Diagnostic Procedures & Tests

by Sam Malone


Diagnostic tests like blood and urine test are the most vital diagnostic tool by which the health condition of an individual is assessed, especially in asymptomatic patients. The validity of a test can be measured by its specificity and sensitivity. Most tests require blood drawn from the vein, as it carries blood from the heart.

The most common diagnostic blood tests that a physician recommends you after a visit, is to check the complete blood count. This test measures the following parameters: White blood cells(WBC) or leukocytes, hematocrit, platelets and hemoglobin. Erythropoietin is diagnosed during anemia. Electrolytes are necessary to keep the muscles, heart, and other organs in order. Tests for electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate. Tests such as blood urea nitrogen and creatinine determine the functioning of the kidneys. Rheumatoid arthritis factor diagnoses the presence of rheumatoid arthritis. The normal blood values are available with the physician.

Blood glucose levels are checked at the fasting and post-prandial stage. Oral glucose tolerance test is done to check the initial incidence of the disease. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) evaluates the hemoglobin levels of the immediate past (previous 3 months). Urine sugar is also a good indicator of diabetes incidence. Nitrite in urine indicates bacterial infection and urinary protein determines impairment in the kidneys. Stool tests involves the detection of microbes and parasites in the intestine. Colonoscopy is done to diagnose the intestinal lining.

Detecting the change in blood pressure is done using a sphygmomanometer. The levels of the thyroid stimulating hormone is determined in patients suffering from hypothyroidism. Blood tests involving lipid profile are done to evaluate the triglycerides, cholesterol and lipoprotein levels, such as, LDL- Low density lipoproteins, VLDL- Very low density lipoproteins and HDL- High density lipoproteins.

Liver diagnosis includes serum albumin, globulin, serum bilirubin. Measurement of certain proteins or liver enzymes released into the circulation by injured liver cells  is used to monitor liver injury. These include Aspartate transaminase  and  Alanine transaminase. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate determines the infection levels resulting in inflammation. Lung function is determined by spirometry and expiratory flow test.

Abnormal growth and complications of the digestive tract is diagnosed by colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and endoscopy. X-ray is another technique of diagnosis. It aids especially in detecting cancer, pneumonia and fractures. A modification of this is the angiogram, which is an x-ray of the blood vessels, by the ingestion of a dye. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a method used to diagnose abnormal growths in the internal organs by the use of magnetic waves.

Ultrasound scanning is a technique that is non-invasive and highlights the soft tissues that are unavailable on x-ray images. CT scan reveals internal injuries. DNA finger printing helps in determining the paternal ancestry. ELISA technique is used to evaluate the presence of HIV virus.

At times the biochemical parameters might not fall in the normal range, due to age, physical activity, stress, diet, medications and so on. Avoid self-interpreting the results and take your physician’s guidance.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.


Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
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