Laboratory Testing

Low granulocyte (gran) levels in a blood test may indicate a weakened immune system, potentially due to infections, bone marrow disorders, or the effects of certain medications. High lymphocyte (lymph) levels often suggest an active immune response, commonly seen in viral infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or lymphoproliferative disorders. Together, these findings can provide insights into underlying health issues and may require further investigation by a healthcare professional.

Typically, patients are not required to fast before an ECG (electrocardiogram) test, as it primarily measures the heart's electrical activity and does not involve food intake. However, if the ECG is part of a broader diagnostic workup that includes other tests, such as blood tests, fasting may be necessary for those specific procedures. It's always best to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.

Bladder irrigation is necessary in situations such as post-operative care following bladder surgery, to prevent clot formation and maintain catheter patency. It is also used to treat bladder infections or to deliver medication directly into the bladder. Additionally, bladder irrigation may be indicated in cases of hematuria (blood in urine) to help clear blood clots and promote urine flow.

Fasting is typically not required for an ALT (alanine aminotransferase) blood test, as it can be performed at any time regardless of food intake. However, some healthcare providers may recommend fasting for a few hours before the test to obtain more accurate results, especially if other liver function tests or lipid panels are being conducted simultaneously. It's always best to follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions regarding fasting.

eGFR 59 indicates an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 59 milliliters per minute, which suggests moderate kidney impairment. Normal eGFR values typically range from 90 to 120 mL/min, so a value below 60 may indicate chronic kidney disease (CKD). It’s important to monitor kidney function and consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

An HP blood test, often referred to as a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) test, is used to detect the presence of H. pylori bacteria in the stomach. This bacterium is associated with various gastrointestinal issues, including peptic ulcers and gastritis. The test can be conducted through a blood sample, breath test, or stool sample, with blood tests measuring specific antibodies. Detecting H. pylori helps guide treatment decisions for related stomach conditions.

A mitotic rate of 12 per high-power field (HPF) is generally considered high, indicating increased cellular division and potential malignancy in a tissue sample. This elevated rate can be associated with aggressive tumors, suggesting a more advanced disease state. However, the interpretation of this rate should also consider the context of the specific type of tissue and other histopathological features for a comprehensive assessment. Always consult a pathologist for an accurate diagnosis.

Yes, there is typically a time limit for fasting before a blood test, which is usually around 8 to 12 hours. The exact duration depends on the specific test being conducted, so it's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions. During this fasting period, only water is generally allowed, while food and beverages should be avoided. Always confirm specific requirements with your healthcare professional.

RDW stands for Red Cell Distribution Width. It is a blood test parameter that measures the variation in the size of red blood cells. A high RDW can indicate different types of anemia or other medical conditions, while a normal RDW suggests that red blood cells are of consistent size. It is often included in a complete blood count (CBC) test.

Cystatin is pronounced as "sis-TAT-in." The emphasis is on the second syllable, "TAT." The "cys" part sounds like "sis," and the "tin" is pronounced as "tin."

Low SGPT (serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase), also known as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), usually indicates lower levels of this enzyme in the blood, which can be associated with various conditions. While elevated SGPT levels are typically linked to liver damage or disease, low levels are often considered less clinically significant. However, they may sometimes suggest malnutrition, a deficiency in certain vitamins, or liver dysfunction, depending on the context. It's essential to evaluate low SGPT levels alongside other clinical findings and symptoms for a comprehensive assessment.

A high Eosinophil Absolute (Eos Absolute) result indicates an elevated level of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell involved in the body's immune response, particularly in allergic reactions and parasitic infections. This may suggest conditions such as allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, or certain infections. To understand the underlying cause, further evaluation and context from clinical symptoms and other lab results are often necessary.

The esophageal opening is located at the top of the diaphragm, which separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. This opening is part of the esophagus, a muscular tube that leads from the throat (pharynx) to the stomach, allowing food and liquids to pass into the digestive system.

