With the constant change in your body, especially as you age, now is the right time to be proactive and well-aware in monitoring your overall health. Aging puts one at risk for different health complications rather than leaving them undetected and untreated. Various recommended blood tests by age are available for everyone to use according to their needs. Blood testing, in most cases, aids in predetermining the many common complaints of adults. 

Blood panels may seem overused, but it is vital to gauge your overall health and status. This aids in better understanding your body's functions and determining if they are doing their work correctly for your body and daily operations.

Organ malfunctions may also be observed through common blood tests. This, together with other pre-tests, makes it a typical process for check-ups and admission. Continue reading to learn more about the routine blood tests for the elderly. 

Different recommended lab tests by age are accessible in multiple clinics around. Here at Ocana Medical, we offer standard and advanced blood tests you might need for your next health screening. The Florida Department of Public Health has granted a license to our lab. You may check our main webpage for the lists of blood tests you would want to take under our care. 

Types of Blood Tests

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) 

Complete Blood Count is a type of blood work test that gauges the number of cells in your body. This aids in assessing your overall wellness, the side effects of prescribed medication for monitoring, and the diagnosis of certain complications. 

It measures: 

• White Blood Cell Count - goes up in the presence of infection or when a person is fighting an infection 
• Red Blood Cell Count - can diagnose Anemia if red blood cell, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels are lower than normal 
• Hemoglobin - the iron-containing protein in the blood that transports oxygen across the different parts of the body
• Hematocrit - percentage by volume of red cells in your blood
• Mean corpuscular volume 
• Platelet count - typically lower or higher than usual (requires evaluation) 

CBCs can also be ordered to be differential, which means that the white blood cells (WBC) will be changed into their subtypes. 

  2. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) 

A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel can measure 14 levels for your physician to predetermine your overall health. This test for seniors can help narrow down or further diagnose different complications. It highlights the condition of your liver, kidneys, blood glucose levels, and metabolic health. 

It measures: 

• Calcium - is usually regulated by the kidneys and other hormones associated with it. Moreover, high or low levels can cause cognitive-related symptoms or an underlying health problem. The intake of certain medications may also cause altered levels.
• Total protein
• Albumin - is one of the critical proteins in the bloodstream; low levels may result in malnutrition or a problem in the liver.
• Bilirubin - some bilirubin is related to the breaking down RBCs; the presence of gallstones or blockage in the bile ducts may cause an increase.
• Alkaline phosphatase - is found all over the body, specifically in the bile ducts and the bones; a higher value may signify a problem in bone metabolism.
• AST (aspartate aminotransferase) - an elevation may indicate a problem in the liver 
• ALT (alanine aminotransferase) - same as above; increase may be caused by medication 

   3. Lipid (cholesterol) Panel

Lipid (cholesterol) Panel measures the number of fats in the blood. A cholesterol test is typically done as the patient is undergoing "fasting." Any food or drink consumption may cause inaccurate results. In addition, LDL may be falsely low. Other factors include recent infection, weight loss or gain, and medication.

It measures: 

• Total cholesterol
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, also known as the good cholesterol
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as the bad cholesterol
• Triglycerides 

The Lipid panel assesses the cardiovascular risks in most of the elderly. Higher LDL may require medication and may also be reduced by lifestyle changes.

   4. For Thyroid Function

This test is primarily for screening thyroid-related disorders or may be utilized to adjust the dosage of thyroid displacement medications. In case of complicated conditions, more thyroid tests are ordered. 

The commonly used thyroid-related tests include:

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) 
• Free thyroxine 

It is a test for:

• Thyroid problems - usually associated with older women with symptoms including fatigue and cognitive defects 
• Checking of TSH levels - any thyroid problems’ pre-consultation requirement
• TSH - in higher values, the thyroid gland is not making enough thyroid hormone; levels would show if thyroid hormone is enough or lacking in the body 
• Free T4 - to confirm a thyroid hormone problem and if the TSH levels are abnormal. 

How to Get the Most Out of Your Tests

1. Understand why a test is ordered. Blood tests will help you understand your health issues even more. These tests are conducted to detect health disorders and diseases to aid in treatment assessment. It is normal for doctors to order blood test screenings, meaning that the patient does not have any underlying symptoms. Ask your doctor questions to understand how the test work and when you can expect results back.

   2.  Let your doctor explain and review your tests. Understanding your results and how they are connected to your condition or why it is considered abnormal is essential. It is common for doctors to explain how a mild abnormality like mild anemia or mild kidney dysfunction is expected in older patients and review treatment plans with you. 

3. Request personal copies of your results. Past results may be important information for your doctors to understand your condition. Once needed, you may share them with your doctors in case you move to a new location or with a new doctor. It is also helpful to research your underlying health condition to understand it better and prepare questions to ask your doctor on your next consultation.   

Getting Yourself Tested 

Blood work tests aid in better health and may contribute to the addition of your years. These screenings will help you enjoy improving your health and overall state of life. Get yourselves tested with this  list of blood tests for seniors available at our care here in Ocana Medical. Drop by our clinic or book an appointment for these tests by contacting (813) 968-8314. You can also send us an email for concerns at info@ocanamedicalcenter.com. 

Ocana Medical, located in Tampa, FL, aims to bring you as much information as possible to keep you healthy. We’re in this together. #ocanacares