Blood tests

Blood tests are used to aid diagnosis and screen for hundreds of medical conditions. The Medcare GP will perform blood tests as indicated to aid diagnosis. Also, Medcare offers screening tests for conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, INR and to check liver and kidney function.

INR

INR is a test of blood clotting used mainly in patients on the blood thinning drug warfarin, which is used to prevent blood clots. An INR test monitors how well blood thinning, or anti-coagulant, medications are working. This is very important as a balance needs to be maintained between preventing blood clots and causing excessive bleeding. Patients taking anti-coagulant medications will need to have regular INR tests.

Thyroid checks

The thyroid gland produces a hormone that influences most of the metabolic processes of your body. There are a number of thyroid disorders, but the most common involve under or over production of thyroid hormones.

Too much thyroid hormone leads to a condition known as hyperthyroidism. Too little hormone production leads to hypothyroidism.

Most thyroid problems can be managed well if properly diagnosed and treated.

Some of the symptoms you may notice with an overactive thyroid – hyperthyroidism – are palpitations, weight loss, increased bowel movement, fatigue, trembling hands, muscle weakness, hair loss, insomnia, breathlessness, nervousness and heat intolerance.

Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, are weight gain and difficulty losing weight, fatigue, weakness, dry hair and skin, cold intolerance, depression, memory loss and decreased libido.

Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can usually be diagnosed with a simple blood test.

Other blood tests available

• Cholesterol
• Diabetes
• PSA (prostate)
• Liver function
• Kidney function
• STIs

…plus many more.

If you need a blood test call 966 860 258 or email doctors@medcarespain.com