Lab tests are valuable for monitoring your health and identifying potential problems. Otsego lab tests can be used to screen for common conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and kidney disease. They also help detect potentially serious conditions such as cancer, HIV, and COVID-19, which help develop an effective treatment plan.
Here are the various types of lab tests
COVID-19
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that affects people with compromised immune systems, such as those with chronic medical conditions or undergoing chemotherapy. The infection is caused by the coronavirus, which can be spread through droplets from coughing and sneezing.
The CDC recommends that people with COVID-19 get a PCR test if they have disease symptoms. The test will determine whether you have COVID-19 and whether your symptoms are severe enough to warrant treatment.
Hemoglobin A1C
A1C is a glycated hemoglobin test that measures how quickly the body releases sugar into the bloodstream. This test can help determine if someone has diabetes or is at risk for developing it. It also helps predict the amount of blood sugar control needed over time, which may be affected by medications, diet, and exercise.
Lipid panel
The lipid panel is a routine blood test that provides information on cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and fat-soluble vitamins. It measures total cholesterol, HDL (good), LDL (bad), triglycerides, and LDL/HDL ratio. The lipid panel is often ordered along with other blood tests to help determine whether you have an underlying medical condition like diabetes or high blood pressure that can be treated with medication or lifestyle changes.
Liver function tests
The liver function tests screen your liver function to rule out disease states such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. The liver function tests also monitor treatment for diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Urinalysis
A urinalysis test provides information about your kidneys and urinary tract, including the levels of specific substances in your urine such as protein, glucose, blood cells, and bacteria. The result may help determine if there is a problem with your kidneys or other organs in your body.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone
(TSH) regulates the production of thyroid hormones and is produced by the pituitary gland.. An elevated TSH level indicates a decrease in thyroid hormone production and can result from various medical conditions and medications.
If your doctor suspects you have an underactive thyroid, he may order a TSH test to assess your thyroid function. In most cases, if your TSH level is within normal limits in the middle range, your physician will not need to perform any further tests to confirm this diagnosis.
Prothrombin time
Prothrombin time is a test that measures the time it takes for blood to clot after being drawn. It is used to detect bleeding problems like anemia and thrombocytopenia. It is also used to monitor patients who are taking certain medications.
Lab tests can come in wide varieties, and it is important to know what kind of test will be most helpful for your diagnosis. Physicians depend on your lab test results as a patient, so knowing in advance what kinds of lab tests will be expected for a visit can help relieve some stress about the process. Contact Gather Well to get all the necessary information about the type of lab test you require to get a clear picture of your health.
