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If you have been referred for a blood test or are looking into certain types of elective tests, you will want to know how long you need to wait in order to get your results and the clarity that can often come with them. Because of the   sheer variety of blood tests  available, as well as a range of other factors that can delay collecting samples, booking appointments and scheduling time in laboratories and with blood testing machines, the turnaround time can vary considerably. This is particularly true with blood tests on the NHS, where priority scheduling and low capacity relative to demand can lead to weeks or sometimes months of delays. The good news is that by booking a blood test at our laboratory, you will skip many of the issues that can cause delays, and in some cases, you can have your results back in as little as an hour. However, there are a lot of factors that can lead to such variations in testing timescales, and here are some of the most common reasons why a test may take more or less time. Rarity Of Test The more common and requested a blood test is, the faster it can be processed due to greater access to the machinery and laboratories required. The   full blood count (FBC) , which is a relatively general test to check for a wide variety of conditions, is a starting point before booking more specific tests and acts as an overview of overall health. It can sometimes be completed from pinprick to results in less than three hours. By contrast, a rarer bespoke test, such as those that test for rarer forms of cancer, can take longer because they require specific testing equipment and specialists to check for particular biomarkers that indicate a tumour. Complexity Of Test Some tests can be completed fairly quickly, such as lipid panel tests for cholesterol,   tests of thyroid function  and blood tests for diabetes. By contrast,   blood culture tests , which are typically used to diagnose fungal and bacterial infections, can take up to seven days due to the length of time it can take to cultivate a culture large enough to detect. Other tests, particularly those involving genetic testing or DNA, can take considerably longer to complete. Access To Laboratory Equipment One of the reasons why we can offer same-day blood testing is that we have a well-equipped on-site laboratory, which means we can take a blood sample and process it right away to provide results quickly. Typically, having blood taken in the same facility as the equipment will lead to faster results, as home testing kits will typically take between 24 and 48 hours to travel via post to the laboratory. If the results are to be set via post, this can add additional time to the wait. This can also be the case for blood tests requested by a GP at a clinic which does not have nearby testing equipment, as they will need to take a sample that will be sent to a clin

Whilst there is no single type of test that can diagnose every disease, specialist blood tests  can get very close. Because blood flows throughout the body, carrying oxygen, nutrients, hormones, carbon dioxide and other waste wherever it needs to go,   blood tests  can reveal a lot about our overall health and whether some of the symptoms we feel are related to a particular condition. However, as with any test, interpretation is essential, particularly whilst waiting for the result of other tests or without a determining signifier of a condition. This is particularly true when a pharmacy or doctor reports an “abnormal” result. Whilst the word is often used interchangeably with “positive”, the two concepts are not synonymous, and there are several cases where an abnormal test is not something to worry about. Here is what an abnormal test means, what it does not automatically mean and what happens next. What Is An Abnormal Test Result? At its most reductive, an abnormal test result is simply one that produces a result that is out of the typical reference range for a particular   biomarker , nutrient level or overall blood count. Because the composition of blood is very complex and the body is exceptionally good at self-regulating, a blood test will first look for and automatically flag abnormal test results that do not fit within the narrow range of normal results. An abnormal result typically means that there is a finding that is worthy of focus or investigation, such as a higher level of a nutrient than would be expected, but the presence of an abnormality is not sufficient by itself to confirm a positive test. What Is The Difference Between Abnormal And Positive?  There are instances where the terms are used interchangeably, much like how “normal” and “negative” are similarly interconnected. However, whilst all positive tests are abnormal, not all abnormal tests are positive. A positive test is a test that confirms a diagnosis, often in connection with an examination, medical scans and the use of other tests such as   biopsies . An abnormal test, on the other hand, highlights when a result is out of the typical range for that particular marker, but it is possible for a test to be abnormal but not positive. In either case, depending on how far outside of the normal range the test is, there may be a recommendation to do further tests, particularly if the result aligns with other symptoms. What Can Cause An Abnormal Test Besides A Condition? The more unusual a blood test result, the more that can be gleaned from it, but blood tests require context to interpret, particularly given that several tests can provide wildly varying results depending on hydration, when you last ate, exercise or taking certain supplements. A single abnormal test may not be illustrative of any medical condition without further context, and some people will naturally have certain nutrient or hormone levels that are higher or lower than the general population. Even the time of day or level of stress can affect the levels of certain biomarkers, and all of these elements will need to be factored into the interpretation of test results. Ultimately, an abnormal test is worth examining further, but if the result is not too far out of the typical range for the test, you have no other connecting symptoms, and your clinical history does not suggest a potential issue, it may not necessarily signify a condition.

