Why get tested? The parathyroid test detects the reason for the imbalance in calcium levels. It analyzes the function of the thyroid gland; differentiates and diagnoses the difference between tertiary, secondary, and primary hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. This test is also used during the surgery for hyperparathyroidism to affirm the removal of the problem-causing gland(s). What is being tested? Parathyroid hormone is also called parathormone and intact PTH. Parathyroid glands maintain calcium by releasing the parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream. PTH levels depend on the amount of calcium in the body. A low concentration of calcium in the blood serum increases the PTH hormone secretion, whereas high calcium in the blood reduces the release of the PTH. Preparation needed? A specific preparation is generally not required for the PTH test but consult with your healthcare provider about whether you stop taking any medications or supplements before the test. Fasting required? It can be required to not drink or eat before specimen collection for the PTH test or to have it at a certain time of day.
Why get tested? Phosphorus is an important mineral in the body, vital to maintaining strong teeth and bones. It is also very significant for muscle contraction and signaling between the nerve cells. It is necessary for energy production in the body. Moreover, this mineral has the role of buffer in the body, which means, it maintains the balance of acids and bases in the body. The phosphates and calcium combination makes the teeth and bones. A lesser amount of phosphorus is present in the nerve and muscle tissue too. Phosphorus stores energy in the cells across the body. It works with calcium in the body to keep bones and teeth strong. Abnormal levels of phosphorus can cause bone, liver, and kidney diseases. Excess phosphorus can lead to osteoporosis or cardiovascular diseases. What is being tested? Phosphorus is one of the essential minerals that mix with other compounds to form inorganic and organic phosphate products. The terms phosphate and phosphorus are often used interchangeably to discuss this test. However, it is the level of inorganic phosphate present in the blood that the serum phosphorus/phosphate test measures. Phosphates are very important in the process of energy production, bone growth, nerve, and muscle function. Preparation needed? Overnight fasting is required for this test. Consult with the doctor about any prescription medicines, supplements, and non-prescription medicines that you take before getting the phosphorus test. Fasting required? Yes
Why get tested? A high potassium level is called hyperkalemia, and a low potassium level is referred to as hypokalemia. Even a slight change in blood potassium levels could result in significant harm to health. The potassium test is often a part of the routine health exam, basic metabolic panel, or electrolyte panel. There are certain significant symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance: disturbances in the rhythm of the heart, seizures, weakness, and twitching. The risk of suffering from electrolyte imbalance increases with age. Several factors could affect the balance of electrolytes in the body. For instance, water levels, along with other factors, affect the electrolyte balance too. Thus, you could lose crucial electrolytes while doing exercise. Moreover, vomiting or diarrhea may also result in loss of electrolytes and fluids. The concentration of electrolytes in the body is maintained by the kidneys, along with other hormones. If the quantity of a substance surges beyond the normal level, then the kidney filters it out through urine. Moreover, different hormones have a role in maintaining the balance of electrolytes in the body. What is being tested? Potassium is an electrolyte that has a main role in nerve and muscle function. An electrolyte could dissolve in water and conduct electricity too upon dissolving in water. These substances are essential for many functions in the body. The potassium test is a part of the basic metabolic panel. These chemical tests are performed on blood serum. There can be several reasons to get a potassium test. A potassium test checks the imbalance of electrolytes. It also monitors certain medicines that can affect the levels of potassium. For instance, medications for heart disease, high blood pressure, and diuretics could affect potassium levels. Thus, if you take medications for these diseases, then they can impact your potassium levels. Preparation needed A specific preparation is not required for the potassium test or for tests in the electrolyte panel. Consult a doctor to know which medicines you must not take before getting the serum potassium lab test. Fasting required? No
Why get tested? Progesterone test diagnoses the reasons for infertility. It also diagnoses a failing or ectopic pregnancy. It helps monitor health during pregnancy. Moreover, it analyzes the replacement therapy for progesterone hormone. It also helps to know the reason for irregular uterine bleeding. What is being tested? Progesterone is a steroid hormone. The corpus luteum synthesizes the progesterone hormone. Preparation needed? A specific preparation is not required for the progesterone test. But consult with the healthcare provider to know if you have to stop taking any medications before specimen collection for the progesterone test. Fasting required? No
Why get tested? The prolactin levels test is very frequently used to detect a prolactinoma tumor. This test also finds out the reason for infertility. The primary function of the prolactin hormone is lactation. During pregnancy and just after the birth of the child, the prolactin levels generally increase. The pituitary gland produces the prolactin hormone. Women, men as well as infants may have abnormal prolactin level condition This lab test identifies lactation problems. It also detects if you have an abnormality in the pituitary gland. Abnormal prolactin levels may also result from an active disease condition. This test uses the immunoassay method and blood samples. This test detects prolactinoma tumors, infertility, hyperprolactinemia, and hypogonadism. What is being tested? The prolactin test’s purpose is to check the prolactin hormone quantity in the blood specimen and help diagnose conditions that cause abnormal levels of the prolactin hormone. Prolactin (PRL) is a significant hormone in the body that has many functions. Preparation needed? Sleep problems and high-stress levels can affect the results of the PRL test. Moreover, liver and kidney disease raise the PRL level. Indulging in heavy exercise also influences the results of this test. Also, you must avoid consuming alcohol for 24 hours before submitting the blood sample. It is also recommended to submit the sample in 3 to 4 hours after waking up, preferably before noon, as the prolactin level is generally more during the evening because of the circadian rhythm. If you need to take a blood sample from an infant for testing, the lab worker guides you about its specific preparation and process. In newborns, a blood sample is taken from the umbilical cord. This test uses the immunoassay methodology. Immunoassay is a systematic method in medical diagnostic testing to measure or detect particular substances or proteins by analyzing their unique antibodies or antigens. Fasting required? The prolactin test may require fasting overnight before specimen submission.
Why get tested? PT/INR test (prothrombin time/international normalized ratio measures the time duration of clotting of blood in a blood sample. INR is a calculation performed on the results of the PT test. Disorders of the coagulation system can harm any part such as the legs, arms, brain, and abdomen. The main types of coagulation problems are as follows: Liver disease Vitamin K deficiency Disseminated intravascular coagulation Synthesis of circulating anticoagulants What is being tested? PT/INR test (prothrombin time/international normalized ratio measures the time duration of clotting of blood in a blood sample. INR is a calculation performed on the results of the PT test. The liver synthesizes the prothrombin protein. This hormone is one of the many substances which are collectively called clotting factors. Blood clotting is necessary for the healing of wounds. Preparation needed? No Fasting required? No
Why get tested? The RA factor test is used for diagnosing autoimmune disorders such as arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory and autoimmune disorder, that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the healthy cells in the body. This results in inflammation or painful swelling in the affected regions of the body. Mainly RA attacks the joints. Commonly, RA attacks many joints at the same time. Moreover, it may also affect the knees, wrists, eyes, heart, lungs, and hands. It causes inflammation in the joint’s lining, which damages the joint’s tissue. The damaged tissue causes chronic or long-lasting pain, deformity, and lack of balance or unsteadiness. What is being tested? An RA factor test determines the number of rheumatoid factors in the blood. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factors are proteins synthesized by the immune system. Generally, the immune system stops disease-causing agents such as bacteria and viruses, however, a disorder of the immune system can also make it attack healthy tissues and organs in the body. The most common reasons for high quantities of RA factor in blood specimens are autoimmune disorders, especially rheumatoid arthritis. Preparation needed? No Fasting required? No