Understanding what common blood tests are intended to measure can help you better interpret the results. If you have results from a recent blood test handy, please follow along.

"When you get a routine calcium blood test, it usually measures total calcium, which includes all three forms," explains Dr. Dasgupta. "This gives a good overall snapshot of your calcium levels.

Doctors may request an IgG test for people with IgA deficiency. Different labs and clinics provide different tests, and not all are necessary. Learn all about blood tests.

Featured An RDW blood test measures the size and volume of your red blood cells. (Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images) An average red blood cell is about 6.2 to 8.2 micrometers.

Doctors can test for gallbladder issues using a combination of physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies. Several issues can affect the gallbladder, including gallstones, inflammation, or ...

A doctor may perform a toe-brachial index (TBI) test instead of or in addition to an ABI test. A TBI test measures blood pressure in the big toe. A TBI score below 0.7 is an abnormal result.