From the Guidelines
A standard blood test panel should include a complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), lipid panel, thyroid function tests, and other tests such as hemoglobin A1C, vitamin D levels, iron studies, and sometimes vitamin B12 and folate levels, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.
Key Components of a Standard Blood Test Panel
- Complete blood count (CBC) to assess for anemia, infections, and bleeding disorders
- Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) to evaluate glucose, electrolytes, kidney function, liver function, and proteins
- Lipid panel to assess cardiovascular risk
- Thyroid function tests to evaluate thyroid health
- Additional tests such as hemoglobin A1C, vitamin D levels, iron studies, and sometimes vitamin B12 and folate levels
Importance of Baseline Investigations
Baseline investigations, including full blood count, CRP, urea & electrolytes, liver function tests, and stool infection screen, are crucial in managing inflammatory bowel disease in adults, as recommended by the British Society of Gastroenterology consensus guidelines 1.
Recommendations for Specific Tests
- A full blood count, routine blood chemistry, and screening tests for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B and C are required 1
- Laboratory tests should include a CBC count with differential leukocyte count and platelet count, measurement of serum levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, and measurement of electrolytes, hepatic transaminase enzymes, and total bilirubin 1
- Baseline investigations should include full blood count, CRP, urea & electrolytes, liver function tests, magnesium, stool infection screen, and radiology (abdominal X-ray or CT) 1
From the Research
Blood Test Panel
The following is a list of tests that may be included in a full STD blood test panel:
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) 2
- Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) 2
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies 2, 3
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies 2, 4, 3
- Syphilis-specific antibodies 2, 4
- Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) IgG and IgM antibodies 4
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA 2
- HBV DNA 2
- Rapid plasma reagin circle card test for syphilis 2
Additional Tests
Other tests that may be included in a comprehensive STD screening:
- Chlamydia antibodies
- Gonorrhea antibodies
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) antibodies
- Trichomoniasis antibodies
- Genital Mycoplasma antibodies 5
- Shigellosis antibodies 5
- Zika virus antibodies 6, 5
- Pubic lice inspection 5
Notes
It is essential to note that the specific tests included in a full STD blood test panel may vary depending on the individual's risk factors, medical history, and the healthcare provider's recommendations. 2, 6, 4, 3, 5