The technicians also investigate the blood’s ability to clot. If there is a break in a blood vessel wall, it is plugged by small components in the blood known as platelets, which release a chemical and start the process of clotting. A platelet count is part of the automated CBC now used universally.
Continuous Flow Analysis
Another test that requires a blood sample is run on a machine called a continuous flow analyzer. With barely half an ounce of blood, the technicians can run 12 to 20 different tests at appreciably less cost than if the various chemical tests were ordered individually. Several body functions are screened, and if a result is abnormal, it may provide a useful clue to some disorder or condition. Sometimes, the routine screening picks up an elevation of blood sugar long before any symptoms of diabetes have developed. Although no treatment is needed, the patient can be advised to alter his or her diet.
Blood Clotting Tests
In addition to the many blood tests used to help in diagnosis, there are other tests which are used to gauge the severity of a disease or the effectiveness of treatment. For instance, the victim of a heart attack has daily blood tests run to measure the level of chemicals released from damaged or dead heart cells. The more extensive the damage, the higher the proportion of chemicals in the bloodstream.
Some conditions, for instance thrombophlebitis, are treated with agents to slow down the rate of clotting. Tests are run daily while medication is given to ensure that the interference with the clotting is not too great.
Frequent drawing of blood can be tedious for the patient. But it makes everything more interesting if you ask the technician what the tests are for. The technician may welcome the chance to explain. Remember, he or she cannot tell you why a test has been ordered or talk about the result. This is the job of your physician.