Biomarkers in the blood are often used to check for particular risk factors for disease, check the effects of prescription medication, determine the cause of problematic symptoms, determine if traces of certain drugs are in your system and provide a general overview of your health. Because of just how important blood is for a wide range of different processes, phlebotomy pharmacies  can run tests to check for almost anything with a blood biomarker. Alongside the   standard battery of tests , blood testing labs can often check for specific biomarkers on request and provide some advice on what to expect. Using a   blood test  is quick, straightforward, relatively pain-free outside of the slight scratch of a needle and in typical circumstances, is very accurate. However, you may be advised to drink water before the test, avoid taking certain medications and avoid consuming certain foods and drinks as they can potentially affect the results. Here are some common examples of foods to avoid when having certain tests and how they can affect blood test results. All Food Some blood tests require a period of fasting or ‘ nil by mouth ’, where you should avoid eating or drinking anything besides water for a few hours before taking the test. This amount of time can vary, but it can range from eight to 12 hours.  If this is the case, you will be advised before you are expected to take them, but a   fasting blood sugar  test for diabetes, a gamma-glutamyl transferase test for liver function, several cholesterol tests, electrolyte balance and (in some cases) iron level tests may require some degree of fasting. High-Fat Foods You do not always need to fast before a   lipid profile test , but you will still be asked to avoid foods rich in saturated fat in order to avoid improper and artificially high readings. Foods high in fat, which include not only typical offenders like fast food and processed meats, but also dairy sources such as milk, cheese and yoghurt, can spike   triglyceride  levels.  This can lead to concerning, abnormal results that will tend to require a retest in order to rule out a more significant diagnosis. High Sugar Foods And Drinks Blood sugar levels tend to fluctuate throughout the day as a result of consuming foods and drinks high in sugar or refined carbohydrates. These can spike blood glucose levels and produce false readings. This is often why, to play it safe, doctors will typically request that you fast for several hours before taking a blood sugar test. Caffeine By itself, sources of caffeine, such as coffee, do not alter the results of blood tests. However, they act as a   diuretic , which can cause dehydration. This can, in turn, concentrate the blood and cause elevated biomarker levels that may provide false positives for certain diseases. Similarly, caffeine can increase blood pressure and potentially increase cortisol levels and certain other tests of blood hormones.  Because caffeine can linger in the system for longer than other foodstuffs, you may be advised to avoid drinking coffee for at least 24 hours before major blood tests.

