Hepatitis

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is a comprehensive blood test that evaluates several important components of the blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. This test provides valuable information about the overall health of the body and can help diagnose a wide range of conditions, from anemia and infection to certain cancers. 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 (Urine Chemistry) test is a routine examination of urine that helps check for a wide range of disorders, such as urinary tract infection, kidney disease, and diabetes. It involves several checks, including the appearance, concentration, and content of urine. Specific tests within a urinalysis can analyze levels of substances like proteins, glucose, ketones, hemoglobin, bilirubin, urobilinogen, and indicators of infection or crystals that form kidney stones. The test can also measure pH levels and the concentration of the urine (specific gravity), which provides signs about the body’s hydration status and kidney health. Essentially, a urinalysis is a key tool for monitoring the body’s overall health, detecting disorders, and guiding treatment decisions.

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 the past 2 to 3 months. It works by identifying the percentage of hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen) that is coated with sugar. The higher the HbA1c level, the higher the risk of developing complications related to diabetes, such as nerve damage or cardiovascular disease. This test is crucial for diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes, as well as for monitoring how well diabetes is being managed over time. Essentially, it provides a longer-term gauge 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 surface antigen (HBsAg) is a crucial protein that resides on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), serving as a marker that enables our immune system to identify and combat the virus. The qualitative HBsAg test, a blood test, is employed to ascertain the presence of this antigen. A positive test result indicates an ongoing Hepatitis B infection, while a negative result suggests the absence of current infection. This test holds immense significance due to the potential of untreated Hepatitis B to cause severe liver damage. Early detection through the qualitative HBsAg test allows healthcare professionals to promptly initiate treatment if necessary, thereby averting the progression of the infection and minimizing the risk of liver-related complications.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is made by the pituitary gland, and it controls how the thyroid works. When the thyroid gets TSH, it makes hormones T3 and T4. If there are high levels of T3 and T4, it leads to less TSH being made. The levels of TSH, T3, and T4 show how well this whole process is working.

HBsAb test, also known as the Hepatitis B surface antibody test, looks for antibodies against the Hepatitis B virus in the blood. This test helps figure out if there’s immunity to Hepatitis B, either from getting vaccinated or from a past infection. When the body makes antibodies, it means it’s responded to the virus in some way, giving protection against future infections. This test is especially useful for telling if the Hepatitis B vaccine worked or if there was an infection and developed immunity. Getting this test done is simple – it just needs a small blood sample. Knowing the status of Hepatitis B antibodies can be really important in staying on top of health and stopping the spread of this virus that affects the liver.

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.

Free Thyroxine ( Free T4) is the active form of the thyroxine hormone. Thyroxine (T4) is one of two major hormones made by the thyroid, a small gland located near the throat. The Thyroid helps regulate energy use, weight, body temperature, muscle strength, and the nervous system. This test helps diagnose, assess and monitor thyroid disorders, such as an overactive or underactive thyroid gland and aids diagnoses of pituitary gland disorders.

The HCV Ab test, or Hepatitis C antibody test, is a simple blood test that checks for past infection with the Hepatitis C virus. This virus primarily targets the liver, potentially causing various levels of liver damage. The test searches for antibodies to the Hepatitis C virus, which are substances the body produces in reaction to being infected. A positive result doesn’t necessarily mean the virus is currently present, but rather that there has been exposure at some point. Further testing, like a viral load test, would be required to determine if the infection is current. The Hepatitis C antibody test is often included in regular medical screenings, especially if there is a higher risk for Hepatitis C or indications of liver issues.

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It weakens a person’s immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. 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.

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.