Although blood tests aren't what we would call fun activities (especially if you're not a fan of needles or blood), they are an important part of maintaining your health, providing valuable insights into how your body is functioning. These tests can also aid in the early detection of certain diseases and provide your doctor with the tools they need to help you perform at your best.
How often you need blood tests depends on several factors, including your age and health status. Your doctor can help you figure out that frequency and which tests you need. However, so that you can come prepared with background knowledge, we reached out to doctors to determine which blood tests are most important for monitoring your health.
1. Complete blood count (CBC)
The complete blood count routine test provides a snapshot of your body's blood production and immunity. The test measures a variety of components in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Dr. Soma Mandal, a board-certified internist at Summit Health in New Providence, New Jersey, says that getting a CBC test is "recommended for individuals of all ages as part of a routine health examination or when symptoms suggest a potential health issue."
Dr. Maria Knöbel, medical director of Medical Cert UK, agrees that this foundational test is appropriate for many patients. She says the test is ideal for anyone undergoing a routine health check-up. Still, she advises that you may want to get it if you're "experiencing symptoms like persistent fatigue, unexplained bruising or frequent infections."
A CBC blood test can indicate lots of things, including:
Allergies
Anemia
Certain cancers
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