Bumrungrad Health Briefs #53: What Do the Health Screening Items Actually Mean?

Bumrungrad Health Briefs #53: What Do the Health Screening Items Actually Mean?
Regular health checkups are essential to staying ahead of potential health issues. But let's face it—reading a health screening report can feel like deciphering a secret code. What do all those terms and numbers mean? Here's a simple breakdown to help you understand your checkup results better.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test examines your blood to assess overall health. It measures components like red blood cells (carry oxygen), white blood cells (fight infections), and platelets (help with clotting). Abnormal levels can hint at conditions like anemia or infections.
Lipid Profile
This measures cholesterol levels in your blood, including "good" HDL cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol. High LDL or low HDL levels can increase the risk of heart disease. Triglycerides, another type of fat in your blood, are also checked to gauge heart health.
Blood Sugar (Glucose)
This test detects the amount of sugar in your blood, helping to identify diabetes or prediabetes. Fasting blood sugar is often measured to get an accurate reading.
Liver and Kidney Function Tests
Your liver and kidneys work tirelessly to keep your body running smoothly. Liver function tests check enzymes and proteins to assess your liver’s health. Similarly, kidney function tests evaluate how well your kidneys are filtering waste.
Urinalysis (Urine Test)
Urinalysis checks for abnormalities in your urine, like proteins, glucose, or blood, which could indicate issues such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney problems, or even diabetes.
Tumor Markers
These are substances that might indicate the presence of certain types of cancer. For example, PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is often measured for prostate cancer risk, while CA-125 can signal ovarian cancer.
Chest X-ray and ECG
A chest X-ray provides a glimpse of your lungs and heart, while an ECG (electrocardiogram) monitors your heart's electrical activity, detecting issues like irregular rhythms, ischemic heart disease, or other structural heart diseases.
Vitamin and Mineral Levels
Deficiencies in vitamins like D or minerals like calcium can cause fatigue, weak bones, or other health problems. Identifying these early can guide necessary supplements or dietary changes.
Health screenings guide you to better health by identifying concerns. If results confuse you, consult your doctor—clarity turns routine tests into powerful steps toward improved wellness!
Provided by Bumrungrad Health Screening Center (Checkup) https://bhx.one/wXmWPk
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