Un análisis de sangre: las valiosas pistas que puede darle a su médico
24 de enero de 2022
Sangre. Quizás le impresione pensar en sangre, pero cada gota es vital para su salud. De hecho, una muestra pequeña puede darle a su médico mucha información. Le pedimos al Dr. Benjamin Hansen que explique qué información pueden obtener los proveedores a partir de un análisis de sangre y por qué es importante hacerse uno como parte de su control anual.
CBC, the initials, sound innocent enough, right? In fact, when your favorite TV doctor orders a CBC, or complete blood count, it’s often the first step in getting an overall picture of your health. "It primarily measures white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets," explains Hansen. Although a blood test is one test you don’t have to study for, the measurements it takes can point to a host of information.
What a Blood Test Says About Your Health
White Blood Cell Count
"The white blood cell count in your CBC helps us to determine the strength of your immune system," says Hansen. "It also helps us to determine the likelihood of infection because white blood cells fight off infection. Knowing the white blood cell count can also be helpful in patients with compromised immune systems, such as those on certain medicines or with conditions that impair immunity," he adds.
White blood cells are made in your bone marrow and are alive only one to three days. Therefore, your body is constantly making them.
Red Blood Cell Count
"The red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs throughout your body, while also carrying away waste. The hemoglobin (red blood cell protein) count is important because it helps us determine how well you're able to deliver oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body," states Hansen. If these counts are low, you may have trouble breathing or experience fatigue. Los glóbulos rojos también se generan en la médula ósea, pero tienen una vida útil prolongada, en general de entre 100 y 120 días.
Why Get a Blood Test?
Although the CBC is just one type of blood test, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) there are a number of blood tests available that can help check for diseases and conditions such as:
- Cardiopatía
- Cancer
- Anemia (low iron)
- Diabetes
- Colesterol alto
- Alcohol or Drug use disorder
- HIV/AIDS
Additionally some tests show how well your kidneys, liver, heart and other organs are working. If you are taking a medication, a blood test can also let your provider know if it is helping you.
What to Expect From a CBC Blood Test
When you are not feeling well, it may take some detective work to figure out what is wrong and sometimes a CBC can be helpful. With this in mind, a lab order from your provider is needed to order a CBC blood test.
Algunos análisis de sangre requieren que no ingiera alimentos (que haga ayuno) entre ocho y 12 horas antes de la extracción de sangre. Your provider will let you know the type of blood test(s) they are ordering for you. Usually it's important to drink plenty of water before your blood test, to make it easier to locate your veins. Generally a small sample of blood is taken from your arm vein and then sent to a lab for analysis.
Discussing Your Results
"A CBC can help your provider determine if there is an infection, your level of immunity, if you are anemic or if you are prone to bleeding," says Hansen.
When to Get a Blood Test
"A CBC is usually ordered for a specified purpose. If you think you might need a CBC, please call your provider. It's also important to see your provider regularly to keep an eye on your health. Many patients should see their provider at lease yearly," Hansen clarifies.