From testing for sexually transmitted diseases to finding potential early markers for disease or even checking for the use or misuse of certain types of drugs, a series of blood tests  undertaken at a specialist pharmacy can provide a complete picture of a person’s health, both now and in the future. There are a lot of reasons why you may need   blood tests , but it is increasingly common for blood tests to be done to check for early signs of a disease, if there is a potential predisposition which means it is more or less likely that someone will need treatment in the future. A general rule of medicine is that prevention is better than cure, and early interventions tend to be less intrusive, more effective and allow more avenues for treatment. This is particularly true with   Alzheimer’s disease , the most common cause of dementia which very slowly progresses over time. Early intervention is both very important and very difficult because it is easy to mistake some early symptoms as simply a byproduct of age. However, findings from a study undertaken by the University of Turku in Finland suggest that a routine blood test could help identify people with dementia decades before they experience symptoms. Dementia In The Blood Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses very slowly, which means that a lot of the early signs and stages of dementia are still being researched and studied. A research paper   published in The Lancet  aimed to explore the biomarkers related to Alzheimer’s and see how early they demonstrably emerge. Using data from the   Young Finns Study , a huge multigenerational study that explores potential heart disease risks that develop from childhood to adulthood, the study found that beta-amyloid biomarkers that are associated with dementia could be found in blood samples using newly developed tests and equipment. They also confirmed a few theories about potential risk factors for Alzheimer’s, finding that age, certain genetic factors and kidney disease are linked to higher levels of biomarkers in the blood. Could This Change Dementia Treatments? The promise of a blood test for dementia is a major hope for doctors and researchers, because it allows for an easy, routine test to be carried out that can help doctors slow down, minimise and manage symptoms before they start to appear. As is seen with other routine screening tests such as   smear tests , a simple, quick, low-cost test can help target treatments, ensure that any risk is managed as quickly as possible and potentially avoid the degenerative effects of dementia from affecting someone’s quality of life. Alzheimer’s is typically confirmed following symptoms using samples of cerebral fluid or complex imaging studies. Both of these are expensive, time-consuming and involved, meaning that they are typically only undertaken if there is a strong belief that someone has dementia. The researchers have pointed out, as a caveat, that more research needs to be undertaken to establish standard reference points for diagnosing Alzheimer’s with any degree of reliability. However, if that happens, it could become the case that Alzheimer’s is treated earlier and with a focus on prevention only made possible through blood tests.

Looking after our skin, no matter how old we are, is hugely important. As the biggest organ of the body, if there’s something wrong with it, it can have a huge impact on our mental health, confidence and self-esteem. The good news, however, is that there’s a lot we can do to ensure that our skin looks beautiful as we age, with strategic use of skincare products  (featuring ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, peptides, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, retinols and so on) helping us to retain our youthful glow and healthy, supple skin. The other good news, of course, is that we’re blessed with access to lots of innovative skincare treatments and cosmetic procedures that can help support us over the years - and anti-wrinkle injections  are one of the most popular skin rejuvenation options for men and women alike. If you’ve never had this kind of treatment before, it’s natural to feel a little anxious about what to expect. To help put your mind at ease, here’s a more complete breakdown of the service and what it entails. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the Epicare Health team. Initial consultation Before anything happens, a full consultation with a medical professional will take place so they can assess your skin and so you can ask any questions to help you decide if this is the right course of action for you. Asking to see before and after pictures can help you see the benefits of the treatment. Before the treatment You don’t need to do anything to prepare for the procedure, as it’s quick and minimally invasive. You will need to remove your makeup prior to the treatment, but your clinician will provide you with the facilities to achieve this. Your clinician will look closely at your skin and ask you to scrunch up certain parts of your face to determine the best places for the treatment. A vein finder will also be used to help them make more informed decisions regarding needle placement. During the treatment Keep as still as you can as the injectables are administered to reduce the risk of bruising and swelling. Your clinician will work as efficiently as possible until all the required areas have been treated. You can use numbing cream on your skin if you’re particularly concerned about the pain and it’s possible that your clinician will also provide you with a handheld vibrating tool that can also help numb the effects. Once the injections have been carried out, you may be provided with small ice packs to apply to any areas that are sore. After the treatment Because these injectables are minimally invasive, there’s no associated downtime with the treatment and you should be able to go about your daily activities immediately. You may experience a bit of redness and swelling at the injection sites but this should resolve itself within a day or two. Avoid lying flat or face down for 24 hours after the treatment to allow the injectables to settle and do not wear makeup for at least six hours to reduce the risk of infection.

