Checking your health periodically is a good habit that will allow you to detect malfunctions in the body in time. To do this, you do not need to travel for several days for examinations, it is enough just to donate blood.
In the spring, it is especially important to react to your condition. A weakened body is susceptible to infections, chronic diseases may worsen, or the first symptoms of previously hidden ailments may appear. One of the best options for initially identifying problems is laboratory diagnostics.
Leading expert of the Center for Molecular Diagnostics CMD Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor
Mandatory baseline studies
A general or clinical blood test helps detect a wide range of diseases. First of all, these are inflammatory processes, they are mentioned an increase in the level of leukocytes and a change in the leukocyte formula. Platelet count – an important indicator for the diagnosis of possible thrombotic complications or, conversely, hemorrhagic syndrome. It is possible to identify a state of latent iron deficiency when hemoglobin level in the analysis is still normal, and iron stores in the body are already decreasing.
Venous blood glucose necessary for assessing carbohydrate metabolism. It is well known that glucose is the main energy supplier for the body. In a healthy person, its level is relatively constant. If the tests show an excess of the norm, this may be a signal of a malfunction in metabolic processes, possibly even the development of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, which leads to complications in the cardiovascular system.
Thyroid hormones affect almost all systems and organs. With impaired thyroid function, it is possible to increase the level of hormone production – hyperthyroidism, or decrease – hypothyroidism. Often, diseases of the thyroid gland can be disguised as others, and only laboratory research will clarify.
For the initial examination, it is recommended to determine the level of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), T3 (free triiodothyronine) and T4 (free thyroxine). This is especially important if there are complaints of weight change, heart palpitations or arrhythmias, especially in young patients, as well as when planning pregnancy and menstrual irregularities.
Cholesterol level… If this indicator is steadily increasing, it is worth excluding the development of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cerebral circulation disorders or beginning liver pathologies. Everyone knows about “good” and “bad” cholesterol. The first is considered to be high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which ensures the elimination of excess cholesterol from the body. And low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) is “bad”, its level correlates with the risk of atherosclerosis, since it is LDL that can be included in the composition of plaques. To assess the state of lipid metabolism, it is necessary to know not only the level of cholesterol, but also its fractions, in order to draw a conclusion about the risks of developing pathology of the cardiovascular system.
How to prepare for a blood donation
In order for the test results to be informative and accurate, you need to perform a simple preparation for the research. On the eve, it is necessary to refrain from physical activity, eating fatty or fried foods, drinking alcohol. Examinations are carried out on an empty stomach; the last meal should be no later than 8 hours before donating blood. You can drink water without gas even before taking blood.
In addition, if you plan to undergo an ultrasound scan, do an X-ray or any physiotherapeutic procedures (massage, electrophoresis, etc.), then it is recommended to donate blood first, and then go for an instrumental examination and other medical and diagnostic manipulations.
For a person who has no health complaints, one preventive examination per year will be enough. In addition, women need to visit a gynecologist once a year, and after 1 years they still have to have mammography. Men are advised to consult a urologist and from the age of 39 undergo an examination to determine the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood.
Leading expert of the Center for Molecular Diagnostics CMD Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor
Determination of the level of vitamins
Residents of large cities and developed countries have a lack of vitamin D in the body. It is important for bone health as it assists in the absorption of calcium. With its lack, rickets in children, osteomalacia, osteoporosis can develop. We experience discomfort in the bones, muscle weakness, it becomes difficult to walk, and a tendency to fall may appear. Vitamin D is involved in anti-inflammatory processes, immune defense, and is essential for cell growth.
For initial diagnosis, donate blood to check the level of vitamin D. The laboratory will assess the level of 25 (OH) D. The normal level should be more than 30 ng / ml. Based on the results, select the desired drug and dose together with a qualified specialist.
Several tests for vitamins, which can still be taken if necessary
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) (Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)… The study is recommended for differential diagnosis of anemia, diagnosis of congenital forms of vitamin B12 deficiency, diagnosis of chronic inflammatory diseases, diagnosis of a condition with a vegetarian diet, stomach and intestinal problems.
Vitamin B12, active (holotranscobalamin) (Vitamin B12 (Holotranscobalamin)… Indications for research: differential diagnosis of anemia, diagnosis of intestinal diseases, atrophic gastritis, diagnosis of congenital vitamin B12 deficiency, vegetarian diet, fasting.
Folic acid, folic acid, vitamin B9, folate). Indications for research: diagnosis of anemia, monitoring the effectiveness of therapy for hypovitaminosis, planning pregnancy.