Name of the Procedure:

General Health Panel

• Common Names: General Health Panel, Health Screen, Wellness Panel
• Technical Terms: Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (80053), Complete Blood Count with Automated Differential (85025) OR Complete Blood Count (85027)

Summary

A General Health Panel is a comprehensive set of blood tests designed to assess your overall health. It includes evaluating your blood cells, electrolyte balance, and organ function. This panel typically incorporates a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) and a Complete Blood Count (CBC).

Purpose

The General Health Panel helps identify a broad range of health issues, from infections and anemia to kidney and liver problems. The goals are to detect potential health problems early, monitor existing conditions, and provide benchmarks for ongoing health management.

Indications

• Routine check-ups or annual physical exams
• Unexplained fatigue, weakness, or other recurrent symptoms
• Monitoring existing health conditions like diabetes or kidney disease
• Pre-surgical evaluation

Preparation

• Fasting for 8-12 hours before the test (mainly for the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
• Continue taking medications unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider
• Inform your healthcare team about any supplements or over-the-counter medications you're using

Procedure Description

1. Blood Draw:

   • Step 1: A healthcare professional uses a tourniquet to find a suitable vein, usually in the arm.
   • Step 2: The site is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe.
   • Step 3: A sterile needle is inserted into the vein to draw blood into one or multiple vials.
   • Step 4: Once enough blood is collected, the needle is removed, and a bandage is applied.

2. Types of Tests in the Panel:

   • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP, 80053): Measures glucose levels, calcium, and various enzymes, electrolytes, and liver function markers.
   • Complete Blood Count (CBC):
     • Automated and Automated Differential (85025 or 85027 and 85004 OR 85027): Evaluates white cells, red cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 10-15 minutes for the blood draw. Lab results are generally available within a few days.

Setting

Performed in a healthcare setting such as a hospital, outpatient clinic, or a specialized lab.

Personnel

• Phlebotomist (for drawing blood)
• Laboratory technicians (for analyzing blood samples)
• Healthcare provider (to interpret the results)

Risks and Complications

• Minor risks include bruising or slight bleeding at the puncture site.
• Rarely, infection or dizziness may occur.
• Proper technique and sterile conditions minimize these risks.

Benefits

• Early detection of potential health issues.
• Monitoring of chronic conditions.
• A comprehensive overview of your overall health status within a few days.

Recovery

• Minimal recovery time, with a small bandage applied to the puncture site.
• Normal activities can usually be resumed immediately after the procedure.

Alternatives

• Individual testing for specific conditions (e.g., standalone kidney or liver function tests).
• Pros: Targeted testing can be more specific.
• Cons: Multiple individual tests can be time-consuming and more expensive.

Patient Experience

• The patient might feel a minor pinch during blood draw.
• Mild discomfort or minor bruising at the puncture site.
• Normal activities can typically be resumed shortly after the procedure.
• Pain management and comfort: Applying pressure to the site after needle removal, and using a cold pack if bruising occurs.