Nothing better than a complete check-up to ensure good health, watch over a chronic disease or even look for organ dysfunction. Whatever the reason, this blood test must in all cases be prescribed by a doctor.
The exam only takes a few minutes and is usually done on an empty stomach in the morning so as not to bias the results. These are communicated fairly quickly, within a day or even within 1 to 2 days. Once the balance sheet is received, this is where things get complicated . What do all these terms mean? Here are the keys to see more clearly.
This is the most performed analysis in France, because it identifies the levels of three types of cells found in the blood.
Red blood cells, referred to as ” red blood cells “. They are responsible for transporting oxygen. The examination focuses on their number, their size (VGM) or the amount of hemoglobin they carry.
White blood cells or ” leukocytes ” are an essential link in the protection against viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Their number increases in case of infection or inflammatory reaction, so it is for this reason that analyzing them is very useful.
Platelets
They play an essential role in coagulation , in particular to stop bleeding. Hence the need to verify their presence and in what proportion.
Sedimentation rate
This is the speed at which red blood cells fall to the bottom of a tube. It is calculated in millimeters traveled per hour. This makes it possible to detect inflammation , without really giving more details about the pathology behind it. We must therefore remain cautious in the event of a rate higher than the norm.
Everyone has heard this phrase ” I have cholesterol “. the lipid examination makes it possible to measure the quantities of the two main types of lipids (fats) in the blood, including the famous cholesterol.
Cholesterol
It falls under the category of lipids, which is the fats found in the blood. It is mainly made by the liver but is also supplied by the diet . Its total dosage is indicated on the complete assessment, along with two others. On the one hand, LDL cholesterol, qualified as “ bad cholesterol ” because it represents a cardiovascular risk factor . Its rate must therefore be relatively low. And HDL cholesterol on the other hand, or “ good cholesterol, ” which helps eliminate “ bad ”. It is therefore well and truly necessary.
Triglycerides
Second element to be part of the lipid class. Unlike cholesterol, they are provided only through food. Present in large quantities, they increase the risk of cerebrovascular accident (stroke).
The analysis of triglycerides is coupled with that of cholesterol to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease. The whole can reveal excessive consumption of alcohol or too fatty food . A balanced diet can help reduce the number of lipids in the blood, as well as participating in sports.
Glycemia
It is the dosage of sugar in the blood . It is imperative to be fasting at the time of the analysis in order to know it. If it is low, it is called hypoglycemia. If, on the contrary, it is high, there is hyperglycemia, which may indicate diabetes . The latter is proven if the blood sugar level is greater than 1.25 g / l after two different examinations carried out on an empty stomach.
A complete blood test: for whom and when?
It all depends on your age and health. If all goes well and you are young, a blood test before your 25th birthday is enough. To be repeated around his 40th birthday. From the age of 50 on the other hand, it is recommended to do an analysis every two years . In the event of illness or pathologies, some people may also have to do it more often.
Be careful not to fall into psychosis
The results of a blood test show its own levels and “ reference values ” (usually to the right of the document). If you are outside of this range, it does not necessarily mean that you have an illness. Only the consultation of a doctor will make it possible to see truly clear , no need to be alarmed before!
