When patients experience sudden weight loss, healthcare professionals often conduct a battery of blood tests to identify potential underlying causes. These tests include:
1. Thyroid Function Tests: To assess thyroid hormone levels, as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) can lead to weight loss.
2. Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for conditions like anemia or other blood disorders that might cause weight loss.
3. Liver and Kidney Function Tests: To evaluate the health of these vital organs, as diseases affecting them can lead to weight loss.
4. Blood Sugar Tests (Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c): To detect diabetes or glucose intolerance, conditions that can cause unexplained weight loss.
5. Inflammatory Markers (such as C-reactive protein): Elevated levels might indicate an underlying inflammatory condition contributing to weight loss.
6. Infection Screenings (such as CBC with differential and specific infection markers): To identify infections, including HIV or tuberculosis, which can cause sudden weight loss.
7. Nutritional Assessments: Testing for deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, as malnutrition can lead to weight loss.
8. Cancer Markers: Depending on the patient’s age, medical history, and symptoms, tests for specific cancer markers might be conducted to rule out malignancies causing weight loss.
These tests help doctors rule out various underlying conditions, allowing for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for patients experiencing sudden weight loss.
