Why get tested? FSH and LH tests are helpful for infertility treatment and it is also useful for diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women. Certain disorders of the pituitary gland can also cause low secretion of FSH. High quantities of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) affect ovaries and increase the risk of ovarian failure. High FSH and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels can be due to ovary health problems and ovarian failure. One of the main reasons for ovarian failure is the lack of development of ovaries. What is being tested?FSH and LH tests measure the quantities of the LH and FSH hormones in the body. These hormones are collectively called gonadotropins as they function in the gonads, as well as other roles in the body. The FSH and LH hormones often work together with each other to perform several functions in the body. This is the reason the FSH test is often prescribed along with the luteinizing hormone test (LH test). Preparation needed?NoFasting required?No
Read moreWhy get tested? Gonorrhea test diagnosis gonorrhea STD infection. Either a swab from the infection site or urine samples are used for diagnosing the infection. The infection can affect the rectum, mouth, cervix, and urethra. A gonorrhea test is often prescribed along with the chlamydia test. This disease can also affect pregnant women as the infection can transfer from the mother to the newborn. It is necessary to get the gonorrhea test as gonorrhea is often an asymptomatic infection and many individuals have it without knowing about it. Many of its symptoms are the same as chlamydia. Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection in the body that can be prevented with antibiotics. Untreated gonorrhea can cause infertility and other severe health problems. It is one of the reasons for ectopic pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease in women. Untreated ectopic pregnancy can get harmful for the mother as it causes the baby to develop outside the uterus where it cannot survive. What is being tested? Samples are taken from the area of infection with a swab. Urine samples are also used for diagnosing the infection. Other STD tests also often take place along with the gonorrhea test such as the tests for HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia. Preparation needed? No Fasting required? No
Why get tested?H. pylori is a bacterial infection that may cause diseases in the digestive system. About 20% of the individuals having this infection also get its symptoms. This means H. pylori breath infection can stay asymptomatic.The H. pylori test is very accurate in diagnosing an H. pylori infection. Almost all people who get an H. pylori infection get the correct diagnosis in the H. pylori breath test. What is being tested?H. pylori breath test diagnosis bacterial infection as the H. pylori disease is caused by a bacterium. This bacteria is called Helicobacter pylori. These germs enter the body and reside inside the digestive tract. The disease does not manifest immediately. It may take years to cause ulcers and sores in the stomach lining or in the upper region of the small intestine. In some individuals, this disease can even cause stomach cancer. The common situations in which it gets important to get an H. pylori test are:Ulcer in the duodenum or stomach.It finds out any H. pylori infectious bacteria in the digestive tract.Many problems can give rise to a disorder in the digestive system. An H. pylori blood test finds out if those symptoms in the digestive system are caused by an H. pylori infection. Past infection with an ulcer in the duodenum or stomach, but without a diagnosis of H. pylori infection.After H. pylori infection treatment, ensure there are no bacteria present anymore.The need for an H. pylori test is also inevitable because many symptoms are common in ulcers and gastritis. Pylori testing distinguishes whether a patient has an ulcer problem or gastritis. Preparation needed?Consult with a doctor before getting this test and tell them about any medications or supplements that you take to know whether they may interfere with the results of the H. pylori breath test.Fasting required?No
Why get tested? The HbA1c test measures the quantity of glucose attached to the hemoglobin molecule in the blood. Hemoglobin is a component of red blood cells (RBCs) and glucose molecules are also attached to it. This test is recommended for patients who have recognizable symptoms of diabetes. It provides a reasonable measure of the extent of control of diabetes. A blood glucose test can diagnose type 1 diabetes, the hemoglobin a1c lab test can validate the results of the type 1 diabetes diagnostic test. High cholesterol increases HbA1c levels. What is being tested? HbA1c stands for hemoglobin A1c. Hemoglobin molecules present in the blood transport oxygenated blood across the body. Preparation needed? No Fasting required? No
Why get tested? A hepatic panel checks the functioning of the liver. The liver is involved in the synthesis, metabolism, and excretion of several compounds such as bilirubin, albumin, total protein, and enzymes. A common sign of liver problems is stool containing blood What is being tested? The hepatic panel measures the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin levels. Liver function blood tests take place with the physical examination in which the physician checks if there is any pain, tenderness, or swelling of the liver. The doctor also checks for any yellow discoloration of the skin, and eyes as these are the main signs of liver problems. Preparation needed? No Fasting required? The results of the hepatic panel are more accurate when it is performed after fasting.
