To clarify most illnesses a precise and targeted analysis of the blood is required. For certain types of questions it is important to come to the surgery in the morning on an empty stomach for the taking of a blood sample. This will take place while in a seated position or – if requested – while lying down. The individual requirements are carried out in a large laboratory practice, where most values are evaluated the same day and are already available the very next day.
The spectrum of ascertainable laboratory parameters is very large. Apart from the usual metabolic values, hormones, antibody titre against viral infections, but also vitamins and medication levels can be determined.