The importance of blood tests
Blood tests play a central role in modern health care. They provide precise insights into our bodies and help assess health status, detect diseases early, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments.
Traditionally conducted at the doctor's office, many of these important tests are now available thanks to
Discover the key values of your blood and learn how easily you can access this vital information.
Extensive information on the topic of laboratory values is provided by the Stiftung Gesundheitswissen on their website. Comprehensive information on laboratory values can also be found on netdoktor.de..
Categorization of the most important blood values
Blood count
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Contains information about red and white blood cells as well as platelets. It is fundamental for the diagnosis of anemia, infections, and many other diseases.
Hemoglobin (Hb): Indicates oxygen transport in the blood and is crucial for the diagnosis of anemia.
Blood sugar levels
Glucose: A central value for the diagnosis of diabetes. A fasting blood sugar test shows your current glucose level, while the long-term blood sugar (HbA1c) provides information about the average blood sugar level of the past weeks.
Lipid profile
Cholesterol: Total cholesterol, LDL ("bad" cholesterol), HDL ("good" cholesterol), and triglycerides are crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk. Also,
Liver values
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): Important enzymes that help in diagnosing liver diseases. A liver check to test the key values can be conducted with
Bilirubin: Another indicator of liver function and for diagnosing jaundice.
Thyroid levels
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, and T4: Important for the diagnosis of thyroid diseases. You can check this, for example, with the
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin D, B12, Iron: Essential for assessing deficiencies and for a comprehensive health evaluation. With
The path to your health data
While blood tests traditionally required a referral to the lab and a doctor's visit,
How does this help me?
The
Take your health into your own hands and use the convenient and fast way to perform important blood tests at the pharmacy or at home. Get informed, get tested, and gain valuable insights into your health status to make informed decisions for a better quality of life.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about the Most Important Blood Values
Which blood values are particularly important for my health?
Which blood values are particularly important for my health?
Among the most important blood values are liver values (ALT, AST, GGT), kidney values (creatinine, urea), blood sugar, cholesterol levels, as well as values for vitamin and mineral levels such as vitamin D and iron.
What do cholesterol levels say about my health?
What do cholesterol levels say about my health?
Cholesterol levels, particularly the ratio of LDL ("bad cholesterol") to HDL ("good cholesterol"), provide insight into your risk for cardiovascular diseases. High LDL levels can increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes.
How often should the most important blood values be checked?
How often should the most important blood values be checked?
It is recommended to have the most important blood values checked at least once a year as part of a health check. Individuals with risk factors such as overweight, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases should have their values checked more frequently.
What can I do if my blood values are not within the normal range?
What can I do if my blood values are not within the normal range?
If blood values are outside the reference range, you should discuss the results with a doctor. Often, a change in diet, more exercise, or in some cases, targeted medication treatment can help improve the values.
