Blood Screening

Each spring, the Bemidji Rotary Club and Sanford Health partner to host a multi-day Blood Screening event at Sanford Bemidji’s main hospital entrance (1300 Anne Street NW).

 

The cost is typically only $35. The fee covers the collection of samples, a results report of analysis, professional analysis of samples, and refreshment after the blood sample is drawn. “Screening for preventable and treatable conditions with these blood tests can guide opportunities for improving your health”, stated Dr. Steve Rith-Najarian of Sanford Health and a Bemidji Rotary Club member. 

 

The profile of tests offered during the Blood Screening include:

• Lipid profile (Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, and lipoproteins (HDL and LDL) to
  determine an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.  
• Glucose or blood sugar test to detect diabetes or a pre-diabetic condition.
• Creatinine to indicate kidney function.
• Hemoglobin to indicate anemia or bleeding.
• Liver enzyme, ALT, to screen for liver damage or help diagnose liver disease.
• White blood cell count to measure the number of infection-fighting cells in the bloodstream.  

NOTE: Blood screen testing can indicate the risk of a heart attack or stroke, diabetes, anemia, liver disease, and kidney function. Blood screen testing provides important information for diagnosis and treatment of many diseases. It allows us to be proactive in managing our health conditions by knowing our personal test results and staying alert to changes.

  Fasting is not required. If you have questions about taking prescribed medications, please contact your primary care provider. Sanford Health My Chart users will have access to their screening results on testing day. For those who prefer a printed copy of their results, results will be sent via postal mail.  

 

All proceeds from the Blood Screening event benefit Bemidji Rotary Club's YMCA Indoor Playground project and United Way's Backpack Buddies program.