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Lab Tests specific queries and answers

GLUCOSE, FASTING

GLUCOSE, FASTING

A Glucose Fasting test determines the quantity of glucose, or sugar, in your bloodstream. Your body turns the carbohydrates you consume into glucose, which you can use for energy. Blood glucose levels that are very high or low may indicate a significant medical problem, such as diabetes.   Doctors frequently request a blood glucose test to help identify diabetes. Gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes are the main conditions that are diagnosed or treated by glucose testing.  Typically, the insulin hormone regulates how much sugar is present in your blood. However, if you have diabetes, your system either produces insufficient insulin or the insulin it does generate doesn't function effectively. Your blood sugar will increase as a result of this. Chronically high blood sugar levels can cause heart disease, renal damage, blindness, and other catastrophic diseases if left untreated.   Due to the risk of seizures, paralysis, and even mortality, doctors view extremely low blood sugar as a medical emergency. There are various types of blood glucose tests that are employed to monitor abnormal blood glucose levels, including:  Random (non-fasting)  Fasting  Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), is a two-hour post-prandial test that is conducted following the consumption of food or liquid. These post-meal tests can demonstrate how effectively a person with diabetes is controlling their blood glucose levels  The Apollo 24|7 blood glucose test is a fasting test that accurately determines how much glucose is present in the blood after an 8 - 10 hour fast. The Glucose Fasting test is performed to:   Test for or identify diabetes and pre-diabetes   Keep  track of blood sugar levels in patients undergoing treatment  Learn how blood sugar levels are impacted by diet and activity Recognize the effects of additional variables, such as stress or anxiety, on blood sugar levels Monitor your progress in achieving your overall treatment objectives Furthermore, testing for Hypoglycemia can occasionally be performed using blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia is a condition that develops when blood glucose levels are too low, typically below 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).  People with diabetes who take too much insulin or engage in rigorous exercise or meal skipping risk of developing Hypoglycemia. Less frequently, various underlying diseases or drugs can result in Hypoglycemia.  Similarly, a blood glucose test can also be used to diagnose Hyperglycemia, which is characterized by high blood glucose levels compared to the normal range. Values above 140 mg/dl indicate Hyperglycemia. These elevated blood sugar levels primarily result from insufficient or malfunctioning insulin.  Medically reviewed by Dr. K Surya Pavan Reddy, Diabetologist at Apollo Hospitals Jubilee Hills,Hyderabad.

GLUCOSE, POST PRANDIAL (PP), 2 HOURS (POST MEAL)

GLUCOSE, POST PRANDIAL (PP), 2 HOURS (POST MEAL)

A Glucose Postprandial (PP), 2 hours (Post meal) test is also known as two hour PPG or two-hour post prandial blood sugar test. The term postprandial means after a meal. This test helps to detect diabetes. It measures the levels of glucose (sugar) after 2 hours a meal is taken. The glucose postprandial test is done: • To detect the presence of diabetes • To detect any other insulin-related disorder • To screen for gestational diabetes (diabetes at the time of pregnancy)

GLUCOSE, RANDOM

GLUCOSE, RANDOM

A glucose, random test is also known as random blood glucose test. This test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) present in the blood. The Glucose random blood test is done: • To screen or detect pre-diabetes and diabetes • To detect abnormal levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood such as hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) or hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) • To monitor the levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood in diabetics undergoing treatment

HEMOGLOBIN (Hb)

HEMOGLOBIN (Hb)

The hemoglobin test is done with a hematocrit or as a part of a complete blood count. It is done in case of signs and symptoms of anemia, or polycythemia. It is done at regular intervals to monitor the ongoing response to the treatment. The hemoglobin test is done: • To evaluate the hemoglobin content in the blood • As a part of routine health check-up • To screen and diagnose conditions that affect red blood cells. • To assess the severity of anemia or polycythemia • To monitor the ongoing treatment for anemia or polycythemia

PERIPHERAL SMEAR FOR MALARIAL PARASITE (MP)

PERIPHERAL SMEAR FOR MALARIAL PARASITE (MP)

Peripheral smear for Malarial parasite helps to detect the presence of the malarial parasite in the blood. The malarial parasite is detected when an individual is suffering from malaria. Anopheles mosquito if infected with malaria can transfer the malarial parasite to human blood by its bite. The Peripheral smear for Malarial parasite is done: • To detect malaria • To monitor the ongoing treatment for malaria

PLATELET COUNT

PLATELET COUNT

The platelet count helps to determine the number of platelets in the blood. It helps to screen, diagnose, or monitor the conditions that affect the number of platelets. The platelet count is done: • As a part of complete blood count • In case of unexplained or prolonged bleeding • In cases of symptoms which could be due to platelet disorder

CALCIUM - SERUM

CALCIUM - SERUM

Calcium, serum test is also known as total calcium or ionized calcium test. This test helps to screen for, diagnose, and monitor a range of medical conditions. The Calcium, serum test is done: • As a part of a routine metabolic panel • In case of symptoms of disorders of kidneys, bones, thyroid, parathyroid, or nerves • In case of symptoms of increased or decreased calcium concentrations • To monitor the levels of ionized calcium • To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for abnormal calcium levels

HBA1C (GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN)

HBA1C (GLYCATED HEMOGLOBIN)

The HbA1c blood test measures your average level of blood sugar over the past 90 days. It is also called glycated haemoglobin because most monosaccharides (simple sugars), such as glucose and fructose, spontaneously bond with the haemoglobin to ‘glycate’. The higher the glucose levels in the blood, the more it sticks to or binds with the haemoglobin, and the higher is glycated haemoglobin or HbA1c level in the blood.  One of the reasons why the HbA1c test is done is to know whether a person is prediabetic or prone to diabetes. Accordingly, the person can take appropriate action to prevent diabetes to a certain extent; this includes  measures like reducing fat and sugar intake,  exercising regularly, and losing weight .   HbA1c blood test result bifurcation: Below 5.7% - Normal Between 5.7% to 6.4% - Prediabetes  6.5% and above - Diabetes Who should get the HbA1c blood test done? People with a family history of diabetics  People who are suffering from diabetes People who have been diagnosed borderline diabetic or Prediabetic People having recurrent infections, especially skin infections and urine infection People with high Cholesterol levels Overweight people Medically reviewed by Dr Shakti, General Physician/Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi

HIV RAPID

HIV RAPID

HIV Rapid test is also known as Rapid HIV antibody test. This test helps to detect HIV infection in the blood. The HIV Rapid test is done: • To detect HIV infection Important Note: As per guidelines, the laboratory report of the test needs to be collected from the registered centre only. Details for the same will be shared once the test reports have been generated.

FERRITIN

FERRITIN

The Ferritin test is also known by the name serum ferritin test. It helps to determine the total iron storage capacity of the body. It also helps to diagnose iron deficiency or iron overload. The Ferritin Test is done: • In case of low hemoglobin and hematocrit • To detect iron deficiency • To detect iron overload

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