Guide To Common Blood Tests

C-reactive Protein Test

Individuals will typically receive a C-reactive protein test when their doctor is checking for an infection or another medical condition that causes inflammation. These medical conditions include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The reason is that individuals with inflammation will have elevated levels of C-reactive protein in their blood. Doctors will order a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein test for some individuals. They use this version of the test to measure a patient’s risk of coronary artery disease. This condition, which involves narrow arteries in the heart, can result in a heart attack.

Pregnancy Blood Test

The majority of women use home pregnancy tests, which involve urinating on a stick, to find out whether or not they are pregnant. Although this can work, the most accurate test is a pregnancy blood test. When women make an appointment after a positive result on a home test, their doctor will often recommend a blood test to confirm the results. A pregnancy blood test measures the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin in a woman’s blood. This hormone is one that women secrete during pregnancy. Thus, a positive pregnancy blood test means that the woman’s human chorionic gonadotropin levels are elevated. Doctors may also order one of these tests if they suspect a high-risk pregnancy, multiple babies, or other issues. These tests are also used to detect a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and other significant complications.