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Hematocrit is a measure which determines the volume of red cells in whole blood. It may be indicated in several ways on lab analysis: PCV (packed cell volume) or EVF (erythrocyte volume fraction). The measurement is significant in that it can indicate several factors, including blood loss, anemia, infection, or the presence of disease. Men and women have different normal values, with women generally around 40 percent and men at 45 percent.

The anion gap is an assessment of blood test results that compares the negatively and positively charged electrolytes in a person’s blood. If the difference between the negative and positive levels is high or low compared to normal levels, it can indicate a problem with the patient’s health. High levels mean the blood is too acidic. A low level, which is rarer, can indicate that the blood is too alkaline.

Most blood tests require a substantial sample of blood. A sample of several milliliters or more is withdrawn from a vein using a syringe. The sample is transported to a diagnostic laboratory for the appropriate analysis.

Blood analysis is a process of procuring blood samples and testing them. This testing can help provide information on the relative health of the subject, including the blood type, quantity and quality of various components of the blood, and the health of other systems in the body. Blood analysis can be done as part of a routine medical checkup or to diagnose and monitor a health condition. These tests can aid in identifying systemic problems and infectious diseases and help physicians determine if medications are working properly.

A pregnancy test is a test used to indicate whether or not a woman is pregnant. Pregnancy tests can sample blood or urine to detect the presence of a certain type of hormone that designates a pregnancy. Urine tests that detect this hormone, called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), usually require a woman to wait at least ten days after missing a menstrual period before testing a urine sample. Blood tests can determine pregnancy slightly sooner, approximately six to eight days after fertilization, or the union of male and female reproductive cells. Home pregnancy tests allow a woman to test for hCG in her urine in her own home. These tests reveal the results through simple symbolic or language-based indicators.

A glucose tolerance test is a medical laboratory test that is done to measure the body's ability to use glucose, a simple sugar the body uses for energy. This type of test can be used to diagnose pre-diabetes and diabetes. Another form of the test is also used to diagnose gestational diabetes, which is diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Glucose tolerance tests are important because they identify different types of diabetes, which is a complex group of diseases that causes people to have high blood sugar. Over time, high blood sugar can harm blood vessels and nerves. Untreated or undertreated diabetes can be extremely dangerous and have many negative effects on the body. Although different forms of glucose tolerance tests exist, the way in which they are administered is the same: the patient consumes glucose and a medical professional tracks how the patient's body metabolizes it.

Phlebotomy is performed to acquire blood samples for microbiology, cytology, fluid analysis, or other testing. Blood collection tubes are drawn in a specific order to avoid cross-contamination of additives in tubes designed for specific tests. Collection tubes are color-coded according to the additives (if any) contained within them. An essential component of the procedure is the accurate labeling of tubes with information identifying the patient, which is often confirmed several times to ensure accuracy. Blood collection should be carried out only by a licensed phlebotomist.

DEFINITION: A condition caused by high levels of lead in the blood. This major preventable environmental health problem is found in both children and adults, but more frequently in children.

ALSO KNOWN AS: Hemogram

Cancers diagnosed: Colon (large intestine) cancer, rectal cancer, gastric (stomach) cancer