Bloodwork

What is blood work?

Blood work or blood testing is routinely done to analyze your blood to gain insights into your health. Although blood is a liquid, it also contains solids, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Abnormal levels of any of these substances can indicate an underlying medical issue that may need treatment.

Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, has a team of trained phlebotomists. That means you can undergo blood testing during an in-office appointment without visiting a lab or another facility.

The team draws blood using strict safety standards. Specifically, your provider washes their hands, puts on sterile gloves, and disinfects the draw site with 70% isopropyl alcohol. After drawing your blood, your provider places the used needle in a puncture-resistant bin for safe disposal. 

What types of blood tests are common?

Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, provides several types of blood work. Your provider could recommend:

Complete blood count (CBC)

This test measures your white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. Often, it’s part of a routine checkup, such as a physical exam. Abnormal levels of any of these substances can indicate problems such as infection, anemia, or disease.

Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)

A CMP test measures the amounts of calcium, glucose (sugar), creatine kinase, sodium, potassium, and other substances in your blood. It provides important information about your body’s chemical balance, metabolism, and general health.

Lipid panel

This test measures the lipids or fats in your blood. Higher than average lipid levels can indicate high cholesterol, which increases the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke. 

Hormone panel

This test measures the levels of various hormones in your body, such as testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. Hormone levels fluctuate throughout your life, but severe ups and downs can cause severe side effects, such as fatigue, mood swings, and general malaise.

Thyroid panel

This test measures the thyroid hormones in your blood, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4). Abnormal levels help your provider identify thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test

This test analyzes your average blood sugar levels over the last few months. An abnormally high reading may indicate diabetes, a group of chronic diseases that affect how your body uses insulin. 

What can I expect from blood work?

Blood work is a quick procedure that typically takes less than 30 minutes.

When you arrive at the office, one of the phlebotomists cleans your inner arm with an alcohol wipe and uses a clean needle to draw several vials of blood. Then, they remove the needle and place a bandage over the draw site.

After your blood is collected, it's analyzed in a lab. Most results are ready within 24-48 hours, but they may take longer depending on the type of test you underwent. Dr. Terzian explains your results in detail and makes personalized treatment recommendations if he identifies a problem, such as high cholesterol or a hormone imbalance.

Call Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, today to schedule a blood work appointment, or book your visit online.