A sputum culture is done to find and identify the microorganism causing an infection of the lower respiratory tract such as pneumonia (an infection of the lung). If a microorganism is found, more testing is done to determine which antibiotics will be effective in treating the infection. Sputum is material coughed up from the lungs and expectorated (spit out) through the mouth. A person with a fever and a continuing cough that produces pus-like material and/or blood may have an infection of the lower respiratory tract. Infections of the lungs and bronchial tubes are caused by several types of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi (molds and yeast), and viruses. A chest x ray provides visual evidence of an infection; a culture can grow the microorganism causing the infection. The microorganism is grown in the laboratory so it can be identified, and tested for its response to medications, such as antifungals and antibiotics.
Uric acid tests are tests that are done to measure the levels of uric acid in blood serum or in urine. The uric acid tests are used to evaluate the blood levels of uric acid for gout and to assess uric acid levels in the urine for kidney stone formation. The urine test is used most often to monitor patients already diagnosed with kidney stones, but it can also be used to detect disorders that affect the body's production of uric acid and to help measure the level of kidney functioning. Uric acid is a waste product that results from the breakdown of purine, a nucleic acid. (Nucleic acids are the building blocks of DNA.) Uric acid is made in the liver and excreted by the kidneys. If the liver produces too much uric acid or the kidneys excrete too little, the patient will have too much uric acid in the blood. This condition is called hyperuricemia. Supersaturated uric acid in the urine (uricosuria) can crystallize to form kidney stones that may block the tubes that lead from the kidneys to the bladder (the ureters).
The Vitamin A test measures the level of vitamin A in the blood. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that promotes normal vision, contributes to growth of bone, teeth, and soft tissues and helps maintain skin and mucous membranes. Vitamin A testing is used to help diagnose vitamin A deficiency in people with symptoms, such as night blindness, or in people with diseases that impair intestinal absorption of nutrients. It may also be used to detect toxic levels caused by ingestion of large amounts of vitamin A.
This test measures the level of Vitamin D3 in blood. Vitamin D deficiency leads to bone malformation, softness or fracture of the bone and abnormal levels of calcium. 25- OH vitamin D3 test is carried out to determine vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D supplementation level. Vitamin D exists in two forms in the blood, 25- hydroxyl D [25(OH) D] and 1, 25-dihydroxy vitamin D [1, 25 (OH) (2) D]. 25- Hydroxy vitamin D is the major form of the hormone found in the blood and is vital for the growth and health of the bone. Without it bones turn soft resulting in various diseases such as rickets and osteomalacia. It also regulates the absorption of calcium, phosphorus, and to a lesser extent, magnesium.
This test measures the amount of vitamin E in blood. Deficiency of vitamin E may cause extensive neuropathy in young children and, in addition, is suspect as a possible cause of motor and sensory neuropathy in older children and in adults. One likely cause of vitamin E deficiency is intestinal malabsorption, resulting from bowel disease, pancreatic disease, or chronic cholestasis. Other causes of malabsorption of vitamin E include celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and intestinal lymphangiectasia.
This test measures the amount of vitamin K in blood. Vitamin K is a group of fat-soluble vitamins essential for the functioning of several proteins involved in blood clotting. Insufficient vitamin K can lead to excessive bleeding and easy bruising. Vitamin K is also involved in maintaining healthy bones by assisting in the transportation of calcium from the blood to the bone. Without sufficient amounts of vitamin K, calcium can build up on the arterial wall resulting in vascular and cardiovascular problems. Vitamin K is also thought to play an important role in the prevention of bone loss. Low blood levels of vitamin K have been associated with low bone density, and maintaining adequate levels of vitamin K can improve bone health while reducing the risk of fractures. Sources-Vitamin K is found in green leafy vegetables and oils, such as olive, cotton seed, and soya bean. Other foods rich in vitamin K are green peas and beans, spinach, oats and whole wheat. Vitamin K is also synthesised by colonic bacteria
VLDL stands for very low density lipoprotein. Very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) may be reported as part of a lipid profile, a group of tests that are often ordered together to determine risk of coronary heart disease and an important part of cardiac risk assessments. Increased levels of VLDL-C are thought to reflect the presence of particles called lipoprotein remnants that are intermediate particles on the pathway of conversion of VLDL to LDL. When high levels of VLDL are present, the conversion of VLDL to LDL is slowed and the accumulation of intermediate particles is thought to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
The test for acetaminophen is used to measure the level of drug in the blood in order to establish a diagnosis of overdosage and to assess the risk of liver damage. Acetaminophen is used to relieve many kinds of minor aches and pains—headaches, muscle aches, backaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and the aches and pains that often accompany colds.
This test detects the presence of amphetamine in your urine. The term "amphetamines" is often used broadly to represent the artificial classes of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants - including amphetamine, methamphetamine, the designer drugs MDMA (ecstasy) and MDA, and other designer drugs. This group of drugs resulting in elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and other metabolic functions. Amphetamines are used in the treatment of certain neurological conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. The drugs are highly addictive and are sometimes abused.
This test measures the amount of barbiturates in blood. It is used to help monitor barbiturate blood levels during treatment or if an overdose is suspected. Barbiturates are central nervous system depressant. Any of a group of drugs that act as depressants of the central nervous system, are highly addictive, and are used primarily as sedatives and anticonvulsants. Phenobarbital and pentobarbital are examples of barbiturates.
This is a urine test to screen for a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants. Benzodiazepines are used as antianxiety agents, muscle relaxants, sedatives, hypnotics, and sometimes as anticonvulsants.
This test measures the level of by-products of cannabis (marijuana) in urine. It is used to screen for marijuana exposure and abuse. Cannabinoids (e.g., THC and CBD) are the chemical compounds secreted by cannabis flowers that provide relief to symptoms including pain, nausea, and inflammation.
The carbamazepine test is used to measure and monitor the amount of carbamazepine in the blood to determine whether the level of drug is within the therapeutic range. Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant. It works by decreasing nerve impulses that cause seizures and pain. Carbamazepine is used to treat seizures and nerve pain such as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder.
Phenytoin test done to determine the phenytoin concentration in the blood, to maintain a therapeutic level, and to detect potential for toxicity. Phenytoin is used to control seizures and to treat seizures that may begin during or after surgery to the brain or nervous system. Phenytoin is an antiepileptic drug and is used to treat some seizure disorders also called epilepsy .Seizure disorders affect the brain's ability to transmit electrical impulses and to regulate nerve activity. Seizures are abnormal electrical discharges in the brain that temporarily disrupt the normal transmission of messages to the body. They produce alterations in consciousness, cause odd rhythmic or repetitive movements, jerking or twitching of limbs, and/or can lead to convulsions (a sudden uncontrollable attack) that contract muscles throughout the body.