Common fevers include Dengue Fever, Malaria, Typhoid and UTI other than Flu. When we want to know the type of fever, we have to undergo certain blood and urine tests.
It is important to know that Dengue, Malaria and Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can be detected on Day 1 of fever, however, Typhoid Fever needs atleast 72 hrs for detection after onset of symptoms.
The best test for early detection of typhoid fever is blood culture, however, since the procedure is cumbersome, and may still not detect all cases, doctors usually prefer to test for typhoid after 3 - 4 days of high fever.
There are 2 tests for detection of typhoid antibodies - Widal Test, and Typhidot Test. Widal test provides titres of antibodies, but a rising titre has to be demonstrated for a relatively confirmatory diagnosis, as single high titres may be non-specific. Typhidot test on the other hand gives results of recent and old antibodies (IgM/IgG), and therefore, a better test.
Dual Marker Test, also called Dual Test is a blood test prescribed during early weeks of pregnancy, before 13 wks 6 days of gestation by Ultrasound. This is a predictive test for detecting chances of chromosomal defects in the fetus, namely Down Syndrome and Edward's Syndrome.
This is not a fasting test. However, you need to provide the latest report of NT Ultrasound Scan, and your current body weight.
Dual Marker Test is not diagnostic of any disease. If the test turns out positive, your doctor woud need to get further testing and scanning done to confirm the diagnosis.
BHCG is a hormone related to pregnancy. Quantitative determinations in blood are done to detect early pregnancy, even before a missed period.
BHCG levels are usually repeated after 48 hrs to find out if the levels are increasing as desired for a normal pregnancy.
BHCG levels are increased in ectopic pregnancies as well as molar pregnancies. Its quantification helps the physician to find out the type of pregnancy, and its viability.
No preparation is required. Blood sample can be given anytime of the day.
Prolactin is a hormone primarily related to lactation. However, it is concerned with numerous other functions in the body.
For Prolactin Blood Test, it is advised to give sample after 2 to 3 wakeful hours, preferably in fasting state, or without having high sugary foods and drinks. Also avoid strenuous exercise 30 minutes before the test.
High levels of prolactin are normal during pregnancy and after childbirth. It is also seen in stress, anorexia nervosa, hypothyroidism, hypothalamic and pituitary diseases, kidney disease, PCOD, prolactinomas or due to drugs such as estrogen, TCA, opiates, amphetamines, some antihypertensives and cimetidine. Low levels of prolactin are indicative of general hypopituitarism or intake of certain drugs.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is one of the acute phase proteins synthesised by hepatocytes. The serum concentration of CRP increases during acute stages of diverse diseases associated with inflammation and tissue injury. Elevated CRP has been demonstrated in nearly all bacterial and fungal infections. In addition, it has been shown to be increased in other diseases as neoplasia, rheumatic diseases, as well as major surgery.
The diagnostic usefulness of CRP is based on the rapidity and magnitude of its increase. Serum concentrations are increased within hours of disease onset. A fall in CRP level from its previous concentration indicates recovery.
Automated testing is more accurate. However, no amount of automation can equal the decision making capability of a skilled and experienced worker.
The sample should be collected after 3 days of abstinence by masturbation, preferably at laboratory washroom, or at home, and the complete ejaculate should be submitted for evaluation.
Note the exact time of sample collection, and submit to laboratory as soon as possible. Do not keep sample in fridge. Do not let sample stand at home for long. Samples need to be analysed after 45 minutes.
If you wish to collect urine sample at home, kindly collect a labeled container from our laboratory. You must collect early morning midstream sample for best results. After collection, the sample must be sent within 1- 2 hours to the laboratory.
Blood for analysis in infants should be collected prior to feed, as milky & turbid serum interferes with certain testing.
Yes, your pathologist has the entire information about your sample, and about any problems that may have occurred during its analysis. You should discuss your report with him if you have any doubt.
Proper sample collection is the first step to correct results. This includes timing of sample collection, whether any special preparation is required, whether any drug has to be stopped before getting the test done, proper mixing of sample with correct anticoagulant, and such other factors. Lipaemic or hemolysed blood samples may give inaccurate results.
Ideally the samples should be tested immediately after collection, especially urine and stool samples. Some samples can be transported. However, transportation of sample needs stringent temperature and leak control measures, otherwise loss of quality can occur.
You may get a preliminary information of whether a growth is there, but a final report showing drug sensitivity of cultured bacteria is available only the next day, even with the latest equipment and technology.
Testing for Glycosylated Hemoglobin gives you an idea of blood glucose control for the past three months. It can help you and your doctor know if the measures you are taking to control your diabetes are successful or need to be adjusted.
If you are nervous or have a tendency to feel woozy or faint, tell the phlebotomist before you begin. Your blood can be drawn while you are lying down, which will help you avoid fainting and injuring yourself. If, at any time, you feel faint or lightheaded, tell the phlebotomist or someone nearby. Putting your head between your knees or lying down should make you feel better soon.