$Unique_ID{BRK00609}
$Pretitle{Special Procedures and Laboratory Tests}
$Title{Answers About the Value of Blood Tests}
$Subject{tests laboratory}
$Volume{P}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Answers About the Value of Blood Tests


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QUESTION:  I know that blood test form an important tool for doctors to use to
help make diagnoses.  Still it is hard to understand why at each visit, there
are either new tests to take, or old tests to repeat.  With each test costing
more than I make in an hour, I need some answers about their value.  Please
explain.

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ANSWER:  There are several good reasons for a doctor to take blood samples for
testing, even when they seem to come too frequently and too often.  In the
initial stages of evaluation, when the diagnosis is still uncertain, it may
take several tests before one shows any evidence of a disease.  When results
are normal, a test is classified as "negative", and while negatives are signs
that little is wrong, they don't help too much in establishing just what is
wrong.  There are many diagnostic blood tests available today, and it would be
foolish to test for everything at once, so most physicians proceed in a manner
that will provide the quickest answers at the least cost to the patient.  They
test first for the most probable cause, and then proceed to less disease than
can provoke the symptoms and complaints you presented when you arrived at the
office.  Once the diagnosis is obtained, treatment is started, and the effects
of the treatment can be followed by testing the blood regularly.  The first
abnormal results (they are called "positive") soon begin to return to normal.
as the treatment takes effect.  This is particularly important in diseases
such as diabetes, anemia and kidney ailments.  I don't know the reason for
each test in your case, but it is most important that you find out the purpose
for these examinations from your physician, and become well informed about
your condition, its causes and its treatment, and satisfy yourself that the
tests are truly needed.  You may then learn that your money was well spent.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