The test tube color typically used for BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) testing is lavender or purple, which contains EDTA as an anticoagulant. This type of tube is suitable for collecting whole blood or plasma samples. Always follow specific laboratory guidelines, as practices may vary.

APC blood testing refers to the Activated Protein C (APC) resistance test, which is used to assess the functionality of the protein C pathway in blood coagulation. This test helps determine an individual's risk for thrombosis, particularly in conditions like Factor V Leiden mutation, where the body is less responsive to activated protein C, leading to an increased risk of blood clots. The test is often performed as part of a broader evaluation for patients with a history of unexplained thromboembolic events.

EDTA whole blood in a lavender top tube refers to a blood collection tube that contains ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as an anticoagulant. The lavender top tube is commonly used for hematological tests, such as complete blood counts (CBC), because EDTA prevents blood from clotting, preserving the integrity of the cellular components for accurate analysis. This type of sample is crucial for diagnosing various conditions, including anemia and infections.

A GFR AA (Glomerular Filtration Rate African American) of 146 indicates that the estimated kidney function is significantly higher than the normal range, which typically falls between 90 to 120 mL/min/1.73m² for healthy individuals. This elevated GFR could suggest hyperfiltration, which might be associated with conditions like early diabetes or high blood pressure, but it's important to interpret this result in the context of the individual’s overall health and medical history. Always consult a healthcare provider for a thorough assessment.

For urinalysis and urine culture, a midstream clean-catch urine sample is typically collected. This method helps to minimize contamination from the skin and urethra, providing a more accurate representation of the urine. The patient is instructed to clean the genital area and then collect urine after discarding the initial stream. This technique is especially important for cultures to ensure reliable results for diagnosing urinary tract infections.

A serum separator tube (SST) should typically be inverted gently 5 to 10 times after collection. This ensures proper mixing of the blood with the gel and clot activator, promoting optimal separation of serum during centrifugation. It's important not to shake the tube vigorously, as this could cause hemolysis of the sample. Always follow specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer or laboratory protocols.

The four components of a Complete Blood Count (CBC) are red blood cells (RBCs), which carry oxygen; white blood cells (WBCs), which are part of the immune system; hemoglobin (Hb), the protein that transports oxygen; and platelets, which are essential for blood clotting. Each component provides crucial information about an individual’s overall health and helps diagnose various conditions.

"Abs imm gran" refers to absolute immature granulocytes in a blood test. Immature granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that are typically produced during an immune response, often indicating an infection or inflammation. The absolute count provides information on the quantity of these cells in the blood, which can help clinicians assess the severity of an underlying condition. Elevated levels may suggest the body is actively fighting an infection or responding to other stressors.

The normal range of creatinine levels in pediatric urine can vary by age, but generally, it is about 0.5 to 1.5 grams per 24 hours in children. Factors such as muscle mass and hydration status can influence these levels. It's important to interpret urine creatinine levels in the context of other clinical information and laboratory results. Always consult a healthcare provider for specific evaluations and interpretations.

The MDX percent blood test, often referred to as the "MDX percentage," measures the percentage of certain types of white blood cells, particularly monocytes, in the blood. It can provide insights into the immune system's status, helping to identify infections, inflammation, or other underlying health conditions. Elevated or decreased levels may indicate various medical issues, prompting further investigation or monitoring. Always consult a healthcare professional for interpretation of test results.

Coaches Corner began on CBC on October 11, 1986. The segment, featuring Don Cherry and Ron MacLean, quickly became a popular part of the "Hockey Night in Canada" broadcasts, offering commentary and analysis on hockey and sports culture. It ran for many years and became a significant part of Canadian hockey tradition.

The nasal cavity is a hollow space within the nose that is lined with mucous membranes and cilia. It plays a crucial role in respiration by filtering, warming, and humidifying the air we breathe. The nasal cavity is also involved in the sense of smell and connects to the paranasal sinuses, which help reduce the weight of the skull and enhance resonance of the voice. Additionally, it serves as a pathway for air to reach the throat and lungs.