We see all kinds of illnesses and conditions on a daily basis. Some of them are easy to diagnose with a simple physical exam and some questioning, while others take a bit more investigative work.

We are grateful to have such knowledgeable providers on our staff, and we are also grateful for the wide range of diagnostic tools at our disposal to help us along the way! One of those tools is the state-of-the-art lab that we have right in our center.

Having a lab on site helps us diagnose you faster and more accurately. Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Gastonia team explains a little more about the benefits of having a lab.

What Tests Can AFC Urgent Care Gastonia Run?

Having a lab right at our fingertips saves us so much time! We can take samples and tests and run them through our lab in minutes instead of having to send them off to another location to be processed. This is one of the reasons why our rapid flu, COVID-19, strep and RSV tests can be processed in as little as 10 minutes. We can quickly do urinalysis and cultures that can help determine if you are suffering from an infection.

We can also draw your blood and run various tests on it. Your blood can tell a lot about your health, so a quick blood draw can help us figure out what is causing your symptoms and why. One test we run often is called a CBC, or complete blood count. This type of test counts and measures the different kinds of blood cells in your body. This is helpful because if a number is too high or too low, it gives us a great indication of what is going on in your body.

Common Conditions Detected by a CBC

• Anemia
• A variety of infections
• Immune system disorders
• Blood diseases

Is Anemia Easily Treatable?

We see cases of anemia often, which makes sense since anemia is the most common blood condition in the entire world. While our bodies love to remain in balance, sometimes our diets and lifestyles can impact how our bodies function. Anemia occurs when the body stops producing the right amount of red blood cells and so your count drops.

This can lead to symptoms like dizziness, rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness and fatigue. The good news is that anemia is easily treatable if it is caught in time. Increasing your iron intake is often a quick way to help you feel better and avoid developing anemia later in life.

Ways to Add More Iron to Your Diet

• Eat iron-rich foods like lean meat, fish, eggs and dried beans.
• Consume more folic acid from dark, leafy green vegetables.
• Increase your vitamin D intake.
• Take an iron supplement as prescribed.

Have you been feeling faint or lightheaded? Come see us for a quick CBC test at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia.