Veritutkimus

veritutkimus is a Finnish term for blood testing or blood analysis. It refers to the examination of blood samples in a laboratory to obtain information about the body’s physiological, biochemical, and pathological states. The objective is to detect disease, assess organ function, guide treatment, monitor therapy, and screen for health risks.

Blood samples are typically obtained from a vein in the arm using a small needle. After collection, the sample is processed; plasma or serum is separated, or whole blood can be analysed directly. Modern veritutkimus methods employ automated analyzers that measure a wide range of parameters such as complete blood count, hemoglobin, white‑cell differential, electrolytes, liver enzymes, kidney function markers, cholesterol, glucose, and many specific biomarkers. Imaging‑related tests and molecular diagnostics such as PCR or DNA sequencing of blood can also be part of a comprehensive veritutkimus panel.

Common types of veritutkimus include a standard panel for general health screening, a lipid panel for cardiovascular risk assessment, a diabetes monitoring panel, and a pre‑operative work‑up. Specialized tests target infectious diseases, autoimmune markers, cancer biomarkers, or pharmacokinetic monitoring of drug levels.

The procedure carries minimal risk; most patients experience only minor bruising or soreness at the puncture site. In rare cases, infection or bleeding may occur. Blood tests are non‑invasive, inexpensive, and provide rapid results, making them a cornerstone of modern medical diagnostics.

The field has evolved from early manual staining techniques to high‑throughput, fully automated, and digital technologies. The term veritutkimus is widely used in Finland, Norway, and Sweden for medical, research, and clinical laboratory contexts.