blood test

noun

: a test of the blood

specifically : a laboratory test in which a sample of blood is withdrawn from the body to analyze the level of substances or cells (such as glucose, hemoglobin, or white blood cells) that indicate the presence or probable development of a particular disease or medical condition (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer) or serve to indicate the degree of function of a specific organ (such as the liver or kidney)

Examples of blood test in a Sentence

He had a blood test, and the doctor who did it said his cholesterol was too high.

Recent Examples on the Web

Diagnosing a Herniated Cervical Disc A provider may perform basic blood tests to look for signs of inflammatory health conditions. —Sarah Bradley, Health, 17 Jan. 2025

While at-home test kits offer convenience, professional blood tests remain the gold standard for accuracy and comprehensive evaluation. —Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025

Scientists not involved in the project say the vast amount of data generated could aid development of blood tests that detect disease before symptoms appear and identify new drug targets for illnesses. —Bycatherine Offord, science.org, 9 Jan. 2025

Doctors may order blood tests for three main reasons: screening, diagnostics or monitoring. —Erica Lamberg, Fox News, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

blood test

noun

: a test of the blood (as to detect the presence of disease-causing agents or determine the number of blood cells)

Medical Definition

blood test

noun

: a laboratory test in which a sample of blood is withdrawn from the body to analyze the level of substances or cells (as glucose, hemoglobin, or white blood cells) that indicate the presence or probable development of a particular disease or medical condition (as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer) or serve to indicate the degree of function of a specific organ (as the liver or kidney)