Blood Work

What is blood work?

Blood work is a type of laboratory testing. It involves your Healthy Horizons Clinic provider drawing one (or multiple) samples of blood and sending them to a medical lab for analysis. 

Getting blood tests at regular intervals is one of the easiest ways to monitor your health over time. Certain conditions, like high cholesterol and diabetes, present few obvious symptoms. Blood work can detect them in the early stages of development when they respond best to treatment.

How often should someone receive blood work?

Healthy Horizons Clinic recommends that everyone receives blood work at least once a year. They might recommend more frequent testing if you’re experiencing unusual or persistent symptoms, or you want to reduce your risk of a chronic condition like diabetes or high cholesterol. 

What tests does blood work involve?

At Healthy Horizons Clinic, blood work involves several tests, including:

Complete blood count (CBC)

A complete blood count analyzes the number of solids in your blood, including platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells. This type of blood work evaluates your general health and makes it easy to diagnose potentially serious issues like anemia or infection.

Metabolic panel

A metabolic panel measures specific substances in your blood, including your blood glucose (sugar), your electrolyte levels, and your kidney and liver function. Abnormal results can indicate an underlying medical condition like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Cholesterol test

A cholesterol test measures the lipids or fats in your blood. Everyone needs some lipids to survive, but too many can clog your arteries, increasing the risk of a heart attack or a stroke. If you have high cholesterol, your provider can recommend healthy lifestyle changes or medication to keep your numbers in check.

Nutrient tests

A nutrient test analyzes the vitamins and minerals in your blood. If you’re low in vitamin B or iron, your provider can make recommendations to restore your body to balance. 

How do I prepare for blood work?

Before getting blood work, your Healthy Horizons Clinic provider might ask you to fast for 8-12 hours in advance. Fasting ensures the results of your test are accurate and not influenced by the foods or beverages you consumed the night before.

To learn more about the benefits of blood work, make an appointment at Healthy Horizons Clinic by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.