Blood-Test Breakdowns That Could Make You The Sherlock Holmes of Hematology

19. Electrolyte Panel: Balancing Your Body's Electrical System

An electrolyte panel (measuring sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate) provides crucial insights into your body's fluid balance, kidney function, and overall electrical system. These minerals are vital for nerve signals, muscle contractions, and hydration. Abnormal levels can indicate dehydration, kidney problems, heart conditions, or medication side effects. This simple blood test can be critical in emergency situations, helping doctors rapidly assess a patient's metabolic state and guide immediate interventions for conditions like severe vomiting, diarrhea, or heart arrhythmias.

20. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Test: General Tissue Damage Indicator

The Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) test measures an enzyme present in nearly all body tissues. While not specific to one organ, elevated LDH levels often indicate tissue damage or disease, as cells release LDH into the bloodstream when injured. It can be a non-specific marker for conditions ranging from heart attack and lung disease to liver damage, certain cancers, and muscle injury. Used in conjunction with other tests, LDH provides a helpful general indicator of cellular distress, prompting further investigation to identify the source of the problem.