Testing blood health may be helpful if you experience symptoms or have certain risk factors, including:
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Frequent infections
• Unexplained bruising
• Poor diet
• Chronic illness
• A family history of blood disorders
Healthcare providers may include a complete blood count (CBC) as part of an annual health checkup, especially if you have symptoms, risk factors, or a condition that requires regular monitoring.
Lab test results alone do not provide the full picture of your health. Blood health testing levels should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider alongside your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors to guide safe and effective decisions.
Hemoglobin measures the oxygen-carrying protein in your blood, while hematocrit measures the proportion of blood made up of red blood cells.
Common signs of a blood health issue like anemia include weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, or irregular heartbeat. Always consult a healthcare provider if these occur.
Blood tests can show whether you have anemia and help identify its type, but your provider may order more tests to determine the exact cause.