Common Lab Tests Available in Urgent Care Facilities in San Diego

High quality urgent care clinics often include in house lab testing as part of their offerings. The most commonly provided blood tests include a Complete Blood Count and a Basic Metabolic Panel. Urgent care clinics also routinely do urinalyses as well as a host of more pathogen specific testing, which are often available on a same day, walk in basis.

Complete Blood Count

With a CBC, your doctor will be able to determine how many of each type of blood cell you have which are currently active. This test distinguishes between platelets, red and various kinds of white blood cells. A Complete Blood Count can also be a useful tool in determining the health of the immune system.

Basic Metabolic Panel

Also known as BMP or a Chemistry Panel, this test is taken as part of a blood draw. Your physician will be able to learn more about the state of your metabolism, and can test your levels of important minerals such as calcium, sodium and potassium.

Urinalysis

A urine test is performed by collecting a small urine sample, and can be tested to check for signs of kidney or liver dysfunction, diabetes and high blood pressure. Most medical clinics will also test for pregnancy in female patients.

Other Tests

Other more specific tests available at your doctor’s office or your local urgent care clinic include lab tests for mononucleosis and strep throat. For more information on lab testing in San Diego or to schedule an appointment, visit this website.

Finding the Right Doctor

If you are sick, injured or just in need of a routine medical exam, finding the right doctor is important. You want a doctor with whom you are comfortable and who will listen to and answer your questions and concerns. 

The Importance of Annual Health Exams

Most people dislike visiting the doctor, no matter what the reason. You may only wish to see the doctor when you are too sick or injured to work, but you should consider scheduling an annual exam as well. Annual health exams are important for many reasons including:

•    Finding health problems early
•    Improve your overall health
•    Learning about prevention and detection

Finding Problems Early

If you wait until you are feeling lousy before seeking medical attention, chances are you are already pretty sick. Sometimes these illnesses are serious. If you schedule an annual health exam, your doctor may be able to find health risks or issues early on and get you treatment sooner. If your doctor notices certain symptoms at an annual exam, they can order tests to make sure your body is functioning properly. This can help improve your overall health.

Prevention and Detection

Annual health exams may include many things designed for prevention of illness. You may receive a flu shot or other vaccines or be instructed on the prevention of heart disease via diet and exercise. These exams can also be used for detection of medical issues or to teach you how to detect problems as well. This may include breast or cervical exams for women. For more information on woman’s health exams and birth control in Holly Ridge, visit this website.

3 Reasons to Get an Annual Health Exam

Annual exams are an important part of your health, even if nothing seems to be medically wrong. Since so much can happen to your body in one year, you never know what you could learn from the tests. There are many crucial benefits to having an annual health exam.

1. To Ensure There are no Medical Problems You May not Know About

An annual health exam will test your vital signs and blood and can discover any irregularities or sudden spikes. Some diseases don’t manifest themselves in noticeable ways, and many people with chronic diseases are unaware of their condition.

2. To Monitor Specific Vitals Based on Health and Family History

Your physician may run specific tests due to an increased risk for certain genetic illnesses. If you have a family history of heart problems or cancer, having yearly testing performed can catch a disease in the early stages.

3. To Help Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Having a doctor hold you accountable for your level of health can encourage you to make better life choices. It can be easier to keep a balanced diet and exercise consistently when your physician explains the adverse affects eating poorly and failing to be in shape are having on your body.

In order to live the longest, most healthy life possible, preventative measures are crucial and just might save your life. You deserve to live well. To find out more about women’s health exams in Holly Ridge, visit this website.

Don’t Allow a Disease to Catch You by Surprise

When was the last time you had a health exam? Your body can change drastically in a short amount of time, so having yourself checked out at least once a year can prevent illness and even save your life.