An Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. This test is a general indicator of inflammation in the body. While it doesn't diagnose a specific condition, an elevated ESR can suggest the presence of infections, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, or certain types of cancer. It's often used in conjunction with other tests to help diagnose and monitor these conditions.

A Urine Examination Routine (URINE R/E) test is a comprehensive analysis of urine to detect various health conditions. It involves physical, chemical, and microscopic examinations. The test checks for substances like glucose, protein, blood cells, bacteria, and other components that can indicate problems with the kidneys, liver, urinary tract, or overall health. This routine test is essential for diagnosing infections, kidney diseases, diabetes, and other disorders, as well as monitoring overall health.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a blood test that measures the level of CRP, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. It's a nonspecific marker of inflammation, meaning it can be elevated in various conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and heart disease. While CRP doesn't diagnose a specific condition, it can help monitor disease activity, assess the risk of heart attack or stroke, and guide treatment decisions.

CA-125 is a blood test that measures the level of a protein called cancer antigen 125. While elevated CA-125 levels can be associated with ovarian cancer, it's important to note that this test is not a definitive diagnosis. Many other conditions, such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and pregnancy, can also cause elevated CA-125 levels. Therefore, this test is primarily used to monitor women with known ovarian cancer or those at high risk due to family history or genetic mutations.

Calcium, Serum is a blood test that measures the amount of calcium in your blood. Calcium is a vital mineral essential for strong bones and teeth, nerve function, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. Abnormal calcium levels can indicate various health conditions, such as bone diseases, kidney problems, parathyroid disorders, or thyroid issues. This test helps diagnose and monitor these conditions, as well as assess overall bone health.

HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin) is a blood test that provides a snapshot of your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It measures the percentage of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, that has glucose attached to it. This test is crucial for managing diabetes as it helps assess how well blood sugar levels are controlled. A high HbA1c indicates poor blood sugar control and an increased risk of diabetes complications, while a lower HbA1c reflects better blood sugar management.

A Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) test measures the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood after not eating or drinking anything (except water) for at least 8 hours. This test is crucial for diagnosing prediabetes, diabetes, and monitoring blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Elevated FBS levels can indicate insulin resistance or impaired glucose metabolism, while abnormally low levels might signal other health issues.

Liver function tests are a group of blood tests that evaluate the health and function of your liver. They measure levels of various enzymes, proteins, and substances produced by the liver. Abnormal results can indicate liver damage, inflammation, or disease. Common liver function tests include ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and albumin. These tests help diagnose conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease, as well as monitor liver health in people with chronic conditions.

A Lipid Profile is a blood test that measures the levels of different types of fats (lipids) in your blood. It includes total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides. This test helps assess your risk of heart disease and stroke. By understanding your lipid profile, you can work with your healthcare provider to manage cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.

Kidney Function Tests (KFTs) evaluate how well your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood. These tests typically include measurements of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and electrolytes. By assessing these values, healthcare providers can identify potential kidney problems, monitor kidney disease progression, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. KFTs are crucial for individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.

Iron Studies without Ferritin typically include measurements of serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation. These tests provide valuable information about the body's iron stores and how efficiently iron is transported. While ferritin is a more sensitive indicator of iron storage, these tests can still help diagnose iron deficiency anemia or iron overload in certain cases. However, a complete picture of iron status often requires additional testing, including ferritin levels.

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) is a comprehensive blood test that provides information about the cells in your blood. It measures the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, as well as hemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen) and hematocrit (the percentage of red blood cells in your blood). A CBC is used to diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infections, bleeding disorders, and blood cancers.

A Vitamin B12 test measures the amount of vitamin B12 in your blood. Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. This test helps diagnose vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause anemia, fatigue, weakness, and neurological symptoms. It's often recommended for people with certain medical conditions, older adults, vegans, and vegetarians who may be at higher risk for deficiency.

A Vitamin D Total 25-Hydroxy test measures the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in your blood. This is the primary form of vitamin D circulating in the body and reflects your overall vitamin D status. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, bone health, and immune function. This test helps determine if you have a vitamin D deficiency, which can lead to bone diseases like osteoporosis and rickets, as well as other health issues.

A Thyroid Function Test (TFT) is a group of blood tests that measure the levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in your body. The thyroid gland, located in your neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and heart rate. TFTs help diagnose thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.