Blood Tests
A blood test is a scientific analysis of your blood.
What are blood tests?
Why do I need blood tests?
What are the risks of having a blood test?
How do I prepare for a blood test?
What happens during a blood test?
What happens after a blood test?
What are blood tests?
A blood test is when a sample of your blood is taken via a needle and sent to a lab for testing.
Blood tests help diagnose diseases and monitor treatments. They can also measure some substances in your blood, including medication levels.
Why do I need blood tests?
You may have a blood test if your doctor needs more information to help find out why you may be having unusual symptoms. A blood test will help make a diagnosis.
A blood test can help your doctor to see:
- How well you lungs are working
- How well your organs are working (eg liver and kidneys)
- How well your treatment is working
- If you have an infection
- Whether you are at risk for certain lung disease
- Whether you are at risk of a blood clot.
You can read about some common blood tests for lung health below:
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Name
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What it looks at
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Used to help diagnose
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Full Blood Count (FBC)
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Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets
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Anaemia, infection, blood clotting
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Urea and electrolytes
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Levels of sodium, potassium, urea, creatinine
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Problems with your kidneys
Hydration status
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Cystic Fibrosis Tests
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CF gene mutation, sweat chloride, pancreatic elastase, immunoreactive trypsin
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Cystic fibrosis
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Alpha-1 antitrypsin
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AAT deficiency
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Lung (COPD) and liver disease
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Blood Cultures
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Bacteria, fungus
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Lung infections that have entered the blood system
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What are the risks of having a blood test?
There are few, if any, risks or side effects of having a blood test.
Some people feel a mild sting when the needle goes in. You may develop a small bruise.
How do I prepare for a blood test?
In many cases, you don’t need to do anything before your blood test.
Some blood tests require you to stop eating (fast) 8 hours before the test. If you need to fast before your blood test, your doctor will tell you.
What happens during a blood test?
During your blood test:
- You will meet with a doctor, nurse, or blood collector (phlebotomist) in a private room
- The health professional will sterilize a small patch on your arm
- A needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm
- A small amount of blood will be taken and packaged
- The needle will be removed.
You’ll need to apply gentle pressure with a cotton ball and tape where the needle was inserted (to prevent bruising or bleeding).
What happens after a blood test?
Your health professional will send your blood sample to a lab for testing. The results will be sent to your doctor (this usually takes a few days).
Your doctor will contact you to discuss the results of your blood test and book a follow-up appointment if necessary.