for each disease. It is estimated that these tests provide the opportunity to detect the most common diseases that can cause death and change the quality of life.

Let’s look at why it is so important to have a blood sample taken at the various stages of life.

Blood tests between 20 and 35

Although most diseases do not manifest at this age,  annual examinations are essential to avoid future complications. Diseases that are detected early will be easier to treat.

Routine laboratory tests for this age group include complete blood count, kidney function, liver condition, blood sugar and lipid profile.

To have a blood sample taken as a pregnant woman

Women can become pregnant at their fertile age. Pregnancy is a special situation that requires specific blood tests for each trimester.

Routine check-ups during pregnancy involve complete blood counts to check for infections that may affect the fetus,  such as preeclampsia, syphilis, hepatitis B and AIDS.

Between 35 and 55

This age group  also needs to have a blood sample taken  because the likelihood of chronic disease increases when one is older than 40. Doctors indicate blood tests with imaging tests such as mammography, pathology tests such as cell scraping and invasive tests such as colonoscopy.

Doctors usually add tests to detect hormonal imbalances, especially in women going through menopause.

To have a blood sample taken when you are older than 60

The presence of diseases is much more prevalent in the elderly. Many people over 60 already suffer from chronic medical conditions, which is why  they need to have a blood test taken frequently.

Conclusion on having a blood sample taken

It is part of a healthy person’s routine to have a blood sample taken. If a person suffers from a disease, it is even more necessary to undergo biochemical examinations regularly to prevent the disease from developing.

After an examination, your doctor will know what tests you should get in relation to your age and physical condition. Keep in mind that timely analyzes can detect serious problems and avoid irreversible situations that may affect your health in the future.