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Routine sexual health screenings are crucial to maintain and improve the health of sexually active individuals. It is one of the most effective ways to detect diseases at an early stage to begin timely treatment. This also reduces the risks of transmission of the infection to other individuals. Sexually transmitted diseases or STDs do not always present with visible symptoms. In fact, STD symptoms often go unnoticed in many cases. You may wonder if normal or routine blood testing can check if you have an STD or STI. This blog looks into the role of blood test for STD detection.
Blood testing is a common tool for every patient and for every diagnostic procedure. Blood testing helps in not only identifying pathogens, but also to figure out deficiencies in your blood, vitamins, minerals amongst other nutrient levels.
However, blood testing results are not universally uniform. For instance, the normal range of blood test results varies according to age, gender or the racial background of the individuals. However, not all abnormal blood test results require treatment. Blood testing is an important tool often used by doctors to rule out or confirm any diagnosis.
Blood tests are majorly of two types – complete blood tests or CBCs and blood chemistry panels. CBCs are the primary form of blood tests that check clotting or inflammation in your blood stream, or any kind of infection. Doctors mainly recommend these tests as a diagnostic procedure to rule out infections and heart diseases. In contrast to this, blood chemistry panels are performed routinely to constantly assess the general health of a patient. They examine the overall condition of your body and also check your cholesterol, electrolyte, sugar, protein, fat or enzyme levels.
Besides these common blood tests, thyroid panels and base metabolic panels are also done as per the patient’s health needs. A thyroid panel examines the functioning of some specific organ to determine the issues of your metabolism and mood. A base metabolic panel, on the other hand, checks the blood markers which indicate hormonal imbalances in your body. This kind of blood test help in finding out the root causes of metabolic syndromes including diabetes or lover diseases.
Just like all of the above, STD testing is another segment of blood testing services. However, blood testing for STDs does not fall under normal routine blood testing services and so requires a separate indication from a healthcare professional. Routine blood testing is not sufficient for detecting if you have an STD.
As STD testing does not come under routine blood testing, it is necessary that you open up about your sexual health issues and concerns with your doctor if you require an STD screening.
Blood tests cannot detect all STDs, making it essential for your doctor to know every fact about your health before beginning with the procedure. For instance, a urine sample is required to diagnose Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea and a blood test cannot help in this case. Infections due to the human papilloma virus or HPV can also not be detected with a blood test. Instead, the test requires a smear or swab to detect HPV.
If you are worried whether a ‘normal blood test detect STDs’, then you probably have concerns related to your sexual health. This best way to reduce anxiety related to STDs is to take effective steps to protect your sexual health. This may include engaging in protected and safe sex, regular testing, being open with your partner regarding your sexual concerns and also discussing your sexual history with the doctor without any hesitation.
Routine blood tests typically do not include STD testing due to the complexity of identifying infections and the specialised procedures involved. To monitor your sexual health, consult your healthcare provider about adding an STD panel to your routine blood tests. If necessary, your doctor may recommend multiple STD panels to rule out different infections based on their assessment.
A routine blood test is undoubtedly a key tool for assessing overall health. However, many wonder if a simple blood test can detect STDs. For accurate detection, specialised STD blood tests are available that focus on your sexual health. Book an appointment for an STD test in London to safeguard your sexual health for the future.
Our Sexual Health Clinic is located on Harley Street in the heart of London.
We are only a 5 minutes walk from Regents Park station, 10 minutes from Great Portland Street and 15 minutes from Oxford Circus.