Laboratory Tests

The InsHeal Content Repository includes numerous articles on laboratory tests. The table below lists several groups of laboratory tests (along with a brief description of each group) for which content and articles are available. Clicking on the group name will lead you to the names of individual tests belonging to the group for which articles are available.

Test Name	Description
Clotting Tests	Blood that flows within the blood vessels is in the fluid form. It clots when there is a break in the blood vessels to stop the flow of blood. Clotting tests detect abnormalities in blood clotting. Common clotting tests are the prothrombin test, the thrombin test and the activated partial thromboplastin test (aPTT). The D-dimer test is done in COVID-19 patients to identify patients at an increased risk of clot formation.
Dengue Tests	Tests for dengue are requested to check for dengue infection in endemic areas in patients with fever, along with other symptoms such as severe headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea, bone and joint pains, and rash.
Diabetes tests	Tests that measure the blood glucose levels in a fasting state, at particular times following the intake of a fixed amount of glucose or at random irrespective of the timing of food intake are used to diagnose type 2 diabetes. A test called the HbA1c assesses the average blood glucose levels over three months prior to the test.
Hemogram	Blood contains three types of cells, the red blood cells or erythrocytes, the white blood cells or leucocytes, and the platelets. The hemogram is used to study the blood cells and hemoglobin, a pigment present in the red blood cells.
Hormonal assays	Hormones are chemicals released into the blood that act of different parts of the body. Hormonal assays are required to identify hormonal deficiencies or excesses, so that appropriate corrective measures can be taken.
Iron studies, vitamin B12 and folate levels	Iron, vitamin B12 and folate are required by the red blood cells. The estimation of these levels can indicate the possible cause of anemia.
Lipid profile	The lipid profile is often used to estimate the risk of cardiovascular disease. The levels of LDL-cholesterol are primarily used to guide treatment decisions.
Peripheral smear	The peripheral blood smear is used to study the details of the blood cells such as number, shape and contents. It can also identify the presence of blood parasites.
Platelet tests	Platelets are blood cells the help to control blood loss following an injury. The platelet tests evaluate the platelets for their number, structure as well as function.
Tests to assess kidney function	The excretory function of the kidneys can be assessed using blood tests. The levels of waste products such as urea, creatinine and uric acid increase in the blood in patients with kidney diseases.
Tests to assess liver function	Blood tests can assess the liver function. These tests include those that measure the enzymes produced by the liver, proteins present in the blood and bilirubin, a pigment that undergoes processing in the liver.
Tests for inflammation	Inflammation is a protective response of the body to an infection. Excessive inflammation, however, can damage organs and joints. Tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein estimation and procalcitonin can be used to estimate the inflammatory status of the body.
Thyroid function Tests	Thyroid function tests are used to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland. The hormones T3 and T4 are secreted by the thyroid gland, while TSH controls their release. The levels of thyroid antibodies are often high in people with autoimmune thyroid disorders.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this site is meant for informational purposes only and not intended to replace the relationship between the doctor and the patient. It should not be used for self-treatment by patients or by doctors to treat patients. Consult your doctor before using any of the above  information.