Archive for January, 2012

Should I bother with a blood test?

Sometimes a blood test can be a reliable, inexpensive way to provide answers to ongoing health concerns.  Do you feel unwell? Do you have problems with feeling unusually tired or lethargic. While blood testing does not replace a thorough medical history, physical examination and evaluation by a registered medical practitioner, a blood screening test can be a useful tool.

Health Testing Centres are one such provider of screening blood tests ranging from targeted and inexpensive tests to a full gamete of blood tests including multisystem review and cancer screening.

I do not advocate healthy asymptomatic people volunteering for broad based cancer and blood screening. However, I can acknowledge that in some situations where primary health care is unavailable or unaffordable, a blood test from such a provider can offer peace of mind and reassurance.

Some of the tests on offer include STD testing, Blood chemistry, cholesterol and triglycerides, thyroid function, prostate testing (PSA), liver function tests (LFTs), cancer screening markers, hormone and endocrine levels, glucose tolerance diabetes tests, and allergy testing.

Prior to arranging a blood test always consider the implications of the results. How will you feel if the test detects an illness that has a serious impact on your health? What am I obliged to divulge to my insurance company or future insurance company and how will that affect my healthcare in future? What will I do if a blood test is abnormal but not specific for a particular illness? Will I be able to attend a medical practitioner for reassurance or will this create unnecessary worry for me?

Blood tests range from inexpensive to over $1,000 so are not something you should embark on without serious thought. However if you feel the need to have greater control of your health care without the guidance of your primary health care provider, they may be just the answer.

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