Bloedanalyses

Bloedanalyses, or blood analyses, are medical procedures in which samples of blood are analyzed to assess health, diagnose disease, monitor a medical condition, or evaluate response to treatment. They can provide information about blood cells, metabolism, organ function, electrolyte balance, and the body’s inflammatory or immune status.

Typical tests fall into several categories. Hematology includes the complete blood count with differential to evaluate red and white blood cells and platelets. Biochemistry or clinical chemistry panels assess liver and kidney function, electrolytes, glucose, and other metabolic markers. Coagulation studies, such as prothrombin time and INR or aPTT, evaluate blood-clotting function. Additional tests may target lipids, vitamins, cardiac markers, or hormones as needed.

Blood samples are usually drawn from a vein (venipuncture), though finger-prick sampling may be used at the point of care. Pre-analytical factors—such as fasting status, time of day, recent medications, sample handling, and proper labeling—can influence results. Turnaround times range from minutes for point-of-care tests to days for specialized laboratory analyses.

Interpretation relies on reference ranges that can vary by age, sex, and laboratory. Abnormal results do not automatically indicate disease; they must be interpreted in clinical context and may require repeat testing or further investigations. Factors such as sample quality (eg, haemolysis), biological variability, and lab errors can affect results.

Blood analyses are used for screening, diagnosing, monitoring therapy, and assessing prognosis. They are common in routine health checks, emergency care, and preoperative assessments.