Your doctor may also refer you for blood tests such as:
- Complete blood count (CBC), which measures the number of red, white, and other blood cells to ensure proper bone marrow function. It also gauges whether treatment is affecting blood cell counts.
- Serum chemistry test, which evaluates levels of electrolytes, such as calcium and potassium, and certain enzymes (proteins). Doing so shows how well various organs are functioning. Abnormal levels of these substances can mean that cancer has spread.
- Metabolic test, looks for evidence of diseases like diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney failure.
- Nutritional deficiencies, evaluates levels of various B and E vitamins.
- Heavy metal toxicity, looks for toxic levels of lead, arsenic, and mercury.
- Autoantibodies and Autoimmune diseases, looks for the presence of certain antibodies or autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or celiac disease.
- Infectious diseases, looks for the presences of diseases like HIV/AIDS, lyme disease, hepatitis, or sarcoidosis.
Stanford Health Library
For confidential help with your health care questions, contact the Stanford Health Library. Professional medical librarians and trained volunteers can help you access journals, books, e-books, databases, and videos to learn more about medical conditions, treatment options, and related issues.
- 875 Blake Wilbur, Palo Alto: 1st floor near the cafe, 650-736-1960
- South Bay Cancer Center: 3rd floor lobby, 408-353-0197
Email us your questions: healthlibrary@stanfordhealthcare.org
Published April 2018
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