Before travelling overseas, you should always check whether there are any vaccinations you need. In many cases, the answer is no, especially when travelling to places like Europe, the US or Australia with advanced sanitation and health systems. In other cases, however, you should use our travel health services  to get prepared with whatever jabs you need, as well as other medication and advice on prevention for dealing with things you can’t be vaccinated against but may need protection from, like malaria. Common vaccinations include yellow fever, which you need to be vaccinated against (and have the certificate to prove it) before visiting many countries in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Jabs for tetanus and different forms of hepatitis are also important in many countries. Rabies Tragedy Highlights Risk However, one virus that has made the news recently might pose a lot of questions: Rabies. Once caught by humans, the virus is almost always fatal and this proved to be the case in the   instance of Yvonne Davies , a 59-year-old grandmother from Barnsley, who was infected after being scratched by a puppy while on holiday in Morocco in February. Rabies can have a lengthy incubation period and Ms Davies had no symptoms until the start of June, when she fell seriously ill, suffering severe headaches and swiftly losing her capacity to walk, talk, sleep or swallow. Details of the case were revealed by her family following her death in hospital. What makes rabies so deadly is the fact that there is no cure once symptoms appear. With the victim having decided the minor scratch was of no consequence, she took no action. This may raise the question for travellers about what they should do when visiting at-risk countries. Medical Options For Rabies There are two possible medical responses. One is to be vaccinated beforehand, while the other is to respond immediately to any possible infection due to a scratch, bite or lick of an open wound with a   series of injections and cleansing the wound . If this treatment is given swiftly, you will be safe. In most cases, this is the recommended course of action to take, rather than being vaccinated beforehand, as infections are, mercifully, quite rare. While vaccination is   not recommended for most people , there are a few people for whom it is. Primarily, it is for those who are likely to be in close contact with potentially infected animals, which usually means those travelling to do professional work, such as vets or zoologists. You may also get vaccinated if you are going to be in a high-risk country for more than three months, or are going to be in a location where it may be difficult to access prompt treatment after being infected. Rabies Risks By Country The level of risk by country   has been listed  by the UK Health Security Agency, which classifies some places as ‘no risk’, except for a possible risk from bats. Around 150 countries, including Morocco, are high risk. This list even includes some eastern European countries like Poland, Romania and Serbia. Another crucial point to note is that rabies is   almost always caught from dogs , usually from bites, as these will penetrate the skin and transmit the virus via saliva. The virus cannot pass through unbroken skin. Tourists visiting areas at risk should be aware of them before they go and be ready to act quickly if bitten or scratched by any creature they suspect may have the virus, especially if it is a dog. Your travel insurance should cover the costs of getting treatment and also ensure you are given it promptly.

Adopting a preventative approach to healthcare is perhaps advisable as it means that you can give yourself greater peace of mind, clear up any worries you might have and ensure that you catch anything early on before it becomes more problematic. As the saying goes, “if you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything” - and it’s very easy to take it for granted. But when something goes wrong all of a sudden, it can have a devastating impact on us, as well as our friends and family… but you can keep on top of everything by having regular MOT health checks, much like you would with your car! Health screens are simply routine checkups that give you a good idea of what your general health is like, while giving you more information about your risks of developing certain conditions, such as high blood pressure . Also known as hypertension, this condition doesn’t usually manifest with any symptoms and you can have it for years without even knowing about it, while it quietly does untold damage to your blood vessels, heart and kidneys in the background.  But regular health checks will help you keep on top of it and allow you to make any necessary changes if your situation evolves. What happens at a health check? Health screenings can happen in various ways and it’s up to you to decide the most appropriate route for you. You could, for example, book an in-person consultation with a medical professional so you can talk through any concerns you have and seek reassurance that way.  Here at Epicare Health , we offer a range of face-to-face options, including the Basic Screen, the Standard Health Profile, the Standard Screen Plus and the Advance Health Profile. The Lifestyle Screen, meanwhile, assesses important chemical levels and key nutritional markers to help build up a better overall picture of your general health and wellbeing. Included in the test is a full blood count, kidney health, heart health, liver health, diabetes, bone health, iron status and so on, as well as assessing levels of folic acid , vitamin B12  and vitamin D. As well as the tests themselves, you’ll be asked a series of questions about your medical history and your lifestyle. Your blood pressure and weight will also be measured. We also have a range of individual blood tests available so you can easily pick and choose your services if you’re concerned about a specific health condition.  We have extensive screening provisions, including for hepatitis, bone health, cancer markers, cholesterol, diabetes, iron, liver function, lyme disease and many more. How often should I get a health screen? The regularity of health checks is largely down to you. The NHS offers five-year checks for people aged between 40 and 74, but you can pay for your own tests if you have any concerns that you’d like to have checked out. For peace of mind, it can be beneficial to have annual check-ups as, even if it feels like there’s nothing wrong physically, there may be something happening behind the scenes that just hasn’t presented with any symptoms as yet. Prevention is always better than cure, so if you’d like to have a health MOT, book in with the Epicare Health team today.

