Blood Draw Specialist

What is a blood draw?

A blood draw, or blood test, analyzes a sample of your blood and blood plasma. It’s a safe and effective way to diagnose conditions that don’t present obvious symptoms, like high cholesterol, a nutritional deficiency, or a hormonal imbalance.

Routine blood draws are one of the easiest ways to preserve your health. The team at South Texas Family Medicine and Urgent Care Center can monitor certain conditions over time and make recommendations for treatment as necessary.

How often do I need a blood draw?

The team at Texas Family Medicine and Urgent Care Center recommends a blood draw at least once a year. 

They might recommend more frequent blood draws if you’re experiencing unusual symptoms that don’t go away, you want to optimize your health, or you want to reduce the risk of certain health problems like kidney, heart, or lung disease.

If you’re unsure how often to get blood testing, talk to your provider during your next annual physical or acute care appointment.

What are some of the most common blood tests?

The team at South Texas Family Medicine and Urgent Care Center offers various blood tests, including:

Complete blood count

A complete blood count analyzes all of the components in your blood, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. It provides information about your general health and can pinpoint underlying conditions like anemia or infection.

Basic metabolic panel

A basic metabolic panel measures the number of specific substances in your blood, like calcium, carbon, potassium, and sodium. To ensure accurate results, it’s important to fast for 8-12 hours before your blood draw.

Cholesterol tests

A cholesterol test measures the lipids (or fats) in your blood. If the team discovers you have high cholesterol, they can make recommendations to reduce your risk of heart disease. 

STD testing

STD testing analyzes a sample of your blood for the presence of a sexually transmitted infection. It’s a good idea to receive STD testing regularly if you’re sexually active with multiple people.

Nutrient tests

Nutrient tests analyze your blood for vitamin or nutrient deficiencies. If you don’t consume enough vitamins and nutrients through your diet, the team might recommend nutritional supplements or healthy lifestyle changes.

What does a blood draw involve?

At South Texas Family Medicine and Urgent Care Center, a blood draw involves your provider inserting a needle into a vein in your arm and drawing a sample of blood. 

After collecting the sample, your provider sends it to the on-site laboratory. Technicians at the lab analyze your sample and provide results within 24-48 hours.

To schedule a blood draw at South Texas Family Medicine and Urgent Care Center, call the office or click the online scheduling tool today.