Additional Blood Tests
Additional blood tests are laboratory studies prescribed after a complete blood count (CBC) when deeper diagnostics are needed. They help identify functional disorders, inflammation, autoimmune processes, metabolic disturbances, hormonal imbalances, and much more.
Main types of additional blood tests:
1. Biochemical blood analysis (BBA):
- Glucose — diagnosis of diabetes and carbohydrate metabolism disorders
- Creatinine, urea — assessment of kidney function
- ALT, AST, bilirubin — liver function tests
- Cholesterol and lipids — risk of atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease
- Proteins, electrolytes (Na, K, Ca) — water-salt and protein metabolism
2. Coagulation profile:
- Assessment of blood clotting
- Parameters: fibrinogen, prothrombin index, INR, APTT, thrombin time
- Prescribed for thrombosis risk, before surgeries, during pregnancy
3. Hormonal studies:
- Thyroid gland (TSH, T3, T4)
- Reproductive system (estradiol, testosterone, prolactin)
- Adrenal glands (cortisol, aldosterone)
4. Immunological and allergological tests:
- Antibodies to infections (TORCH complex, viruses, bacteria)
- Immunoglobulins (IgE, IgG, IgM)
- Autoantibodies (ANA, RF, anti-TPO)
5. Tumor markers:
- CEA, PSA, CA 125, CA 19-9, etc.
- Used in screening and monitoring of oncological diseases
6. Vitamins and trace elements:
- Vitamins B group, D, A, E
- Iron, ferritin, zinc, magnesium
7. Infectious markers:
- Hepatitis (HBsAg, Anti-HCV)
- HIV, syphilis, herpes and others
How to prepare for additional blood tests:
- Preferably in the morning on an empty stomach (at least 8 hours fasting)
- For hormonal tests — as prescribed by the doctor (on specific cycle days, without stress and physical exertion)
- For immunological tests — preferably healthy and not taking immunomodulators for at least a week
Important:
- Results interpretation is performed only by a physician
- Values depend on sex, age, time of day, and concomitant diseases