NutriHealth - Blood Test

Why fast before a blood test?

Fasting before specific blood tests is vital to help make sure that your test results are accurate.

Do you need to fast before every blood test, or is it limited to specific cases like Fasting Glucose?

When you consume food, it is going through the whole system of digestion and absorption. As a result, the state of your organs changes after your meal. There are specific tests for which accurate results requires organ state unaffected by food consumption and hence fasting is necessary before a few hours before you give your blood sample, thus ensuring the right prognosis by the doctor.

What is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol?

HDL and LDL are two types of Lipoproteins that carry cholesterol to and from the body's cells in the blood.

HDL, known as "good cholesterol" transports cholesterol to your liver from your body, and liver expels cholesterol. Thus HDL aids in removing excess cholesterol which otherwise is highly likely to choking up your arteries.

LDL, known as "bad cholesterol" because it takes cholesterol to your arteries, where it may collect in artery walls. Too much cholesterol in your arteries may lead to a buildup of plaque known as atherosclerosis. This can increase the risk of blood clots in your arteries.

Does Cholesterol and Hypertension increase in winter? Or is it just a myth?

Blood pressure generally is higher in the winter and lower in the summer because lower temperatures cause your blood vessels to narrow, thus increasing blood pressure. People tend to exercise less and consume a higher number of calories and fatty foods in the winter lead to high cholesterol during the winter.

What is the difference between Blood Sugar Random and HbA1c blood tests?

Blood sugar and Haemoglobin A1c are connected, but they are different, too. Your glucometer measures the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream when you prick your finger. The Haemoglobin A1c test measures the percentage of red blood cells with a sugar coating and gives an average of 3 months of your blood sugar levels.

Why should a PCOS patient also monitor sugar levels?

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus are linked to each other as PCOS disrupts a woman's endocrine system and increases her levels of androgen (male hormone). This causes insulin resistance and thus can elevate the blood sugar levels. Therefore it is advised that PCOS patients should monitor their sugar levels as well.

How often should one get blood tests done?

We highly recommend that you do the routine blood test every year, independent of your age and gender as it is crucial to identify any severe diseases and nutritional deficiencies early on before you become symptomatic. And people who have known deranged blood tests levels should repeat their tests every three months.

How do I choose a lab for a Blood test? Are there some certifications given to labs to understand the quality of the process?

We advise you to choose labs that are NABL Accredited. National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) is an autonomous body that is a sole accreditation body authorized by the Govt. of India that provides a third-party assessment of quality and technical competence of labs.

Blood Test results are full of medical terms, and it's so difficult to understand. Is there a cheat sheet to read the reports better?

Our iReport makes blood test reports simplified, explaining to you what each component is. If there are deranged components, our iReport will tell you the possible reasons and ways to bring your health status to normalcy.

We advise you also consult a doctor as well once you find that there is a component which is deranged.

What should I do when some of the components tested are outside the optimum bounds? Is self-treatment enough or should I talk to a medical practitioner?

You should always consult a doctor when you find your Blood test components are outside the bounds. Only a Doctor can be the judge whether you require Medication or requires lifestyle/dietary changes.

Will my Blood Test report tell me if I have some deficiencies? What should I do if I have deficiencies?

Yes, Blood Test can reveal whether you have Vitamin, Iron deficiencies and hormonal imbalances as well. In case of deficiencies, we suggest a proper diet and supplementation.

When should I stop taking Vitamin supplements? Will a Blood test report help me with that?

You should always consult a doctor before taking any nutritional supplement as it can make you over nourished. The doctor will give the supplements to you for a fixed period and ask you for a repeat investigation for that specific deficiency to know about the limits of that particular nutrient.

Other than for blood donations and for receiving blood during emergencies, where else in knowing my Blood Type useful?

Research shows that Non-O blood types have a higher risk of diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes. Moreover, when preparing Weight loss diets, it needs to be personalized according to your blood type for effective weight loss.

I have no illness and looks perfectly healthy? Should I still be taking a blood test package?

Regular blood testing is one of the most important ways to keep track of your overall physical well-being. Getting tested at routine intervals can allow you to see the way your body changes over time and empower you to make informed decisions about your health.

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