Blood Test Results and their meaning

I recently visited my doctor and he of course took a blood test (three vials I think), and he just sent me an email which indicated that my blood count and liver function tests and blood clotting were all normal. Does this mean that I definitely do not have any strain of Hepatitis or cancers, or do those illnesses require additional specific blood tests? The reason I am curious is because for instance, I have a few skin cancers on my face (not the virulent kind), which I will soon be getting checked by a dermatologist, so I am curious as to how my blood count was normal if I have a few small skin cancers on my face? Wouldn't some sort of malignancy or irregular blood cell count show up in this blood test? I suppose what I am asking is....can I feel a sense of relief with these "normal" results, or is it possible that other underlying blood problems possibly exist, but that the doctor would have to do further testing on the blood for those to show up?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hepatitis requires a specific blood test looking for hepatitis.  Liver function tests do not rule in or our hepatic disease.

Blood tests also do not screen for cancer.  Skin cancer requires a biopsy of the lesion, colon cancer needs to be screened with a colonoscopy, breast cancer with a mammogram etc.

A normal CBC would make leukemias somewhat less likely.  

Typically, testing needs to be directed to the presenting symptoms.  Routine tests include cholesterol, sugar, and age/gender-appropriate cancer screening.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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