You’ve just had a blood test and your doctor has requested that you come back for a follow-up visit. You may be feeling a little uncertain about what this means, or why your doctor wants to see you. The truth is, a blood test can reveal a lot of information about your health, and your doctor needs to go over the results to determine the best course of action for you. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at why your doctor wants to see you after a blood test, and what you can expect during the visit. We’ll explore the various tests that doctors run, and the potential results that could lead to further medical attention. Finally, we’ll discuss the importance of following your doctor’s instructions and how to ensure that you get the best care possible.
Why Does My Doctor Want To See Me After Blood Test?
It’s always important to follow up with your doctor after they request a blood test, as they may have noticed something that requires further investigation. Depending on the tests they ordered, they may be looking for signs of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. For example, if your doctor requested a blood test to check your cholesterol levels, they may be concerned about your risk of heart disease or stroke and would want to discuss lifestyle changes that may help you lower your risk.
What Information Can A Blood Test Reveal?
- A blood test can tell you a lot about your overall health, including information about your blood composition, oxygen content, as well as your liver, kidney, and thyroid function. Depending on the type of test you have done, results can also indicate your cholesterol levels, vitamin, and mineral content, and even your blood sugar levels. The following are some of the most common blood tests performed by doctors. Depending on your specific situation and the results you receive, your doctor may choose to perform different tests.
- Complete blood count (CBC): With this test, your doctor can see how many red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are in your bloodstream. He or she can also determine your hemoglobin level and the amount of normal or abnormal cells present in your blood. CBC is often used to detect anemia or an infection.
- Blood sugar level: Your doctor may conduct this test if you have diabetes or suspect that you might have the condition. During this test, your doctor looks at your blood glucose level to determine what adjustments, if any, you need to make to your treatment.
- Liver and kidney function: If your doctor has reason to think that these organs may not be functioning optimally, he or she may run a test to assess their current condition.
- Thyroid function: Thyroid issues can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, and muscle weakness. If your doctor suspects a thyroid issue, he or she may order a blood test to assess the current state of your thyroid function.
Common Blood Tests And Their Results
- Complete blood count (CBC): An abnormal CBC can indicate a wide range of health issues, including anemia, infection, and inflammation. If your CBC reveals that your red blood cells are significantly lower than normal, your doctor may recommend iron supplements to replenish your iron stores.
- If your white blood cell count is abnormally low, your doctor may recommend a course of antibiotics to treat an infection. – Blood sugar level: If your blood sugar level is higher than normal, your doctor may recommend that you increase the dosage of your medication. Alternatively, if your blood sugar is lower than normal, your doctor may suggest that you increase your intake of high-fiber foods.
- Liver and kidney function: If your liver or kidney function is below normal, your doctor may recommend that you adjust your diet and/or take medications to treat your condition.
- Thyroid function: If your thyroid function is below normal, your doctor may recommend that you take thyroid supplements to treat your condition.
What Happens During The Follow-Up Visit?
- When you meet with your doctor after your blood test, he or she will go over your test results with you and discuss your health in more detail. Your doctor will also determine the best course of action for you based on your test results. (Provigil)
- If your doctor recommends that you make changes to your diet, exercise regimen, or other aspects of your life, you should follow his or her instructions closely.
- If you do not make changes, your conditions may worsen and require more serious treatment. Depending on your situation, your doctor may also recommend that you make an appointment with a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist or a nephrologist.
- If your doctor recommends that you make changes to your diet, follow his or her instructions closely. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet can go a long way toward promoting good health.
Potential Implications Of Your Blood Test Results
- Your blood test results may indicate that you have an underlying medical condition that requires further attention.
- Blood tests can also indicate that you have an infection or have been exposed to a certain type of bacteria or virus. Certain blood results can also indicate that you are pregnant or are experiencing a medical emergency.
- If your doctor notices that your test results are abnormal and that you are experiencing troubling symptoms, he or she may recommend that you see a specialist.
- Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need to see an emergency doctor to receive prompt medical care. In some circumstances, your doctor may suggest that you undergo additional testing, such as an X-ray or an ultrasound scan.
How To Prepare For Your Follow-Up Visit?
- Depending on the type of test you have done, there may not be much you can do to prepare for your follow-up visit. If your doctor has requested that you have a blood test, however, there are a few things you can do to prepare for your visit.
- First, make sure you have eaten before you visit the lab, as your blood may have to be drawn. You may also want to bring a friend or family member with you, as blood tests can be a bit uncomfortable.
- If you have a follow-up appointment with your doctor, make sure you arrive on time and prepared.
- Make sure you have a list of all the medications you take and the dosages and bring any relevant test results with you. You may also want to bring a notebook and pen to take notes during your appointment.
Things To Consider When Reviewing Your Blood Test Results
- Your blood test results show you where you are now, but they don’t predict where you will be in the future. Your lifestyle and diet choices play a big role in how quickly you will recover and how well you will bounce back from illness.
- With this in mind, you may want to keep in touch with your doctor after receiving your test results. You can do this by scheduling regular checkups or following up with your doctor after a medical emergency.
- You can also keep track of your health by scheduling regular blood tests, taking your medications as prescribed, and tracking your diet and exercise (if applicable). Your blood test results are an important indicator of your health.
- Following up with your doctor after receiving your results can help you to stay healthy, and can also help you to avoid costly and unnecessary follow-up visits.
Conclusion
Your blood test results may provide your doctor with information about your health and the condition that you are experiencing. Depending on the results of your blood test, your doctor may recommend that you make changes to your diet or see a specialist. If you have a follow-up appointment with your doctor, be prepared for the appointment and bring all of the relevant information with you.
