Why get tested? Repeated use of cocaine prevents full detoxification and increases the risk of accumulation of residuals of cocaine. This effect can result from prolonged intake of cocaine and taking a large quantity of substance in a short time. What is being tested? Drug tests such as the cocaine test are generally performed on blood specimens as they detect metabolites of cocaine for the shortest time duration and are also less expensive than the other testing methods that require specialized equipment. Preparation needed? No Fasting required? No
Why get tested? CBC tests comprehensively analyze blood specimens and it is used for diagnosing several health abnormalities and disorders such as anemia. Moreover, it also helps analyze the side effects of the medications. What is being tested? The CBC tests measure red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood specimens. Preparation needed? No Fasting required? No
Why get tested? CMP test (comprehensive metabolic panel) checks different aspects of health by making 14 vital measurements. The CMP tests analyze nutrient levels, kidney function, and liver function. What is being tested? The CMP panel makes a diagnosis by making 14 different types of measurements. The protein tests comprise the albumin test and the total protein test. The electrolytes panel has tests for sodium, potassium, and bicarbonates. Preparation needed? The CMP tests do not require specific preparation. But before the test, it is necessary to inform the doctor about the intake of any prescription or non-prescription medicines or supplements as certain medicines may alter the results of the tests. Fasting required? No
Why get tested? The Creatine Kinase test is used to diagnose several disease conditions such as heart attack and disorders due to muscle damage. Moreover, the CK blood test is specifically used to identify a second or subsequent cardiac attack. The primary tests for detecting heart attack are troponin T and I – markers, as these are also very relevant to the cardiac tissue. However, the creatine kinase test is used for detecting any subsequent heart attacks. What is being tested? Creatine kinase test helps diagnose damage to skeletal muscle as the quantity of the creatine kinase enzyme increase in such a situation. Creatine Kinase is an enzyme. It is found in skeletal muscle, the brain, the heart, as well as other tissues. It acts as a catalyst in the process of transforming phosphocreatine. Phosphocreatine stores energy to regenerate the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecule. It also converts ATP to ADP. Preparation needed? Limit exercise and strenuous activities before the CK test as muscle strain can temporarily increase the CK levels in the blood. Fasting required? No
Why get tested? The D-Dimer test measures the amount of D-Dimer protein in the body. This protein forms when a clot of blood dissolves in the body. Hence, the D-Dimer test helps to diagnose many types of blood clotting disorders. A blood clot disorder causes the clot to form in the absence of an injury or stops it from dissolving in the blood when it should. What is being tested? The main component of the blood clot is the fibrin protein, which links with each other to form a net of fibrin. The fibrin and platelets then keep the blood clot fixed on the site of the wound until it recovers. The clot formed on the wound is called thrombosis. Once the injured area heals, the plasmin enzyme starts to break the thrombus into small fragments. These fragments of the thrombin are called fibrin degradation products (FDP). FDP consists of different sizes of fragments of crosslinked fibrin. One of these fragments of thrombin is called D-Dimer which is a protein in nature. The amount of the D-dimer increases markedly when there is a notable breakdown and formation of the clots of fibrin in the body. Preparation needed? No Fasting Required? No
Why get tested? DHEA is a useful hormone in the body and it serves to synthesize further hormones in men and women. Excessive DHEA-S is harmful for women’s health and it may cause PCOS. High DHEA-S levels appear in Cushing’s disease and cancer, whereas DHEA-S levels are low in the situation of diabetes, dementia, Addision’s disease, cardiovascular disease, AIDS, and lupus. What is being tested? DHEA-S hormone is synthesized by the adrenal glands and its cortex region is the part involved in the process. It is an androgen (male hormone) but it has to be present in a certain quantity in females too. Preparation needed? Before getting the DHEA-S test, you need to inform the healthcare practitioner if you consume any of these drugs. Specific antidiabetic drugs also tend to raise DHEA-S levels. These include prolactin, nicotine, calcium channel blockers, and danazol. Antidiabetic medications and athletic performance drugs also consist of DHEA. A specific preparation is not required for the DHEA-S test. Fasting required? No
Why get tested? The misuse of the ecstasy drug is harmful to health as its general doses cause side effects such as high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, hyperactivity, agitation, and nausea. In certain cases, it may cause dangerously high increases in heart rate and blood pressure. What is being tested? This test generally screens urine samples to check for the presence of ecstasy drugs. Preparation needed? No, there is not any specific preparation necessary for the ecstasy drug test. However, it is necessary to inform the healthcare provider about the supplements, vitamins, herbs, and medicines that you take. Fasting required? No
Why get tested? The ferritin test is a measure of iron stored in the body. Iron deficiency makes an individual energy deficient and weak and such a condition is called anemia. Anemia is a deficiency of red blood cells in the body. Excess iron in the body can cause rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism, liver disease, or other inflammatory disease or autoimmune disorders. Certain types of cancer can also increase ferritin levels in the body. What is being tested? Ferritin is a protein found in the blood that contains iron. The ferritin test provides information about the quantity of iron stored in the body. The higher the concentration of iron found in blood, the more the quantity of iron stored in the body. Preparation needed? No Fasting required? No
Why get tested? The Faecal occult blood test (FOBT) is used to indicate polyps or cancer in the rectum or in the colon, however, not all polyps or cancers bleed. The FOBT test is used to diagnose several conditions that can impact the digestive tract. What is being tested? FOBT test checks for hidden blood in the stool samples. This test is performed on stool samples to diagnose bowel cancer and other disorders of the digestive system. Preparation needed? The FOBT test requires preparation as eating certain foods can affect diagnosis. These foods include all red meat, broccoli, carrots, beets, cauliflower, cantaloupe, grapefruits, cucumbers, radishes, mushrooms, turnips, and horseradish. These foods have to be avoided for two days before getting this test. Fasting required? No