blood work: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Medical/Healthcare (primary), Informal/Figurative (secondary)
Quick answer
What does “blood work” mean?
A medical test or series of tests performed on a sample of blood to assess a person's health, diagnose conditions, or monitor treatment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medical test or series of tests performed on a sample of blood to assess a person's health, diagnose conditions, or monitor treatment.
In a broader, informal sense, it can refer to any detailed, foundational analysis or preparatory investigation, especially in creative or technical fields.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
"Blood work" is predominantly American English. The standard British equivalent is "blood test(s)" or "blood tests".
Connotations
In AmE, it's the neutral, standard term. In BrE, using "blood work" can sound like American medical drama jargon.
Frequency
Very common in AmE medical contexts; rare in BrE, where "blood test" is overwhelmingly preferred.
Grammar
How to Use “blood work” in a Sentence
The doctor ordered [blood work].We need to get [your blood work] done.According to [the blood work], your levels are normal.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in medical and nursing papers, primarily in an American context.
Everyday
"My doctor called about my blood work – everything looks good." (AmE)
Technical
Refers to the full process: phlebotomy, laboratory analysis, and reporting of hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “blood work”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “blood work”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blood work”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a blood work'). It's generally uncountable: 'some blood work'.
- Using it in BrE contexts where 'blood test' is expected.
- Misspelling as 'bloodwork' (though this is an accepted variant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'blood work' and 'bloodwork' are accepted, though style guides may differ. The two-word form is very common.
You might be understood, especially due to exposure to American media, but it will mark you as using American medical terminology. 'Blood test' is the natural choice in the UK.
In American English, they are often synonymous. However, 'blood work' can imply a broader set of tests (a 'panel'), while a 'blood test' might refer to a single, specific test. In British English, 'blood test' covers all meanings.
No, there is no standard verb derived from 'blood work'. You use phrases like 'to do/blood work', 'to have blood work done', or 'to run blood work'.
A medical test or series of tests performed on a sample of blood to assess a person's health, diagnose conditions, or monitor treatment.
Blood work is usually medical/healthcare (primary), informal/figurative (secondary) in register.
Blood work: in British English it is pronounced /ˈblʌd ˌwɜːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈblʌd ˌwɝk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Figurative] The real blood work of writing happens in the countless drafts no one ever sees.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a mechanic doing 'work' on a car's engine. A doctor does 'work' on (analyzes) your blood to check your body's engine.
Conceptual Metaphor
BODY IS A MACHINE / HEALTH IS A REPORT. Blood is diagnostic data; 'work' is the process of generating that report.
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase would a British doctor most likely use?