LDH test measures the level of LDH in blood. Lactate dehydrogenase, also called lactic dehydrogenase, or LDH, is an enzyme found in the cells of many body tissues, including the heart, liver, kidneys, skeletal muscle, brain, red blood cells, and lungs. Lactic dehydrogenase is present in almost all body tissues, so the LDH test is used to detect tissue alterations and as an aid in the diagnosis of heart attack, anemia, and liver disease. It also may be used to monitor progressive conditions, such as muscular dystrophy and HIV.
LDL Cholesterol test measures the level of LDL cholesterol in blood. LDL is often referred to as bad cholesterol. This is because too much LDL causes a build-up of cholesterol in your arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, adults should have an LDL test at least once every five years. It is a part of Lipid Profile. It is always advisable to go for complete profile, as level of each test in profile are considered while making decision on diagnosis as well as monitoring the treatment.
Blood lead level is a test that measures the amount of lead in the blood. This test is used to screen people at risk for lead poisoning. This may include industrial workers and children who live in urban areas. Lead serves no function in the human body. However, most people have a small amount of it in their bodies because it is so prevalent in our surroundings. Lead exposure occurs when lead dust or fumes are inhaled, or when lead is ingested via contaminated hands, food, water, cigarettes or clothing. Causes of environmental contamination include industrial use of lead, such as is found in plants that process lead-acid batteries or produce lead wire or pipes, and metal recycling and foundries.
In adults, a low level of lead exposure isn't considered dangerous. However, in babies and young kids whose brains are still developing, even a small amount of lead can cause learning disabilities and behavioral problems. At higher levels, lead exposure can cause seizures, coma, and even death.
Liver function tests (LFTs), are a group of blood tests that detect inflammation and damage to the liver. Liver function tests, or LFTs, include tests for bilirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin, and ammonia, a protein byproduct that is normally converted into urea by the liver before being excreted by the kidneys. LFTs also commonly include tests to measure levels of several enzymes, which are special proteins that help the body break down and use (metabolize) other substances. Enzymes that are often measured in LFTs include gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT); alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT); aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT); and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Liver function tests are used to aid in the differential diagnosis of liver disease and injury, and to help monitor response to treatment.
This test is used to measure level of lipase in blood. Lipase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas, which is a large gland situated near the stomach. The lipase test is most often used in evaluating inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), but it is also useful in diagnosing kidney failure, intestinal obstruction, mumps, and peptic ulcers. Doctors often order amylase and lipase tests at the same time to help distinguish pancreatitis from ulcers and other disorders in the abdomen. If the patient has acute (sudden onset) pancreatitis, the lipase level usually rises somewhat later than the amylase level-about 24-48 hours after onset of symptoms-and remains abnormally high for 5-7 days. Because the lipase level peaks later and remains elevated longer, its determination is more useful in late diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Conversely, however, lipase levels are not as useful in diagnosing chronic pancreatic disease.
This test is often used to determibe level of Lipoprotein level in blood. Lp (a) or Lipoprotein (a) are molecules made of proteins and fat. They carry cholesterol and similar substances through the blood. They are made in the liver and are genetic variation of LDL (bad) cholesterol. They are very similar to LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. High Lp(a) in blood is a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and stroke. However, individuals without Lp(a) or with very low Lp(a) levels seem to be healthy.
This test measures the amount of lithium in blood. It is used to monitor treatment with lithium, or evaluate for a toxic level of lithium in the body. Lithium is one of the most widely used and studied medications for treating bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a mental condition that is characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania. Lithium helps reduce the severity and frequency of mania. It may also help relieve or prevent bipolar depression. Lithium is excreted primarily by the kidneys.
Magnesium test is a blood test used to measure levels of magnesium, an electrolyte that is critical in nearly all metabolic processes.Magnesium is mostly found in the bone and inside cells of body tissues and organs. It is necessary for almost all the processes in the body. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps the bones strong, controls the heart beat, and helps regulate blood pressure. Magnesium also controls blood sugar levels and helps support the body's defense (immune) system. Abnormal levels may indicate renal insufficiency, chronic renal disease, uncontrolled diabetes, diabetic acidosis, Addison's disease, hypothyroidism, malnutrition, malabsorption, hypoparathyroidism, and alcoholism.
PAPP-A - a protein that is measured in a blood test to determine the chance of having a baby with birth defects. PAPPA has been used in prenatal genetic screening and studies of atherosclerosis. Women with low blood levels of PAPPA at 8 to 14 weeks of gestation have an increased risk of intrauterine growth restriction, trisomy 21, premature delivery, preeclampsia, and stillbirth. PAPPA is present in unstable atherosclerotic plaques, and circulating levels are elevated in acute coronary syndromes which may reflect the instability of the plaques. PAPPA may be a marker of unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).
