Why get tested? The testosterone-free test measures the levels of unattached testosterone hormones in blood samples. The free testosterone levels can gradually decrease with age, or they may turn low because of health problems. Low testosterone condition is also termed hypogonadism. Such a condition may cause the patient to experience the following symptoms: Loss of muscle mass and strength Reduced body hair Increased body fat. What is being tested? The testosterone hormone has several essential functions in the body. In males, the testosterone hormone regulates bone mass, muscle mass, fertility, fat distribution, as well as the synthesis of red blood cells in the body. Moreover, a small quantity of circulating testosterone in the system is converted to estradiol, which is a type of estrogen. Preparation needed? You can be asked to stop eating by midnight and only have sips of water in the morning before getting the testosterone-free test in the morning. Also, consult with the doctor about the medicines you take before getting the testosterone free test. Fasting required? It can be required to fast before getting the testosterone-free test.
Why get tested? Testosterone total test helps in the diagnosis of hypogonadism and PCOS. What is being tested? Two types of testosterone hormone are present in the body. Most of the testosterone in the body is total testosterone. The form of testosterone that is not bound to proteins is called free testosterone. Testosterone total test measures free as well as attached testosterone in the body. Preparation needed? Moreover, you have to inform the doctor about any herbal remedies or drugs that you take as certain medications can impact the results of your test. Fasting required? The healthcare practitioner may also ask you to not eat by midnight and then only take a few water sips in the morning before getting the test.
Why get tested? The thyroid panel consists of tests to analyze the functioning of the thyroid gland which is one of the main glands in the body that controls several functions. The thyroid gland in the body synthesizes hormones that are necessary for many functions in the body. The thyroid panel diagnoses the main disorders of the thyroid gland: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Moreover, the thyroid function panel is used to determine the effectiveness of levothyroxine therapy. This therapy supplements or replaces thyroid hormones that are absent or reduced because of hypothyroidism, goiters, thyroid nodules, or thyroid cancer. What is being tested? The standard thyroid panel measures the following three hormones: Total T3 (triiodothyronine) or Free T3 Free T4 (thyroxine) TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) Preparation needed? Before having the thyroid panel, make sure to discuss with the healthcare practitioner any over-the-counter or prescription medications that you take. The tests have to take place before taking any dose of thyroid hormones for the treatment of thyroid diseases. However, no further preparation is necessary for the thyroid panel. Fasting required? No
Why get tested? Iron is one of the necessary minerals as hemoglobin cannot be synthesized without it. This test can also be helpful for diagnosing chronic liver problems as these problems affect the synthesis of key compounds by the liver which is necessary for iron metabolism, causing an excess of non-transferrin-bound iron in the blood. What is being tested? The TIBC test is to check the levels of iron in blood samples. This test gauges the excess or deficiency of iron by analyzing how well the transferrin protein carries it across the body. It is generally prescribed by the doctor to determine medical conditions that can abnormally raise iron levels. Preparation needed? It is required not to drink or eat anything for at least 8 hours before getting the TIBC test. Fasting required? Yes, it is required to not drink or eat anything for at least 8 hours before getting the TIBC test.
Why get tested? Electrolyte panel checks if the electrolytes are present in the correct proportion in the body. An imbalance of electrolytes can result from disease conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, kidney diseases, muscle fatigue, blood clotting disorders, and diabetes. What is being tested? The electrolyte panel is also a part of the basic metabolic panel. It tests for multiple elements such as calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, and carbon dioxide or bicarbonates. These substances are called electrolytes. A correct proportion of electrolytes in the body is essential for many functions. Preparation needed? No Fasting required? No
Why get tested? Estradiol test helps the doctor to determine the time for the onset of menopause and its stage. It helps diagnose reasons for osteoporosis. Moreover, it is useful for finding reasons for ovarian tumors, and infertility. What is being tested? The estradiol hormone is among the 4 kinds of estrogen synthesized by the ovaries. The testes, placenta, adrenal gland, and certain tissues also synthesize this hormone in small quantities. Estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3) are the two types of female hormones called estrogen, which is also called estrogen. These estrogen types are steroid hormones occurring naturally in the body. Moreover, E2 and E3 hormones are used to carry out hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause. Preparation needed? No Fasting required? No
Why get tested? Iron, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiency are characteristic symptoms of anemia. A deficiency of folate is harmful during pregnancy. What is being tested? Folate is different from folic acid. A folic acid is a synthetic form of folate. Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 and is more healthy than folic acid. Folate quickly absorbs in the body by readily converting into an active form of vitamin B9 inside the gut, and it is utilized for several metabolic purposes. Preparation needed? It is required to not consume any liquid or food for 6 to 8 hours before having the folate blood test. The most feasible option for having the folate test is to fast during the night and get the test in the morning. Fasting required? Yes
Why get tested? Testosterone total test helps in the diagnosis of hypogonadism and PCOS. What is being tested? Two types of testosterone hormone are present in the body. Most of the testosterone in the body is total testosterone. The form of testosterone that is not bound to proteins is called free testosterone. Testosterone total test measures free as well as attached testosterone in the body. Preparation needed? Moreover, you have to inform the doctor about any herbal remedies or drugs that you take as certain medications can impact the results of your test. Fasting required? The healthcare practitioner may also ask you to not eat by midnight and then only take a few water sips in the morning before getting the test.
Why get tested? The total T3 test is a comprehensive test that provides information about the health of the thyroid gland. T3 tests help diagnose hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism health conditions. What is being tested? The triiodothyronine hormone is directly synthesized by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is present near the throat and it makes two main hormones. One of them is the T3 hormone and the other is the T4 hormone or thyroxine. T4 and T3 hormones work in conjunction with each other for regulating the utilization of energy in the body. Preparation needed? Consult with the healthcare practitioner to know if you have to stop taking any medications or supplements before getting the total T3 test. Fasting required? No