Reasons for Undergoing a Blood Test in Central California

A blood test measures and analyzes different substances in your blood. Blood tests provide helpful information for the diagnosis and management of medical conditions.

If you are faced with an unexpected medical problem and need help, Dignity Health Central California can provide the emergency services you need. Our emergency doctors and nurses can provide a blood test in Central California to learn more about your condition and offer personalized treatment. 

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Emergency Blood Tests for Diagnostic Purposes

Blood tests can tell your doctor a lot about your condition. The tests fall into the following general categories:

  • Clinical chemistry tests provide information about substances in your blood that may hint at disease or problems with an internal organ, such as your heart. These tests can help to detect heart attacks and heart failure, as well as your body’s immune responses.
  • Drug level screenings show how much of a specific drug is in your blood. They are used to identify toxicity or overdose. Your Dignity Health Central California doctor may test for acetaminophen (taken for fevers and pain), digoxin (treats atrial fibrillation), ethanol (alcohol), lithium (taken for depression), phenytoin (controls seizures), and theophylline (treats respiratory diseases and COPD).
  • Hematology tests look at components that make up your blood and how they function. These tests determine your complete blood count (CBC) and blood clotting ability.
  • Microbiology tests can reveal bacteria, fungi, or parasites in your blood, and help determine which drugs can fight the infection.
  • Blood bank tests check your blood type and screen for antibodies. Such testing determines your blood’s compatibility for transfusion.

Know What to Expect

Your care in the emergency room will often involve blood tests to help determine your condition and its severity. A doctor, nurse, or technician will take a sample of your blood. The amount of blood drawn depends on the required test, and can range from one to several tubes.

Some people experience a bit of discomfort from the needle used to draw your blood. After collecting your blood, the nurse or technician will apply pressure to the draw site to stop the bleeding. A small bandage or a cotton ball will absorb any residual blood. You may have some minor bruising where the needle punctured your skin.

Analysis of your blood can take an hour or more. When completed, your doctor will discuss the blood test results, explain their meaning, and outline your next steps for treatment. 

Our emergency room doctors and staff are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Dignity Health Central California provides advanced diagnostic procedures, including blood tests, in Bakersfield, Merced, San Andreas, and Stockton, CA.