This test measures amount of phosphorus in blood. Phosphorus is essential for the metabolism of protein, calcium, and glucose. The body uses phosphorus in its combined forms, which are obtained from such nutritional sources as milk, cheese, meat, egg yolk, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. A nutritional deficiency of phosphorus can cause weight loss, anemia, and abnormal growth. Elemental white or yellow phosphorus is extremely poisonous and produces severe GI irritation. If ingested, it can produce hemorrhage, cardiovascular failure, and death. Chronic poisoning by phosphorus is characterized by anemia, cachexia, bronchitis, and necrosis of the mandible. Normal adult blood levels of phosphorus are 3 to 4.5 mg/dL or 0.97 to 1.45 mmol/L (SI units). Phosphorus tests are most often ordered along with other tests, such as those for calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and/or vitamin D, to help diagnose and/or monitor treatment of various conditions that cause calcium and phosphorus imbalances. Abnormal phosphorus levels indicates kidney, liver, and certain bone diseases .
A potassium test is used to measure the amount of potassium in your blood. It is used to detect concentrations that are too high (hyperkalemia) or too low (hypokalemia). High serum potassium (hyperkalemia) occurs at potassium levels above 5.0 mM; it is considered severe over 8.0 mM. Hyperkalemia is relatively uncommon, but sometimes occurs in patients with kidney failure who take potassium supplements. Hyperkalemia can result in abnormal beating of the heart (cardiac arrhythmias). Low serum potassium (hypokalemia) occurs when serum potassium falls below 3.0 mM. It can result from low dietary potassium, as during starvation or in patients with anorexia nervosa; from excessive losses via the kidneys, as caused by diuretic drugs; or by diseases of the adrenal or pituitary glands. Mild hypokalemia causes muscle weakness, while severe hypokalemia can cause paralysis, the inability to breathe, and cardiac arrhythmias.The most common cause of hyperkalemia is kidney disease. Hypokalemia can occur if someone has diarrhea and vomiting or if is sweating excessively. It is a part of electrolyte panel. This test is usually ordered together with other electrolytes to get the better picture of underlying disorder.
This test measures the level of PRO BNP ( B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal-pro-BNP (NT-pro-BNP))in the blood. BNP is a substance secreted from the ventricles or lower chambers of the heart in response to changes in pressure that occur when heart failure develops and worsens. The level of BNP in the blood increases when heart failure symptoms worsen, and decreases when the heart failure condition is stable. The BNP level in a person with heart failure – even someone whose condition is stable – is higher than in a person with normal heart function. Testing may be performed if a person has symptoms such as swelling in the legs (edema), difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and fatigue. It can be used, along with other cardiac biomarker tests, to detect heart stress and damage and/or along with lung function tests to distinguish between causes of shortness of breath. Chest X-rays and Echocardiography may also be performed.
The total protein test measures the total amount of proteins found in the fluid portion of your blood. Protein is the major source of building material for muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails, and the internal organs. It is necessary for the formation of many hormones, enzymes, and antibodies and may act as a source of energy. Rich dietary sources are meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, and cheese, which are classified as complete proteins because they contain the nine essential amino acids. Nuts and legumes, including navy beans, chickpeas, soybeans, and split peas, are also good sources but are incomplete proteins because they do not contain all the essential amino acids in adequate amounts. Proteins are necessary for your body’s growth, development, and health. Blood contains two classes of protein, albumin and globulin. Albumin proteins keep fluid from leaking out of blood vessels. Globulin proteins play an important role in your immune system. This test is often done to diagnose nutritional problems, kidney disease or liver disease. Elevated total protein indicates infection or inflammation (Such as Viral Hepatitis B or C, HIV) and low level is seen in Liver disorders, Kidney disorders and Malnutrition. It is a part of Liver Function Test. It is always advisable to go for complete profile, as level of each test in profile are considered while making decision on diagnosis as well as monitoring the treatment.
The quad screen (sometimes referred to as the quadruple screen, AFP4, or multiple marker) is a blood test that can tell you whether your baby is at an increased risk for certain problems. The conditions it screens for are Down syndrome and trisomy 18, which are chromosomal abnormalities, as well as neural tube defects, such as spina bifida. The quad screen is done in the second trimester, usually between 15 and 18 weeks of pregnancy. Ideally, the test should be performed in conjunction with first-trimester screening tests. This combination is known as integrated or sequential screening. But if you miss the opportunity to start your screening in the first trimester, the quad screen alone can still give you some good information. These screening tests help you assess your baby's chances of having certain genetic diseases and birth defects. The results can help you decide whether to have amniocentesis, an invasive diagnostic test, to find out for sure about your baby's condition.Screening tests tell you how likely it is that your baby has a condition, but only a diagnostic test like amniocentesis tells you whether your baby actually has the condition. While the quad screen carries no risk for the mom or baby, amniocentesis does have a small risk of miscarriage.
Rheumatoid factor is a blood test, commonly used for the diagnosis, screening and the progress of the autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome . Rheumatoid factors are proteins produced by your immune system that can attack healthy tissue in your body. High levels of rheumatoid factor in the blood are most often associated with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome. But rheumatoid factor may be detected in some healthy people, and people with autoimmune diseases sometimes have normal levels of rheumatoid factor.