Question:
6 yrs. since surgery I need blood work check. What do i ask my doctor for. I

I take mult.vits. B-12, D, and 3tums daily. How about my iron. What doi ask for. Thanks    — mp (posted on March 22, 2010)

March 22, 2010
When I have blood work they check thamin level. You may need a bone density test to make sure you are getting enough calcium. Usually, you should Vit D, calcium, iron and thamin level checked.
   — rachaelp

March 22, 2010
Don't forget vitamin B12. Your doctor will know what to test for -usually they ask for the panel screen plus Vitamins D & B12. You don't need a bone density every time you have blood work - plus I don't think your insurance would cover it that often. If you had diabetes before surgery you might want a hemaglobin A1C test.
   — Muggs

March 23, 2010
they need to check for all vitamin levels it is a whole range be sure they include B1. I think your doctor will know what to check for even if he is not a bypass doctor.
   — trible

March 23, 2010
Generally your doctor will know. You really shouldn't have to ask for anything, but the tests are: Cardiovascular: Cholesterol: total, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL,HDL, CRP. Comprehensive Metabolic: Sodium, Potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide (bicarbonate), BUN, Creatinie, Glucose, Calcium, Magnesium, phosphorous, PTH (Intact) SGOT (AST), SGPT (ALT), albumin, alkaline phosphatase, Bilirubin (Total), Total Protein, TSH. Specialty Chemistry: Carnitine, folate (serum/RBC), selenium, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, vitamin B12, Vitamin D (25 OH), Zinc, Thiamine (B1) Hematology: CBC (including diff), platelet count, prothrombin time, INR, PTT, Iron, total iron binding capacity, Ferritin ,Transferrin. These are from my surgeon's annual post op lab testing. I don't know what a lot of them are. But they test for things way beyond what a pcp does. So tell your doctor you want these done.
   — Kristy

March 23, 2010
I just posted, but I forgot to add to stop taking all of your vitamin and mineral supplements at least 3 days prior to having your blood drawn. Please do not eat or drink anything the morning of your blood drawn (fast overnight) These are my instrucations to patients from my doctor that I got the lab work from I just sent you. Go to www.lapsf.com for other information.
   — Kristy