There are many skin rejuvenation treatments available to address a wide range of different skin concerns, everything from Prohilo skin boosters and platelet-rich plasma to chemical peels and DNA polynucleotides… all of which have been specifically designed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, refresh your complexion and improve the texture of your skin. However, one of the most popular procedures these days is microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, which aims to trigger new collagen production for a healthy youthful glow. If you’re unsure about what the procedure involves and whether it’s right for you, here are some of the more frequently asked questions about microneedling that we get here at Epicare Health.  As ever, if you’d like to find out more about this cosmetic treatment or, indeed, any of the others that we have available, get in touch with the team today to book a consultation. 1. What is microneedling? A minimally invasive procedure, microneedling uses thin needles to make holes in the top layer of the skin to stimulate the healing process and encourage your body to produce more elastin and collagen, two types of protein that keep the skin firm, supple and smooth. 2. What skin problems can microneedling treat? Microneedling can be effective at treating a wide range of different skin complaints, including enlarged pores, loose or crepey skin, acne scars, uneven skin tone, stretch marks and fine lines/wrinkles.  3. What happens during a microneedling session? Your clinician will carry out a full consultation with you before your treatment session to make sure that your skin is healthy and to discuss your goals and expectations of the procedure. During the session itself, your skin will be cleansed and a numbing cream applied before your clinician uses a handheld roller with tiny needles attached to it to make tiny wounds in the skin by rolling it slowly and gently across the intended area. Depending on the size of the area being treated, the session can last anything between 15 minutes to a few hours. 4. Does microneedling hurt? Microneedling shouldn’t be painful, but you may experience some discomfort depending on your pain tolerance, the sensitivity of your skin and how deep the needles go in. Typically, people report the sensation as being a vibrating or mile prickling experience. 5. When will you see microneedling results? Typically, microneedling results start to become visible within two to four weeks of treatment. As time goes on, the results will become more apparent, as collagen and elastin production increases. 6. How long do microneedling results last? The benefits of microneedling can be seen for up to two years, but this will largely depend on the initial condition of your skin, how old you are, what part of the body is being treated and how rigorously you adhere to post-treatment care, including following a robust skincare routine, using SPF and avoiding anything known skin irritants.

There are countless reasons why a blood test   may be needed, and we provide a specialised, personalised service to ensure that you can not only be provided with standard tests but can request custom tests for certain situations and conditions. There are   hundreds of different blood tests available  in part because the blood contains a lot of different cells, antibodies and biological markers that can be measured through a battery of processes to test anything from general health to natural immunity to a disease. Whilst some blood tests are done using spot cards, particularly when   screening newborn babies for rare diseases , many involve drawing blood from the inside of the elbow or the wrist. One of the most common questions that a healthcare professional undertaking a blood test will receive is how much blood will be taken during a blood test. Whilst the answer can vary slightly depending on the tests that need to be done, the important point is that it is enough to undertake any necessary tests but not so much that it will cause any significant side effects. How Much Blood Is Taken Per Test? It is difficult to say exactly how much blood will be taken during a blood test, as it can vary depending on how many tests are being done at the same time and thus how many samples need to be collected. For example, a general   full blood count (FBC)  test needs just 1 ml of blood to do, but this is often undertaken with a common inflammation test known as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which would require 2.5 ml to do. Chemical tests usually require 2.5 ml as well, and other types of tests can require up to 10 ml of blood, so if you have a range of tests at the same time, you may have up to 30 ml of blood taken out, or slightly more than a shot glass. It is typically unusual to take that much, however, as most samples can be used for multiple tests, not all of them need to be filled entirely and if a lot of tests need to be done, they will often be arranged to take place over multiple appointments. Are There Any Side Effects Of Having Blood Tests? Unlike donating blood,   where up to 470 ml  of blood is taken, even a collection of tests is unlikely to have any side effects outside of slight bruising, swelling or sensitivity around the place where blood was taken. The   blood production system  in your bone marrow is very efficient at producing new blood cells, and much of the volume of blood that is taken for testing purposes will be quickly replenished. However, if you do feel dizzy, faint or lightheaded, let the healthcare professional who took the test know immediately. As well as this, let them know before the test if you are uncomfortable with needles, as they will do their utmost to help you feel relaxed and comfortable whilst drawing blood.

