HEMATOLOGY PARAMETERS
BLOOD GROUPING
Purpose of testing
To determine ABO blood group and RhD type
When to Get Tested?
When you need to be transfused with blood or blood components or when you donate blood at a donation centre; pregnant women are tested to determine the risk of Rh incompatibility between the mother and foetus
Sample Collection
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm or from a heelprick in the case of an infant
Test Preparation
None
COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT
It includes the following parameters:
- Hemoglobin
- Red blood cell count
- Hematocrit
- Total white blood cell count (WBC)
- Differential leukocyte count (DLC)
- Platelet count
- Mean cell volume
- Mean cell hemoglobin
- Mean cell hemoglobin concentration.
Purpose of testing
Hemoglobin,Red blood cell count, Hematocrit,Total white blood cell count (WBC),Differential leukocyte count(DLC), Platelet count, Mean cell volume, mMean cell hemoglobin and Mean cell hemoglobin concentration.
When to Get Tested?
To determine general health status and to screen for a variety of disorders, such as anemiaand infection, inflammation, nutritional status and exposure to toxic substances.
As part of a routine medical examination or as determined by your doctor.
Sample Collection
A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm or a finger-prick or heel-prick (newborns).
Test Preparation
None.
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
The ESR is an easy, inexpensive, but a non-specific test. ESR is an indirect measure of the degree of inflammation present in the body. It measures the rate of fall of (sedimentation) red blood cells in an ESR tube. Results are reported as how many millimeters of clear plasma are present at the top of the column after one hour. Increased blood levels of fibrinogen or immunoglobulins which are increased in inflammation cause increase in ESR.
Purpose of testing
A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm
When to Get Tested?
No Test
Sample Collection
A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm.
Test Preparation
No test preparation is needed.
HEMOGLOBIN
Purpose of testing
To detect anaemia (too few red blood cells) or polycythemia (too many red blood cells), to assess its severity, and to monitor response to treatment. As part of a complete blood count (CBC), which may be requested for a variety of reasons
When to Get Tested?
No Test.
Sample Collection
A blood sample collected from a vein in your arm or by a finger-prick (children and adults)
Test Preparation
Ideally you should be reasonably hydrated when having a hemoglobin test or the result may be inaccurately high.
PERIPHERALSMEAR
Purpose of testing
To find out if red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets are normal in appearance and number; to distinguish between different types of white blood cells and to determine their relative percentages in the blood; to help diagnose a range of deficiencies, diseases, and disorders involving blood cell production, function and destruction; to monitor cell production and cell maturity in diseases such as anaemia, leukaemia, during chemo/radiation therapy, or in the evaluation for hemoglobin variants.
When to Get Tested?
When CBC results are abnormal, a blood film with manual WBC differential is done to look for abnormal or immature cells; when suspecting malarial /microfilarial infection, when a doctor suspects a deficiency, disease, or disorder that can affect blood cell production; when you are being treated for a disease with medications that may have an affect on blood cell production.
Sample Collection
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm or by pricking a finger, ear or, in the case of an infant, a heel.
Test Preparation
No test preparation is needed.
RETICULOCYTE COUNT
Purpose of testing
To know the bone marrows ability to produce red blood cells. It helps to distinguish between the causes of anemia and to know the response of marrow following chemotherapy, transplant or treatment for iron deficiency anemia.
When to Get Tested?
When you have symptoms of anemia and decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit and RBC count, to monitor response of treatment for iron deficiency anemia and when newborn have jaundice.
Sample Collection
A sample collected from vein or by heel prick in newborn.
Test Preparation
None.
MANTOUX TEST
Purpose of testing
To help determine whether or not you may have been exposed to and become infected by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) bacteria.
When you have diseases or conditions that weaken your immune system and put you at a greater risk of developing active tuberculosis. When you have had close contact with someone who has active TB, or work or live in a high risk environment. In India, the prevalence of tuberculosis is high. So when you go abroad, as part of an examination prior to starting a new job this test may be required.
When to Get Tested?
No Test.
Sample Collection
No sample is required. A small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) solution is injected just under the first layer of skin of your inner forearm.
Test Preparation
None.
CLINICAL PATHOLOGY TESTING PARAMETERS
SEMEN ANALYSIS
Purpose of testing
To investigate you to see if there is a problem with your fertility. This is often done if your partner is having trouble becoming pregnant. It is also necessary after a vasectomy operation to ensure that the sterilisation operation was successful and that you are no longer fertile.
When to Get Tested?
No Test.
