Individual tests

. A complete blood count is a test for screening various diseases like anemia, leukemia, platelets disorders and inflammatory processes. The test is performed on whole blood samples at any age.
. The CBC is often used as a part of a routine health checkup to assess an individual’s general health status, as well as to monitor conditions and the effectiveness of treatments.
. Essentially, it’s a crucial snapshot that provides a look into the body’s health and how well its blood components are functioning.

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) test is a blood test that measures the level of ALT enzyme in the blood. ALT is an enzyme primarily found in the liver, essential for converting proteins into energy for liver cells. The test is often used to assess liver health and detect liver damage. Elevated levels of ALT in the blood can indicate liver injury or inflammation, as the enzyme leaks into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged. Therefore, the ALT test is a key component in diagnosing liver conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver damage from medications, alcohol use, or other toxins. Monitoring ALT levels helps in the early detection and management of liver disease.

AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) test is a blood test that measures the level of AST enzyme in the blood. AST is an enzyme found in various parts of the body, including the liver, heart, muscles, kidneys, and brain. It plays a role in amino acid metabolism. The test is commonly used to assess liver health, but because AST is present in multiple organs, it’s not as specific to liver damage as ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase). Elevated AST levels can indicate damage or disease affecting the liver or other tissues where AST is found. The AST test is often performed alongside other tests, such as the ALT test, to diagnose or monitor liver disease and to determine if elevated enzymes are due to liver damage or muscular injuries.

Glucose Fasting test is a blood test that measures blood sugar levels after not eating or drinking anything except water for at least 8 hours. It checks how well the body manages blood sugar and is commonly used to diagnose or monitor diabetes. Consistently high fasting glucose levels could indicate diabetes or prediabetes, suggesting the body has trouble regulating blood sugar. This test is crucial for catching early signs of blood sugar issues, allowing for prompt intervention to manage or prevent diabetes.

. The urinalysis test is a routine examination of urine used to evaluate a wide range of conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney disorders, diabetes, and more.
. This test is a valuable tool for assessing overall health, detecting abnormalities, and guiding treatment decisions. It examines various aspects of urine, such as appearance, concentration, and composition.
. Specific components analyzed during the test include proteins, glucose, ketones, hemoglobin, bilirubin, urobilinogen, and markers of infection. Additionally, the test measures pH levels and urine concentration (specific gravity), providing insights into hydration status and kidney function.

**Note to PSC nurses & CS team:**
Urine protein results may vary between methods due to differences in sensitivity and methodology, 50556-0: Urinalysis (Urine Chemistry) uses the Benzethonium chloride method, while 2888-6: Total Protein [Urine] relies on protein error of pH indicators. These methodologies can yield different results, especially at low concentrations.

Serum urea test measures the level of urea in the blood, a waste product formed in the liver during protein metabolism. The kidneys are responsible for filtering urea from the blood and excreting it through urine. This test plays an important role in assessing kidney function. A high serum urea level may indicate that the kidneys are not functioning effectively and are unable to filter and remove waste products from the blood. In addition, urea levels can also be affected by other factors such as dehydration or a high-protein diet. Therefore, the serum urea test is a useful tool for diagnosing and monitoring the health and function of the kidneys.

. The HbA1c test, also known as the Hemoglobin A1c, Glycated Hemoglobin, or A1c test, measures the average blood sugar (glucose) levels over an average of 120 days . It identifies the percentage of hemoglobin A1c component that is coated with glucose.
. The higher the HbA1c level, the higher the risk of developing complications related to diabetes, such as nerve damage or cardiovascular disease and indicates uncontrolled or untreated diabetes.
. This test is crucial for diagnosing prediabetes diabetes, as well as for monitoring how well diabetes is being managed over time. Essentially, it provides a longer-term spectrum of blood sugar control than daily blood glucose tests.

A GGT test measures the level of Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase enzyme in the blood. This enzyme is found in many body parts but mainly the liver. High levels of GGT could suggest liver damage or disease, as well as bile duct issues. This test is often part of a routine check to monitor the liver’s health or diagnose problems related to alcohol use. It’s a simple blood test, quick and straightforward, requiring just a small sample from the arm. Knowing the levels of GGT can help in understanding liver health and guide necessary steps for care or treatment.

Your body has four types of lipids: cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. HDL is good cholesterol because it helps absorb cholesterol in the blood and carries it back to the liver, while the other types are considered bad cholesterol. These tests help you and your healthcare provider better understand your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other problems caused by narrowed or blocked arteries.

Serum Uric Acid level test measures the amount of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product that’s created when the body breaks down substances called purines, found in certain foods and drinks. Normally, uric acid is dissolved in the blood, passes through the kidneys, and is excreted in urine. High levels of uric acid in the blood, known as hyperuricemia, can lead to gout, a form of arthritis that causes painful inflammation in the joints. It can also indicate kidney problems or the risk of developing kidney stones. This test is useful for diagnosing gout, monitoring kidney function, and assessing the risk of kidney stones.

Serum Creatinine level test is a blood test that measures the amount of creatinine in the blood. Creatinine is a waste product produced by muscles from the breakdown of a compound called creatine. The kidneys filter out creatinine, so this test is a key indicator of kidney function. Healthy kidneys remove creatinine from the blood, but if creatinine levels are high, it suggests the kidneys might not be working properly. This test helps in assessing kidney health and detecting kidney issues early.

. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a highly contagious virus that infects the liver, causing inflammation and potentially leading to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
. It is transmitted through contact with infected blood, sexual contact, sharing needles, from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth, and through contaminated medical equipment or blood transfusions.
. Symptoms of HBV infection include fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, and nausea, although many infections, especially in early stages, are asymptomatic.
. HBsAg is a protein on the surface of the HBV that is the first detectable marker during an acute infection.
. The presence of HBsAg indicates an active infection and is used to diagnose both acute and chronic infections. It helps differentiate between acute infection, chronic infection, and recovery from Hepatitis B.
. In chronic infections, the persistence of HBsAg for more than six months suggests a chronic carrier state and indicates the need for further monitoring and possible antiviral treatment.
. HBsAg is crucial in screening for HBV in high-risk populations, such as pregnant women, healthcare workers, and blood donors. If HBsAg is absent, it typically indicates that the individual is either immune (due to vaccination or prior infection) or has cleared the virus.
Note: HBsAg is not a standalone test for diagnosing HBV infection. It should be interpreted alongside other tests, such as HBcAb, HBc IgM, HBV DNA, and liver function tests, for a comprehensive assessment.

. TSH is used to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism, energy production, and overall growth and development.
. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid to produce T3 and T4.
. TSH is typically the most sensitive test for assessing thyroid function, with high TSH indicating hypothyroidism and low TSH indicating hyperthyroidism. It is usually the first test performed, and abnormal results to be followed by FT3 and FT4 to clarify the diagnosis.
. It is also used to monitor treatment for thyroid disorders (especially in those taking thyroid hormone replacement or anti-thyroid medications), to evaluate conditions such as Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or thyroid nodules, and to detect non-thyroidal illness (conditions affecting thyroid hormone levels independently of thyroid function).

. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a highly contagious virus that infects the liver, causing inflammation and potentially leading to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
. It is transmitted through contact with infected blood, sexual contact, sharing needles, from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth, and through contaminated medical equipment or blood transfusions.
. Symptoms of HBV infection include fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain, and nausea, although many infections, especially in early stages, are asymptomatic.
. HBsAb is a protein produced by the immune system in response to the HBsAg. it indicates that a person has developed immunity to Hepatitis B, either from a prior infection with recovery, when HBsAg is no longer detectable, or from successful vaccination.
. Clinically, HBsAb is useful in screening to determine whether an individual is immune to HBV or requires vaccination, and it is also used to monitor immunity levels in high-risk populations, such as healthcare workers. Furthermore, it helps differentiate between immunity acquired through vaccination and that acquired through natural infection when interpreted alongside other markers like HBcAb.
. A protective level of HBsAb is typically considered ≥10 mIU/mL, which indicates adequate immunity (WHO).

Calcium test is crucial for monitoring overall health. It offers insights into how the body is functioning and signals any potential health issues. Calcium plays a key role in maintaining bone strength, facilitating muscle movement, and enabling nerve communication. Abnormal calcium levels can indicate various conditions, including kidney disorders, thyroid complications, or vitamin D deficiency. By tracking calcium levels, healthcare professionals can devise effective strategies to ensure optimal health maintenance.

Bilirubin is a substance produced when old red blood cells are broken down. It mainly exists in two forms in the blood, unconjugated or indirect bilirubin, and conjugated or direct bilirubin. Typically, your liver removes most of the substance from your body. If your liver is damaged or red blood cells are being destroyed faster than normal, excess bilirubin is released into the bloodstream, which can cause your skin and eyes to turn yellow. If jaundice is suspected, a bilirubin blood test can help determine if there is liver disease or hemolysis.
Note:
Sample should be protected from light.

. FT4 is used to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism, energy production, and overall growth and development.
. FT4 measures the unbound, active form of T4. The FT4 is the form that the body uses directly to regulate various physiological processes.
. FT4, along with other TFT, is used to diagnose thyroid dysfunction (e.g., hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism), to monitor treatment for thyroid disorders (especially in those taking thyroid hormone replacement or anti-thyroid medications), to evaluate conditions such as Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or thyroid nodules, and to detect non-thyroidal illness (conditions affecting thyroid hormone levels independently of thyroid function).

. HCV is a virus that infects the liver, causing inflammation, and can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
. It is transmitted through contact with infected blood, typically via sharing needles, receiving contaminated blood products, or through contaminated medical equipment. Sexual transmission and transmission from mother to child are less common but can occur.
. Symptoms can include fatigue, jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite. Many infections, especially in the early stages, may be asymptomatic, and chronic infections can persist without obvious signs for years.
. A positive HCV Ab is used to detect previous exposure to HCV. However, it does not distinguish between active or resolved infections.
. A positive HCV Ab is the first step in diagnosing an HCV infection that requires further testing, including HCV RNA test to confirm active infection, assess the viral load, potential liver damage, and guide treatment decisions.
. HCV Ab is crucial in screening in high-risk populations, such as people who inject drugs, those who received blood transfusions before screening, and healthcare workers.

. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection.
. HIV is transmitted by sexual contact, exposure to blood or blood products, and prenatal infection of a fetus or perinatal infection of a newborn.
. There is currently no effective cure for HIV. However, with proper medical care, the condition can be controlled.
. When people with HIV do not get treatment, they typically progress through three stages. Stage 1, the most contagious phase, involves acute infection with flu-like symptoms. Stage 2 is a chronic infection with no symptoms, but HIV is still transmissible at this stage. Stage 3 is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the most severe stage of HIV infection, with an increasing number of opportunistic infections or other serious illnesses.
. The test is used for the simultaneous qualitative detection of HIV p24 antigen and antibodies to HIV type 1 and/or type 2 (HIV-1/HIV-2).

Serum Iron level test is a blood test that measures how much iron is in the blood. Iron is crucial for making hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. This test helps in identifying iron deficiency anemia or iron overload conditions. Low serum iron levels might indicate anemia, suggesting the body isn’t getting enough iron to make healthy red blood cells. On the other hand, high levels could point to an iron overload, which can also cause health problems. Essentially, this test is key for diagnosing and managing conditions related to iron levels in the body.