Over the past year since its approval for use by the NHS, weight management medications  such as semaglutide have helped a lot of people on their journey towards greater long-term health, improved fitness and the confidence and quality of life benefits that come alongside it. With a choice of   Wegovy , Saxenda and Mounjaro available for doctors to prescribe, there are several options for people who qualify under the prescribing criteria and can be provided with everything they need to give themselves the best chance of success in their long-term health goals. However, injectable medications work best when they are paired with changes in your lifestyle, and with that in mind, here are some top tips for maximising the benefits of weight loss medications like Wegovy. Exercise Is Essential For More Than Calorie Burning Whilst physical activity is a crucial part of   any treatment  due to the effects of cardiovascular exercise on burning calories and losing weight, it is an essential part of managing one of the effects of any significant weight loss intervention. Losing muscle mass   is a part of any weight loss routine , and building it back up through strength training will not only help you to maintain your routine but will also boost your metabolism, maximise the benefits of the medication and help keep the weight off in the long term. Get A Good Night’s Sleep It is not just about what you do but ensuring you give yourself as much time as you can to rest, relax and recuperate; the body needs sleep to effectively manage blood sugar levels, and one study found that people who were sleep-deprived tended to   lose more muscle  than fat. Disrupted sleep can also lead to increased hunger, and in the long term can undermine the effects of medications designed to reduce your appetite and help you feel fuller for longer. Whilst not everyone needs a   full eight hours of sleep , if you notice you do not sleep very well on a regular basis or struggle to concentrate during the day, try to create a relaxing, calming environment before you go to bed. Reduce Stress As Much As Possible Whilst   stress  is a part of life sometimes, chronic stress can not only affect our mental health but can also have an effect on how well your weight loss routine will work. Part of the reason for this is that stress affects sleep, but it also releases the hormone   cortisol , which alongside regulating alertness and “fight or flight” reactions also affects how fat accumulates around the abdomen. This, alongside the risk of emotional eating, makes stress a particularly major concern if you are dealing with a lot of it. Whilst not all sources of stress can be removed from your life and exercise can help with stress relief, try to find stress management techniques that work for you, or consider professional mental health support if you are struggling. Eat A Nutrient-Rich Diet The best diets when on Wegovy are low-calorie but nutrient-dense, relying on whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein sources such as fish, eggs, beans and low-fat dairy products. As with muscle mass loss once the medication kicks in, it is important to ensure you are getting as much nutrients as possible, so consider soups, smoothies or multivitamins if you notice you are not eating very much.