Why get tested? A hepatic panel checks the functioning of the liver. The liver is involved in the synthesis, metabolism, and excretion of several compounds such as bilirubin, albumin, total protein, and enzymes. A common sign of liver problems is stool containing blood What is being tested? The hepatic panel measures the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin levels. Liver function blood tests take place with the physical examination in which the physician checks if there is any pain, tenderness, or swelling of the liver. The doctor also checks for any yellow discoloration of the skin, and eyes as these are the main signs of liver problems. Preparation needed? No Fasting required? The results of the hepatic panel are more accurate when it is performed after fasting.
Read moreWhy get tested?Different viruses cause hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections and they are harmful to liver health. Hepatitis infections can also be asymptomatic so hepatitis B and C tests are a frequent method for diagnosis. Children and infants are more prone to developing long-lasting hepatitis B infections. Hep B and C testing uses blood samples and also provides information about whether the infection is chronic or acute. Moreover, hepatitis B and C tests also determine the state of immunity of an individual against these infections. Hepatitis B and C tests are often prescribed to pregnant women as these infections may transfer to the unborn child.What is being tested?Hepatitis B and C are contagious viral infections that affect the liver.Hepatitis B is generally more contagious and virulent than hepatitis C infection. The more prevalent infection is also hepatitis B and it leads to more liver cancer cases than hepatitis C. More complications of the liver also occur in individuals with hepatitis B compared to those having other types of hepatitis infections. The Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes hepatitis C infection. The main cause of hepatitis C is sharing of equipment and needles and other drug-injecting equipment. Hepatitis C infection becomes a chronic infection for more than half of the patients. Long-term hepatitis C can cause chronic health problems such as liver cancer and cirrhosis. Who should get hepatitis B and C Tests?In addition to people having signs of hepatitis infection, the following individuals must also get Hep B and C testing:Unvaccinated adultsHealthcare workers who treat hepatitis patientsPregnant women must get hepatitis tests as these infections can pass on to the infant during deliveryHealthcare practitioners prescribe hepatitis B screening for individuals having specific medical conditions treated through immunosuppressive medications. These treatments can make dormant hepatitis B active again. Moreover, individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, or rheumatoid arthritis need to get hepatitis B tests before taking immunosuppressive medications. Hepatitis C testing is also necessary for the following individuals:Those having HIV infectionThose who have had abnormal results from blood tests for liver enzymesLiver disease patientsPregnant women having symptoms of HCV infectionUsers of intravenous drugsPeople with long-term dialysis treatmentPreparation needed?A specific preparation is not required before getting the hepatitis B and C tests.Fasting required?No
Why get tested?The hs-CRP test detects low quantities of C-reactive protein. Measuring the levels of hs-CRP protein provides information about general inflammation levels in the body. The hs-CRP test analyzes the risk of stroke and heart disease in patients who do not already have them. What is being tested?C-reactive protein is synthesized by the liver. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in the blood increase with infection, inflammation, and after a trauma, surgery, or a heart attack.Preparation needed?The hs-CRP test does not require specific preparation unless a doctor instructs about them. Moreover, the hs-CRP test only takes a few minutes and is performed on a blood sample. As the hs-CRP test is performed on a blood sample, it has a very low risk of side effects. Fasting required?Fasting for about 9 to 13 hours is recommended before submitting a blood sample for this test, as the lipid panel may also take place along with it.
Why get tested? High homocysteine levels are signs of health problems like heart disease, vitamin deficiency, or a genetic disorder. What is being tested? Homocysteine is a type of chemical; an amino acid used to synthesize protein in the body. Amino acids are the building blocks of the proteins in the body. Generally, folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 cause the chemical breakdown of the homocysteine, and the resulting chemicals are utilized in the body. This means, usually, the blood carries a minimal amount of the original homocysteine protein. Conversely, high homocysteine levels are signs of health problems like heart disease, vitamin deficiency, or a genetic disorder. Preparation needed? You must not eat or drink anything for 8 to 12 hours before having the homocysteine test. Fasting required? Yes