Gülcan Baloğlu

Triglycerides are a type of fat that play an essential role in the body, particularly in energy metabolism, and affect several bodily systems. Keeping triglyceride levels balanced is important for health. Both low and high triglyceride levels can lead to significant health issues, so treatment may be required in such cases.

Today, healthcare technologies are continuously advancing, making the diagnosis and treatment of diseases easier. Blood tests are a widely used method requested by doctors to diagnose different diseases. Sedimentation is a blood test commonly requested when there is suspicion of an infection in the body. Additionally, sedimentation values are important in diagnosing some diseases, including certain types of cancer, anemia (low red blood cell count), heart and vascular diseases, diabetes (high blood sugar), kidney disease, and thyroid disorders.

The Procalcitonin test, known as PCT, is used to measure the level of procalcitonin in the blood. It is an important indicator in cases of bacterial infection and the development of sepsis. In these two situations, where the body’s defense cells are intensely activated, procalcitonin levels typically peak between the second and fourth hours. PCT is the value that indicates the rate at which infection or sepsis spreads in the bloodstream. In addition to these, conditions such as meningitis, tissue tumors, and organ rejection after organ transplantation can also lead to elevated PCT levels, requiring medical supervision throughout the process.

Red blood cells, which are the cells in the blood that carry oxygen, transport it through the hemoglobin protein that has the ability to bind oxygen. The amount of hemoglobin is crucial for transporting enough oxygen throughout the body and for the healthy functioning of metabolism. For this reason, the MCH value, which indicates the average amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells, becomes important.

Hemoglobin (HGB) is a type of protein found in red blood cells, and it is one of the parameters commonly measured in almost every blood test. It is typically included in a group of blood tests known as a complete blood count (CBC) or hemogram, and is used to investigate various health issues, including anemia (low blood count). It is important for health that the hemoglobin level falls within the required range. When either low or high hemoglobin levels are detected, the cause should be thoroughly investigated, and necessary treatments should be initiated.

Red blood cells in the body are produced by the bone marrow. These cells, also known as erythrocytes, are responsible for distributing oxygen throughout the body. Various tests can be performed to evaluate the body's oxygen capacity, and hematocrit is one of these tests. What is hematocrit? What should its normal value be? How is the treatment for low or high hematocrit levels carried out? You can find comprehensive answers to these questions in the following text.

Folic acid deficiency refers to having lower than normal levels of folic acid in the body, caused by various factors.

Ferritin is a protein complex that controls the storage and release of iron, a mineral with vital functions in the body. Since iron can be stored, its deficiency or excess reflects the amount of iron in the body. Ferritin levels are among the first things checked, in addition to a complete blood count, as iron levels in the blood play a significant role in transporting oxygen to cells and carrying waste carbon dioxide from cells to the lungs. Iron is essential for maintaining cell vitality and carrying out cellular functions. A deficiency in ferritin can lead to serious health problems, starting with fatigue and progressing to the formation of anemia.

Iron deficiency occurs when there is not enough iron mineral in the body. This leads to a decrease in the number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) and results in a condition known as "anemia." Iron is necessary to produce hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that allows them to carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia worldwide.

Zinc is one of the essential minerals needed by the body, naturally found in some plant-based and animal-based foods. Minerals are inorganic elements that are necessary for the continuation of vital functions in the body. About 4-6% of the human body is made up of minerals. One of the most important characteristics of minerals is that they cannot be produced by the body. In other words, to meet the body’s mineral needs, they must be obtained from external sources such as food and/or dietary supplements. One of the essential minerals required by the body is zinc. Zinc deficiency occurs when there is an insufficient intake of zinc through food or when there is a problem that affects zinc absorption in the body. Questions such as “What is zinc and what are its benefits?” “How can zinc deficiency be identified?” “What foods contain zinc?” and “Who is at risk for zinc deficiency?” will be answered in detail in the following sections.

Enzymes are proteins that help speed up chemical reactions in the body. They act as catalysts (breakers) within cells. There are thousands of different types of enzymes, and ALT is one of them. ALT, which stands for alanine transaminase, is an enzyme that can be found primarily in the liver, as well as in the kidneys and other organs. The body uses ALT to convert food into energy. However, having either too little or too much of it can cause certain health problems.

In today's world, blood tests are the first assessment method for detecting most diseases. A complete blood count (CBC), or hemogram test, is performed on a large number of patients daily in hospitals, providing important information for both diagnosis and monitoring. The interpretation of blood tests by specialists, along with the patient's medical history and consideration of other diseases, guides the treatment the doctor will administer. The hemogram test compares the normal range of cell groups in the blood to the patient's cell count. Diseases can be diagnosed by identifying abnormal cells or an increased number of these cells in certain pathological conditions. By analyzing a few milliliters of blood from the patient, a laboratory can provide valuable information that guides treatment decisions