A small sample of blood can be used to check for a wide range of health markets, as well as common markers of some diseases, DNA profiling and as part of drug testing regimes. There are a lot of blood tests we can provide at our pharmacy  and we can even set up specific custom tests based on specific biomarkers you may want to check for. Our blood can reveal a lot about us, and there is a growing number of tests  that will allow for earlier and more accurate diagnoses of diseases and conditions that will allow them to be treated sooner, as well as provide a broader picture of overall health. Whilst blood had been analysed in laboratories for as long as the microscope has been in use, the first systematic blood tests made blood transfusions significantly safer in the same way anaesthesia and antiseptics made surgery safer. The First Blood Tests The Austrian biologist Karl Landsteiner  is amongst the most important medical professionals in the modern history of medicine, contributing to two groundbreaking discoveries that helped save countless lives. He was part of a team with Erwin Popper that isolated the poliovirus , a major first step towards the development of the polio vaccine in the 1950s that has since nearly wiped out the disease entirely. As well as this, in 1901 he successfully identified that there are four separate blood groups  which react differently to various antibodies. It also allowed him to identify and determine how different blood types react to each other, and why some blood cells are destroyed whilst others are not. Reliable Blood Transfusions Blood transfusions had been attempted since the 17th century, but up until Mr Landsteiner’s discovery, doctors were not able to predict or explain why some transfusions would be effective whilst others were rejected. Whilst scientists already knew that the composition of blood was different in different people, Mr Landsteiner was able to explain why and provide early, rudimentary and regular blood testing. The first successful blood transfusion using Mr Landsteiner’s testing method was performed at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital in 1907, and soon turned transfusions into a routine procedure. He would continue his research into other blood factors, and later discover the Rhesus (Rh) system , which would be the final part of the ABO positive/negative blood typing system most commonly used today. These achievements would win Mr Landsteiner the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1930 , such were their importance to the history of modern medicine. How Can You Find Out Your Blood Type? Somewhat unusually, blood type is not a routine test offered by most GPs, so people who are interested in their blood type either need to request a test from our pharmacy  or donate blood in order to find out their blood type. If you need surgery or a blood transfusion, you will also get a blood type test to ensure that you are given blood or plasma that matches your blood type and therefore will not be rejected by your immune system.

One of the best tests of your overall health that you can have at a pharmacy is a blood test, as it can potentially test  for a huge range of conditions through a single sample of blood. Because your blood carries so many different biomarkers within it, a   blood test  is the best way to check your overall health, although it is often used to test for more specific conditions due to the inherently intrusive nature of blood tests. Types Of Blood Tests All blood tests are inherently intrusive because they require a sample of your blood, but some types of blood tests are more intrusive and extensive than others. The least intrusive is spot card tests, which are often used to test   if a newborn baby  has one of nine rare conditions. Spot card tests can also be used as part of STD tests, by using a lanced wound to check if blood spot is positive for a wide range of   sexually transmitted infections . Beyond this, blood and plasma can be collected to check for a wide range of conditions. In 2020, many people were tested to see if they had antibodies for Covid-19 before a vaccine was developed. This involved the use of a lance to induce bleeding into a test tube, which is the other common way to undertake a blood test. Why Are Blood Tests Generally Undertaken? Unless you specifically request them, most commonly as part of a STI test, blood tests are undertaken for a wide variety of reasons. A doctor or pharmacist may recommend one as part of a general physical exam, as blood tests are the best way to test for certain medical conditions or analyse overall health. Whilst many biomarkers of health can vary, there are indicators in your blood such as your   complete blood count  that can check your general health and if certain prescription medications are affecting your body. Are There Any Other Reasons Why You Need A Blood Test? Alternatively, if you have a genetic predisposition to certain health conditions, a blood test is a way to confirm this and ensure that you are prescribed the medication you may need. This is also true for known conditions where prescription treatment is based on the level of progression of the condition or any experienced symptoms. Whilst your experience will show that you need treatment, a blood test can determine the precise safe prescription. Alternatively, if you are pregnant, you may need a blood test to check your blood type and ensure that there is no risk of potential complications. You may need a blood test in advance of surgery, but it is unlikely that this would be undertaken at a pharmacy unless it was to determine if a particular course of surgery was needed. Why Else Might You Want A Blood Test? Blood tests are very popular amongst health and fitness enthusiasts, as it can reveal the precise levels of cholesterol and body fat, which can potentially be used to tweak fitness plans as and when they are necessary to improve health.