Category: Tests

Brief Summary: A sodium blood test is used to detect abnormal concentrations of sodium, including low sodium (hyponatremia) and high sodium (hypernatremia). It is often used as part of an electrolyte panel or basic metabolic panel for a routine health checkup. Blood sodium can be abnormal in many diseases.   Technical Purpose: The most common form of sodium is sodium chloride, which is table salt. This test is usually...

Brief-Summary: Selenium is a trace element that is naturally present in many foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. It is nutritionally essential for humans, is a constituent of more than two dozen selenoproteins that play critical roles in reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, and protection from oxidative damage and infection   Technical Purpose: Selenium tests are done to ensure one does not suffer from...

Brief summary: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein that the liver makes when there is inflammation in the body. It's also called a marker of inflammation and can be measured with an hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) test, sometimes also called a CRP test. It can be used to help evaluate an individual for risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).   Technical Process: A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test may be...

Brief Summary: The hemoglobin A1c test tells you your average level of blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. It's also called HbA1c, glycated hemoglobin test, and glycohemoglobin. People who have diabetes need this test regularly to see if their levels are staying within range. The A1c test is also used to diagnose diabetes.   Technical Purposes: Hemoglobin A1c, often abbreviated HbA1c, is a form of hemoglobin...

Brief Summary: Gamma-glutamyltransferase is a transferase that catalyzes the transfer of gamma-glutamyl functional groups from molecules such as glutathione to an acceptor that may be any amino acid, a peptide or water. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is also an enzyme found in many organs throughout the body, with the highest concentrations found in the liver. GGT is elevated in the blood in most diseases that cause damage...

Brief Summary: Fructosamine is a compound that is formed when glucose combines with protein. This test measures the total amount of fructosamine (a glycated protein) in the blood. Since the fructosamine levels of people with well-controlled diabetes may overlap with those of people who are not diabetic, the fructosamine test is not useful as a screening test for diabetes. High levels of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and...

Brief Summary: A chloride test measures the level of chloride in your blood or urine. Chloride is one of the most important electrolytes in the blood. It helps keep the amount of fluid inside and outside of your cells in balance. It also helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH of your body fluids. Tests for sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate are usually done at...

Brief Summary: A serum ketones test determines the levels of ketones in your blood. Ketones are a byproduct produced when your body uses only fat, instead of glucose, for energy. When ketones accumulate in the blood, the body enters ketosis. For some people, ketosis is normal. Low-carbohydrate diets can induce this state. This is sometimes called nutritional ketosis.   Technical Purpose: Doctors use serum ketone tests primarily for screening DKA,...

Brief Summary: Apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) is a protein that has a specific role in the metabolism of lipids and is the main protein component in high-density lipoprotein (HDL, the "good cholesterol"). This test measures the amount of apo A-I in the blood.   Technical Purpose: To determine whether or not you have an adequate level of apo A-I, especially if you have a low level of high-density lipoprotein...

Brief summary:  Apolipoprotein B is the primary apolipoprotein of chylomicrons, VLDL, IDL, and LDL particles (LDL - known commonly by the misnomer "bad cholesterol" when in reference to both heart disease and vascular disease in general), which is responsible for carrying fat molecules (lipids), including cholesterol, around the body.   How does the process work/ How is it done:  To get the diagnosis, doctors will test your child's blood...