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What Can I Expect If I Decide To Have A Blood Lipids Test Done?
If you do decide to have a blood lipids test your doctor will likely suggest either a low density lipoprotein test, a high density lipoprotein test, a high cholesterol and triglyceride test, or a total cholesterol test. Each one of these tests has its advantages with all requiring a blood sample. What you may be asked to do before the blood lipids test is performed There may be a number of things you are asked to do prior to making your way over to the clinic for the actual blood lipids test. Let’s look at a few of these. Provide you doctor with a list of any medications or supplements you may be taking including those that may decrease blood lipid levels such as ascorbic acid, fish oil, clofibrate, fenofibrate, prescription strength niacin, gemfibrozil, and statins medications such as Lipitor. He may also want to know about any medications you may be taking which may increase the levels of fat in the blood such as beta blockers, cholestyramine, estrogen, birth control pills, protease inhibitors, retinoids, and certain psychiatric support drugs. And lastly he will likely insist that no food should be consumed at least eight hours prior to testing. Following these the guidelines laid down by your doctor will ensure that the test results are accurate, thus providing no false or misleading readings. The actual test For some a blood lipids test to measure levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins, and very low density proteins is a breeze with little or no pain. Others will find these tests to be moderately uncomfortable, especially if the technician has trouble finding a vein. The blood is generally drawn from the inside of the elbow or back of the hand. If you do have small or hard to find veins be sure and tell the technician. There are special needles and procedures designed to make the whole process much easier. Once the site has been determined and the needle chosen an antibacterial germ killing liquid will be used to sterilize the site. Once sterilized the needle will be skillfully inserted (hopefully) and about 20 milliliters of blood will be drawn. Pressure will then be applied and a Band-Aid placed over the puncture mark. It takes just a matter of seconds to draw the blood but it might seem like forever when you combine the fasting time, the time it took to drive to the clinic, the time you spent in the waiting area, and the time it takes to drive home or back to work. Nevertheless, the time and money is well spent providing you and your doctor with a roadmap for cardiovascular health. Additionally, when children are involved a skin puncture or prick using a lancet may be preferable to the needle. The problem here is that often times enough blood cannot be acquired to provide a complete blood lipid profile. This is particularly true with simple at home finger stick tests found in cholesterol home testing kits. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com R.D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate of natural health and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field.To learn more about cholesterol and blood fats along with safe and effective natural remedies for cholesterol visit lowered-cholesterol.com |
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