Why Might I Need to Have Bloodwork?

Bloodwork is a simple, non-invasive way for medical experts to test for certain conditions and diseases, track treatment progress, identify possible side effects of medications, and monitor the status of chronic diseases. 

Below, we ask our staff at iCare Health Services in Laurel, Maryland, to explain when you should consider adding bloodwork to your to-do list.

How often should you have bloodwork done?

Our staff strongly believes that even in the absence of symptoms, a yearly exam is a must for prevention and early detection, as many diseases don’t show symptoms in the early stages. 

Second, you may need to have bloodwork done more often if you suffer from any conditions, take certain medications, have certain symptoms, or have certain diseases that run in your family.

Preparing for a blood test 

Certain medications, even over-the-counter supplements, can impact blood test results. Most blood tests can be done without special preparation, even without fasting. However, it’s best to have a discussion with your provider about how to prepare for your bloodwork.

Symptoms that may indicate the need for bloodwork

In a fast-paced world, you may be quick to blame your symptoms on stress, but fatigue, difficulty losing weight, and difficulty concentrating could be caused by internal issues that blood tests can reveal. 

Chronic fatigue

If you find yourself reaching for more caffeine just to get through the day, this may be a sign of anemia or even a heart condition. A blood test can look at the number of red blood cells in your blood to see if low iron is responsible for your symptoms. 

Unexplained weight fluctuations 

You shouldn’t ignore sudden weight loss or gain. An unexplained fluctuation in weight is the first symptom that the thyroid is creating either too few or too many thyroid hormones. 

A blood test can help experts look at the hormone levels in your blood and measure the presence of antibodies to detect any possible autoimmune issues. 

Feeling thirsty and urinating a lot 

Feeling thirsty and urinating  lot may be a sign that your kidneys are working hard to eliminate excess glucose from your body. 

Excess glucose is one of the earliest signs of prediabetes or diabetes. With a blood test, our staff can determine whether your blood glucose is elevated and provide dietary guidance and, if necessary, medications to lower your blood sugar numbers. 

Find out if you’re well 

If it’s been more than a year since your last check-up, it’s time to come in for another one. Contact us by calling or messaging to schedule an appointment and get peace of mind by catching any possible abnormalities early on.