Can you test your blood yourself?

a finger-prick blood test — a lancet is used to prick your finger and allows you to collect a small blood sample. You can do this type of test yourself and it’s less invasive than a venous sample.

How can I check my blood type at home?

A person can identify their blood type at home using a rapid blood typing kit. Using the kit requires a person to prick a finger with a needle. The kit comes with a card that contains chemicals known as reagents. These test for the presence of the antibodies and Rh factor.

How do I examine my blood?

During venipuncture, a lab professional, known as a phlebotomist, will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out.

What are the most common blood tests?

Common Lab Tests

• Complete Blood Count. This test, also known as a CBC, is the most common blood test performed.
• Prothrombin Time.
• Basic Metabolic Panel.
• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel.
• Lipid Panel.
• Liver Panel.
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone.
• Hemoglobin A1C.

What can a routine blood test detect?

A typical routine blood test is the complete blood count, also called CBC, to count your red and white blood cells as well as measure your hemoglobin levels and other blood components. This test can uncover anemia, infection, and even cancer of the blood.

What does it mean when your hemoglobin is low?

Hemoglobin (Hb or Hgb) is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. In many cases, a low hemoglobin count is only slightly lower than normal and doesn’t affect how you feel. If it gets more severe and causes symptoms, your low hemoglobin count may indicate you have anemia.

How to check my hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is sometimes tested with a “fingerstick” test. The health professional will clean your child’s finger, then prick the tip of it with a tiny needle (or lancet) to collect the blood. In babies, blood draws are sometimes done as a “heel stick collection.”. After cleaning the area,…

Why check hemoglobin levels?

Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. If your hemoglobin levels are abnormal, it may be a sign that you have a blood disorder. What is it used for? A hemoglobin test is often used to check for anemia, a condition in which your body has fewer red blood cells than normal.