Why get tested? The signs of the trichomoniasis STD infection widely differ, however, most individuals infected with this parasite are unable to identify it without having the trichomoniasis lab test. According to CDC, it infects 1 in every 5 individuals again after 3 months of their treatment. Moreover, the signs of this infection are similar to those of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and bacterial vaginosis, hence, it would still be necessary to get other STD tests in case of a negative diagnosis in the trichomoniasis test. Unlike syphilis, trichomoniasis does not remain asymptomatic for many years, however, in some women, the signs of infection may not show for about 28 days after infection. But the symptoms of trichomoniasis may occur immediately. Trichomoniasis is often an asymptomatic infection as its symptoms do not appear in as many as 30% of the infected individuals. Trichomoniasis can cause preterm delivery/premature birth, that is early birth of a baby. It is likely that the newborn of an infected mother has a low birth weight that measures less than 5.5 pounds. What is being tested? Trichomoniasis is caused by a parasitic protozoan. Trich increases the risk of spreading or getting other STDs. For instance, it significantly increases the risk of spreading HIV infection. Preparation needed? No Fasting required? No
Why get tested? The TSH test helps diagnose hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism which are among the most common thyroid gland disorders. What is being tested? TSH test measures the TSH hormone levels in a blood sample. This hormone is secreted by a gland present below the brain region called the pituitary gland. The function of the TSH hormone is to regulate the activity of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland secretes important hormones and pours them into the bloodstream. The two essential hormones produced by the thyroid gland are thyroxine and triiodothyronine. The thyroid gland synthesizes the TSH hormone, hence the TSH test analysis the activity of the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, the storage, and the release of energy within the body. TSH affects weight gain or weight loss as it impacts the burning of calories & metabolism in the body. It also affects brain & bone development as well as the digestive function in the body. TSH levels regulate the body temperature, increasing and decreasing it. TSH affects the cholesterol level, rate of heartbeat, and blood pressure. An excess of thyroid hormone in the body increases heart rate. Thus, an increase in heartbeat is one of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Preparation needed? No Fasting required? No. But fasting can be required if the healthcare provider has prescribed other blood tests along with the TSH test.
Why get tested? The main health problems that the uric acid test diagnoses are gout and kidney stones. Uric acid tests show abnormal results if the body synthesizes excessive uric acid or does not release it sufficiently into the urine. If uric acid does not pass into the urine, then it forms crystals in the joints. This condition is called gout. Gout causes inflammation and pain in and adjacent to the joints and it is a type of arthritis. Kidney failure and kidney stones cause high uric acid levels in urine. What is being tested? The uric acid test measures the uric acid waste product in the urine or blood samples. The breakdown of purine chemicals in the body forms uric acid. Many foods as well as cells in the body contain purines. Only a small part of uric acid in the body dissolves in the blood and most of it moves to the kidneys which then pour into the urine. Preparation needed? No Fasting required? No
Why get tested? Urinalysis test analyzes a sample of urine to detect any infections, particularly urinary tract infections, metabolic diseases, diabetes, kidney, or liver problems. This test diagnoses intense infections in their preliminary stages. The other name for urinalysis is the urine test. This test is a part of the regular health examination as it could diagnose several diseases in their early stages. Urinalysis is commonly used to diagnose UTIs and it also helps in the diagnosis of kidney stones, diabetes, hypertension, as well as certain other liver or kidney diseases. If you have any symptoms of back pain, abdominal pain, blood in the urine, or painful or frequent urination, then you should get the urinalysis test. The urinalysis test is also a part of pregnancy check-ups, pre-surgical work-up, and health examinations. What is being tested? Urinalysis checks urine specimens. Urine contains byproducts of abnormal and normal metabolism, cellular fragments, bacteria, and cells. It consists of inorganic salts, urea, water, ammonia, pigmented products, and creatinine. Pigments form upon the breakdown of blood. The yellowish color of urine is because of the urochrome pigment. The normal color of urine ranges in color from pale light yellow to strong amber color. The most dominant component of urine is urea. Kidneys take up the urea from the blood and transfer it to the urine. Thus, the purpose of urea is to excrete the excess nitrogenous products and nitrogen from the body. Preparation needed? You do not need to fast or stop drinking water before submitting a sample for the urinalysis test. However, you must consult with the physicians for any further instructions. Certain medications and supplements could affect the results of urinalysis so you must consult with the physician before having this test. It is required to be fully hydrated before taking the urinalysis test, but drinking water excessively can lead to inaccurate results. It is enough to drink 2 glasses of water before getting this diagnostic test. Fasting required? No
Why get tested? A urine culture test is used for detecting germs in the urine for diagnosing urinary tract infections (UTIs). The purpose of the urine culture test is to determine the type of bacteria that has caused the urinary tract infection(s) so it is prescribed after the urinalysis test. What is being tested? The urinary tract consists of tubes, bladder, ureters, and urethra that contain urine. The infection generally starts in the urethra or bladder and can spread to any part of the urinary system. In more severe cases, the urinary tract infection (UTI) causes belly pain or fever. Preparation needed? Make sure that you have an empty stomach only filled with water and drink 3 to 4 glasses of water before taking the urine culture test. Fasting required? No
Why get tested? The Vitamin B-12 test has various purposes such as maintaining the health of the blood cells and nerve tissues. It also helps to synthesize the DNA, which is the genetic material. Moreover, this vitamin also prevents megaloblastic anemia. It has an essential function in the myelination and development of the central nervous system. This vitamin is essential for the catabolic and anabolic processes in the body. Moreover, it has a critical role in cell division and replication events that include tissue expansions and hematopoiesis. What is being tested? Vitamin B-12 test helps diagnose megaloblastic anemia which leads to extra-large red blood cells in the system and low hemoglobin levels in the body. Preparation needed? Vitamin B-12 test could interfere with the biotin supplement which is also called coenzyme R, vitamin H, or vitamin B7. Individuals who take high doses of the biotin supplement need to stop taking it for at least 72 hours before the sample collection for the vitamin B12 test. Fasting required? It is required to not eat or drink, except water, for at least 6 to 8 hours before taking the vitamin B12 test.
Why get tested? Vitamin D test tests measure vitamin D deficiency in blood serum. This test is also relevant if you are taking any vitamin D supplements as it finds out if they are present in an adequate quantity in the blood. What is being tested? Vitamin D comes from a group of compounds that are necessary for the formation and growth of bones and teeth. Vitamin D testing is necessary as the deficiency of this nutrient could cause several disorders. Patients having chronic health problems such as psoriasis, asthma, and certain autoimmune diseases are recommended to get the vitamin D lab test as they potentially have abnormal levels of this nutrient. Low levels of vitamin D could result in fragile or broken bones as vitamin D serves the necessary role of absorption of calcium in the body. Vitamin D level testing is important because symptoms of abnormal vitamin D levels are not distinct so you could confuse your condition with other illnesses. Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy diagnostic test is essential to correctly diagnose abnormal vitamin D levels in the body. Preparation needed? The doctor may recommend you to not eat anything for about 4 to 8 hours before getting the vitamin D test. Fasting required? No