Sample Collection
A semen sample collected in a sterile container provided by the laboratory or doctor
Test Preparation
In order for the test to be reliable, you may need to abstain from masturbation or sex for two to four days before the sample is collected. You should follow the instructions given to you by the laboratory oryour doctor.
STOOL ROUTINE EXAMINATION
Purpose of testing
The test helps in diagnosing certain diseases affecting the digestive tract. Laboratory analysis includes certain chemical tests and microscopic examination. The stool will be checked for color, consistency, white blood cells, occult blood, fat and some reducing substances. The stool occult blood test is also done as a part of gastrointestinal cancer screening tests.
When to Get Tested?
No Test.
Sample Collection
It is collected in the container provided by the laboratory.
Test Preparation
None.
URINALYSIS
Purpose of testing
To look for metabolic and kidney disorders and for urinary tract infections.
When to Get Tested?
On admission to a hospital; preparation for surgery; as part of a medical examination; or when evaluating a new pregnancy. It may be done if you have tummy or back pain, frequent or painful urination, or blood in the urine.
Sample Collection
Sample of urine (20-50 mls) in a sterile container; the first urine passed in the morning is the most valuable.
How is the sample collected for testing?
Urine for urinalysis can be collected at any time. The first morning sample is the most valuable because it is more concentrated and more likely to yield abnormal results. Because of the potential (particularly in women) to contaminate urine with bacteria and cells from the surrounding skin, it is important to first clean the genitalia. Men should wipe the tip of the penis; women should spread the labia of the vagina and clean from front to back. As you start to urinate, let some urine fall into the toilet, then collect a sample of urine in the container provided.
A sample will only be useful for urinalysis if taken to the doctor’s surgery or laboratory for processing within a short period of time. If it will be longer than an hour between collection and transport time, then the urine should be refrigerated.
Is the time of day a factor when collecting a urine sample?
Because this is a general screening test, this is usually not important. However, if your doctor is looking for a specific finding, you may be asked to collect a sample at a specific time. For example the presence of glucose is better looked for in a specimen collected after a meal, low levels of protein are better detected in a concentrated specimen collected first thing in the morning.
Test Preparation
None.
BIOCHEMISTRY TESTING PARAMETERS
ADENOSINE DEAMINASE
Purpose of testing
To help detect or rule out a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in pleural fluid in order to assist in the diagnosis of tuberculosis; rarely to detect the infection in other body fluids such as peritoneal fluid or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
When to Get Tested?
When a doctor suspects that someone with chest pain, coughing, and/or difficulty breathing has tuberculosis that has spread from their lungs to the pleurae (lining around the lungs).
Sample Collection
A volume of pleural fluid or other body fluids are collected by a doctor.
Test Preparation
None required.
ALP (ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE)
Purpose of testing
To screen for or monitor treatment for a liver or bone disorder.
When to Get Tested?
As part of liver function tests or when a person has symptoms of a liver or bone disorder.
Sample Collection
A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm.
Test Preparation
Fasting is preferred but not required for this test.
AMYLASE
Purpose of testing
If you have chest pain or other symptoms of heart attack.
When to Get Tested?
No Test.
Sample Collection
A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm
Test Preparation
None.
CREATININE
Purpose of testing
To determine if your kidneys work normally and to monitor treatment for kidney disease.
When to Get Tested?
As part of a routine blood test if you have non-specific health complaints or if your doctor thinks that you may have kidney disease; at intervals to monitor treatment for kidney disease or kidney function while on certain medicines.
Sample Collection
A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm and/or a 24-hour urine sample.
Test Preparation
None.
CRP
Purpose of testing
To identify the presence of inflammation, to determine its severity, and to monitor response to treatment.
When to Get Tested?
When your doctor suspects that you might be suffering from an inflammatory disorder (as with certain types of arthritis and autoimmune disorders or inflammatory bowel disease) or to check for the possibility of infection (especially after surgery).
Sample Collection
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm.
Test Preparation
None.
FERRITIN
Purpose of testing
To learn about the levels of iron stored in your body.
When to Get Tested?
When your doctor suspects that you have either too little or too much iron or too much iron in your system.
Sample Collection
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm.
Test Preparation
12 hour fasting is preferred.
GLUCOSE
Purpose of testing
To determine whether or not your blood glucose level is within normal ranges; to screen for, diagnose, and monitor diabetes, and hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
When to Get Tested?
If you have symptoms suggesting hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) or hypoglycemia, or if you are pregnant; if you are diabetic, up to several times a day to monitor glucose levels.
