Blood Test information - Are routine blood tests needed?

A blood test is a laboratory analysis to determine the blood levels of minerals, fatty acids, hormones, liver and kidney function, and electrolytes. A blood sample is usually extracted from a vein in the arm using a needle, or by fingerprick. Blood tests are used to determine physiological and biochemical states such as disease, mineral content, drug effectiveness, and organ function. Although the term blood test is used, most routine tests are done on plasma or serum instead of blood cells.

Are blood tests needed to screen for heart disease?
Dr. Thomas A. Gaziano at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and colleagues report in the March 15th issue of The Lancet report that a history and physical examination alone, a protocol to screen for cardiovascular disease is as accurate as methods that require laboratory testing. Dr. Thomas A. Gaziano compared the two strategies for predicting first-time CVD events. Risk factors in the laboratory-based model were age, systolic blood pressure, smoking status, total cholesterol, reported diabetes, and treatment for hypertension. In the non blood based-based model, total cholesterol was replaced with body mass index. "Both models correctly classified more than 80% of women and 70% of men when the threshold for risk of an outcome during (5-year) follow-up was set at 10% or greater. Dr. Thomas A. Gaziano says, "Initial screening without blood testing could lead to the quick initiation of treatment without the added cost or inconvenience of laboratory testing." In poor countries, the "no blood test" approach is a good option.

Blood test questions
Q. I am a 28 yr old male and would like to get some testing of my blood. I want achieve OPTIMAL health. What specific blood tests should I have done?
   A. For someone in their 20s, routine blood tests offered by a doctor are sufficient. During one's 20s and 30s, one should focus more on eating an optimal diet and exercising along with getting deep sleep than focusing on blood tests.

Q. Is a blood test necessary to check DHEA hormone levels at age 40?
   A. Unless there are obvious clinical signs and symptoms of DHEA hormone deficiency, a blood test is not necessary.

Q. Would taking a tongkat ali supplement have an influence on blood test parameters?
   A. I doubt it.