Laboratory Testing

Albumin is a protein produced by the liver that helps regulate the amount of fluid in the blood. Low levels of albumin in a blood test may indicate liver disease, kidney disease, malnutrition, or other underlying health conditions. High levels of albumin may be seen in dehydration or severe diarrhea.

The amount of time needed to pass blood lab work after stopping drinking alcohol can vary depending on factors such as frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption, overall health, and the specific tests being conducted. Generally, it is recommended to abstain from alcohol for at least 24-48 hours before undergoing blood tests for accurate results. It's always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Yes, in most cases you will need to make an appointment for a blood test at a lab or clinic. This helps manage the flow of patients and ensures you receive timely and efficient service. Contact the facility ahead of time to schedule your appointment.

A normal Tensilon test is characterized by an improvement in muscle weakness or ptosis within minutes of administering the drug edrophonium. This improvement is temporary and lasts for about 5-10 minutes. The test is positive in patients with myasthenia gravis.

The normal range of glycine in the blood is typically between 100-200 µmol/L. However, reference ranges can vary slightly between different laboratories.

A high white blood cell count can be a sign of many different conditions, including infections like HIV. It is not specific to HIV and needs further testing for a definitive diagnosis. Other symptoms and risk factors should also be considered in conjunction with the white blood cell count for an accurate assessment.

A culture and sensitivity tube typically contains a sterile tube with a culture medium to support the growth of microorganisms. The tube is used to collect samples for culture testing, where the microorganisms are identified and tested against various antibiotics to determine the most effective treatment.

No, an EUC (Electrolyte and Urea Creatinine) blood test does not require fasting. You can typically have it done at any time of the day without fasting.

Sfemlin typically looks for red blood cell count, white blood cell count, platelet count, hemoglobin levels, and various other blood components that can indicate overall health and potential medical conditions.

A Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Platelet count and Differential is ordered to assess overall health, diagnose medical conditions, monitor the effectiveness of treatments or medications, and screen for various diseases like infection, anemia, or leukemia. The CBC provides valuable information about red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood.

Yes, it is possible for an A positive blood type man and a B positive blood type woman to have an O positive child. The child would inherit one A allele from the father and one B allele from the mother, resulting in the child having an O blood type.

The normal range for metamyelocytes in the blood is typically less than 1%. If the percentage of metamyelocytes is higher than this, it could indicate a response to certain conditions such as infections or bone marrow disorders.

Monocytes are a type of white blood cell that helps fight off infections. A mono absolute count in a blood test measures the number of monocytes present in the blood. This can help healthcare providers assess the body's immune response.

We typically test for blood in stool using a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) or a fecal immunochemical test (FIT). These tests detect small amounts of blood that may not be visible to the naked eye, which could be a sign of various gastrointestinal conditions, such as colorectal cancer or ulcers.

FLS in a blood test typically stands for "fasting lipid profile." This test measures levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood after fasting overnight for at least 9-12 hours. The results can help assess your risk for heart disease and guide treatment.

Yes, there are blood tests that can detect VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococci) by looking for specific genetic markers or antibodies in the blood. These tests can help diagnose VRE infections and guide appropriate treatment.

A low albumin level despite a normal total protein level could be due to a specific decrease in albumin production or an increase in albumin loss. Possible causes include liver disease (decreased synthesis), kidney disease (increased loss in urine), malnutrition, or inflammation. Further evaluation would be needed to determine the underlying cause.

Pus cells in a urine test indicate the presence of white blood cells, which can be a sign of infection or inflammation in the urinary tract. Elevated levels of pus cells may suggest a urinary tract infection or other underlying health condition that requires further investigation and treatment.

IG typically stands for Immunoglobulin, which are antibodies produced by the immune system to help fight infections and other invaders in the body. Immunoglobulin levels can be tested in the blood to assess immune system function and detect certain diseases or disorders.

PDW stands for Platelet Distribution Width, which is a measure of the variability in platelet size in a blood sample. It can provide information about platelet production and activity, with high values potentially indicating certain medical conditions affecting platelets.

The blood test is called a hemoglobin electrophoresis test, which is used to determine an individual's hemoglobin genotype. A result of 'AA' indicates normal hemoglobin, 'AS' indicates sickle cell trait (carrier), and 'SS' indicates sickle cell disease.

No, a complete blood count (CBC) is a laboratory test that provides information about the different components of blood, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A serologic test, on the other hand, looks for antibodies or antigens in the blood to determine an immune response to an infection or disease.

The cost of a blood test can vary greatly depending on the type of test being done and the laboratory performing the test. On average, the cost of a standard blood test can range from $50 to $200 without insurance. Additional specialized tests can cost more. It is best to check with your specific healthcare provider or laboratory for the most accurate pricing information.

Low basophils, known as basopenia, can be caused by conditions such as vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, autoimmune diseases, allergic reactions, stress, and certain medications. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of low basophils and to develop a treatment plan.

A low lymph count on a blood test may indicate a decrease in lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell important for the immune system. Low lymph levels can be caused by various factors such as infections, autoimmune diseases, certain medications, or bone marrow disorders. Further evaluation by a healthcare provider is needed to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.