Sample Collection
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm, or for a self-check, a drop of blood from your finger. A few diabetic patients may use a continuous glucose monitor which is a small sensor wire inserted beneath the skin of the abdomen that measures blood glucose every five minutes.
Test Preparation
In general, it is recommended that you fast 8 hours before having a blood glucose test , however, persons with diabetes glucose levels are often checked both while fasting and after meals to provide the best control of diabetes. How the sample is collected for testing glucometer a blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm, or a drop of blood is taken from your finger by pricking it with a small pointed lancet? A small number of diabetic patients may use a continuous glucose monitor which is a small sensor wire inserted beneath the skin of the abdomen and held in place with an adhesive patch. The sensor measures blood glucose levels every five minutes and sends the results to a device that is attached to the patient’s clothing. A digital readout on the device lets the patient know the blood glucose level.
HbA1C
Purpose of testing
To monitor a person’s diabetes and to help treatment decisions. It can also be used to diagnose type 2 diabetes.
When to Get Tested?
When first diagnosed with diabetes and then at least twice a year.
Sample Collection
A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm.
Test Preparation
None.
LDH (LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE)
Purpose of testing
To help identify the cause and location of tissue damage in the body, and to monitor its progress. LDH is elevated in a wide variety of conditions reflecting its wide spread tissue distribution.
When to Get Tested?
Along with other tests, when your doctor suspects that you have an acute or chronic condition that is causing tissue or cellular destruction and he wants to identify and monitor the problem.
Sample Collection
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm.
Test Preparation
None.
LIPI D PROFILE
Purpose of testing
To assess your risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD); to monitor treatment.
When to Get Tested?
Aged 40 as part of a routine cardiovascular health check, or if you are already thought to be at risk of cardiovascular disease for another reason, or to monitor your response to lipid-modifying treatments.
Sample Collection
A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm, or occasionally from a fingerprick.
Test Preparation
Typically, fasting for 12 hours before having your blood taken is required, only water is permitted, follow any other instructions given to you by the doctor
A lipid profile typically includes:
Total cholesterol—this test measures all of the cholesterol in all the lipoprotein particles. High density lipoprotein cholesterol— measures the cholesterol in HDL particles; often called "good cholesterol" because it removes excess cholesterol and carries it to the liver for removal. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol— calculates the cholesterol in LDL particles; often called "bad cholesterol" because it deposits excess cholesterol in walls of blood vessels, which can contribute to atherosclerosis. Usually, the amount of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) is calculated using the results of total cholesterol, HDL-C, and triglycerides. Triglycerides— measures all the triglycerides in all the lipoprotein particles.
LFT (LIVER FUNCTION TEST)
Purpose of testing
To screen for and monitor liver disease.
When to Get Tested?
When you have symptoms of a liver disorder such as jaundice or have been exposed to substances that can cause liver damage.
Sample Collection
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm.
Liver function tests include:
- Alanine amino tranferase
- Aspartate amino tranferase
- Total bilirubin
- Conjugated bilirubin
- Alkaline phosphatase
- Albumin
- Total protein
- Prothrombin time
- Sample Collection
Test Preparation
None.
POTASSIUM
Purpose of testing
To diagnose levels of potassium that are too high (hyperkalaemia) or too low (hypokalaemia).
When to Get Tested?
As part of a routine medical examination or to investigate a serious illness, such as high blood pressure or kidney disease.
Sample Collection
A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm.
Test Preparation
None.
SODIUM
Purpose of testing
To determine the cause of and monitor treatment for illnesses associated with abnormal sodium levels in the body.
When to Get Tested?
If you are experiencing dehydration, oedema, problems with blood pressure, or have non-specific symptoms; as part of routine laboratory evaluations, or to monitor certain long-term conditions, like high or low blood pressure.
Sample Collection
A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm or, in some cases, a urine sample.
Test Preparation
None.
TFT (THYROID FUNCTION TEST)
Purpose of testing
To help evaluate thyroid gland function, to help diagnose thyroid disorders and to monitor the response to treatment.
When to Get Tested?
As part of a health checkup or when symptoms suggest hypo- or hyperthyroidism due to a condition affecting the thyroid; following commencement of treatment for disorders of the thyroid gland.
Sample Collection
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm
Test Preparation
None needed; however, certain medications can interfere with the tests included in the panel, so tell your doctor about any drugs that you are taking.
TROPONIN
Purpose of testing
To see if you have had a heart attack or damage to your heart muscle.
When to Get Tested?
If you are having chest pain that may be due to a heart attack.
Sample Collection
A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm.
Test Preparation
None.