Blood tests are a standard diagnostic tool used to check the level of certain components and chemical compounds usually found in blood. Blood can also be tested for certain toxins and antibodies to certain diseases, as well as vitamin levels. Several blood tests are often done routinely, while others have to be targeted due to the need for special equipment or the fact that each test needs a certain amount of blood.
Some common tests are:
- Glucose level - generally for diabetes mellitus and hypoglycemia.
- Uric acid - an indication of proper kidney function.
- Sodium - an important component in the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Potassium - an indication of certain diseases which are the result of frequent urination, such as diabetes insipidus.
- Bilirubin - a by-product of the destruction of red blood cells and an indicator of proper liver function.
- Hemoglobin - an indication of anemia.
- White blood cell count - an indication of infection or certain autoimmune diseases.
- Antibodies - common tests are for hepatitis and rubella.
A chart of normal values for blood tests, via Wikipedia