Blood Tests for Palliative Care Patients in the United States: Importance and Commonly Ordered Panels

Written By Jessica Turner, BS, CPT

Summary

  • Blood tests play a crucial role in monitoring the health and well-being of patients receiving palliative care in the United States.
  • Common blood tests ordered for palliative care patients include complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, liver function tests, and tumor markers.
  • These tests help Healthcare Providers assess the patient's overall health, monitor for potential complications, and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

Introduction

When it comes to providing quality palliative care to patients in the United States, Healthcare Providers rely on a variety of assessments and tests to monitor their health and well-being. Among these, blood tests play a crucial role in helping healthcare professionals understand the patient's overall health, identify potential complications, and tailor the treatment plan accordingly. In this article, we will explore the specific blood tests that are typically ordered for patients receiving palliative care in the United States.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most common blood tests ordered for patients receiving palliative care. This test provides valuable information about the various components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A CBC can help Healthcare Providers assess the patient's overall health and detect any abnormalities that may indicate an underlying health condition or complication.

  1. Red Blood Cells (RBC): The RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels can indicate the presence of anemia or other blood disorders.
  2. White Blood Cells (WBC): The WBC count can help identify signs of infection or inflammation in the body.
  3. Platelets: Platelet count can reveal the patient's ability to form blood clots, which is essential for wound healing and preventing Excessive Bleeding.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is another crucial blood test that is often ordered for patients in palliative care. This test measures various chemicals and electrolytes in the blood, providing valuable insights into the patient's organ function, hydration status, and overall metabolic health. A CMP can help Healthcare Providers monitor for potential complications, such as dehydration, kidney dysfunction, or liver disease.

  1. Glucose: Blood sugar levels can indicate the patient's risk of diabetes or other metabolic disorders.
  2. Electrolytes: Levels of sodium, potassium, and calcium in the blood can reveal hydration status and help assess organ function.
  3. Kidney Function: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels can indicate the patient's kidney function and detect potential kidney disease.

Liver Function Tests

For patients receiving palliative care, liver function tests are often ordered to assess the health and function of the liver. These tests can help Healthcare Providers detect liver disease, monitor the progression of certain conditions, and assess the impact of medications on liver function. Liver function tests typically measure the levels of various enzymes and proteins in the blood that are produced by the liver.

  1. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): Elevated ALT levels may indicate liver damage or inflammation.
  2. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): Increased AST levels can suggest liver injury or disease.
  3. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and Bilirubin: Elevated ALP and bilirubin levels can indicate liver or gallbladder problems.

Tumor Markers

In some cases, Healthcare Providers may order tumor marker tests for patients in palliative care who have been diagnosed with cancer. Tumor markers are substances produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer, and elevated levels of these markers can indicate the presence of cancer, monitor treatment response, or detect cancer recurrence.

  1. CA 15-3: This marker is often used to monitor breast cancer.
  2. CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen): Elevated CEA levels can indicate various types of cancer, including colorectal, lung, and breast cancer.
  3. PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen): PSA levels are used to monitor prostate cancer.

Conclusion

Overall, blood tests are an essential component of palliative care in the United States, providing valuable information about the patient's health, monitoring for potential complications, and guiding treatment decisions. By ordering specific blood tests such as complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, liver function tests, and tumor markers, Healthcare Providers can ensure that patients receiving palliative care receive the best possible support and treatment tailored to their individual needs.

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Jessica Turner, BS, CPT

Jessica Turner is a certified phlebotomist with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from the University of California, Los Angeles. With 6 years of experience in both hospital and private practice settings, Jessica has developed a deep understanding of phlebotomy techniques, patient interaction, and the importance of precision in blood collection.

She is passionate about educating others on the critical role phlebotomists play in the healthcare system and regularly writes content focused on blood collection best practices, troubleshooting common issues, and understanding the latest trends in phlebotomy equipment. Jessica aims to share practical insights and tips to help phlebotomists enhance their skills and improve patient care.

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