Details for Specific Laboratory Tests
Many laboratory tests can be used in the diagnosis of multiple medical
conditions. An elevated or decreased result may or may not indicate a
specific disease or condition. All laboratory results should be evaluated
by your healthcare provider in context with your clinical symptoms.
A1C, HEMOGLOBIN A1C OR GLYCOLATED HEMOGLOBIN
This test is useful in monitoring the long term control of diabetes mellitus.
Unlike a fasting glucose which tells you what your glucose is at that
moment, glycolated hemoglobin reflects the average glucose concentration
over the past 120 days. This test will indicate if your diabetes is under control.
BASIC METABLOIC PROFILE
This test is a smaller version of the comprehensive metabolic profile.
It consists of eight tests including: glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium,
and kidney function test.
BNP - B-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE
This test is used in the diagnosis and treatment of congestive heart failure.
CBC - COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT
This is a screening test for overall health. It checks for infections,
both viral and bacterial. A CBC also checks for anemia and bleeding problems.
It is also used to evaluate chemotherapy treatment.
COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PROFILE
This profile is used to evaluate your heart, lungs, liver and kidneys.
It is the most common chemistry profile ordered and includes glucose,
sodium, potassium, calcium, and eleven other tests.
CRP - C-REACTIVE PROTEIN
This test is used as an indicator of infection or of possible heart disease.
HEPATIC (LIVER) PANEL
This test is used to evaluate liver function. Many medications can cause
liver damage and this test is used to monitor these medications. It is
also a screen for Hepatitis, blockages and other diseases that affect
the liver.
H. PYLORI - HELICOBACTER PYLORI
Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterium implicated in chronic gastritis and
stomach ulcers. Our Laboratory is the
only lab in this area to offer the urea breath test for H. Pylori. This test
is a non-invasive test for H. Plyori and for the active infection. Common
blood tests will only indicate if you have ever had H. Pylori, not if
it is active. The test only takes 15 minutes and involved blowing into
two balloon-like bags and a citrus drink. Please contact the Laboratory
for more information.
LIPID PANEL
This test is used to evaluate increased cholesterol and triglycerides as
an indicator of coronary artery disease or to evaluate statin drugs. It
includes cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL (good) cholesterol.
MRSA CULTURE
This test is used to screen for possible MRSA carriers before surgery or
admission to the hospital. Many healthy people have MRSA normally in their
nose. MRSA can cause problems in hospitalized patients so many healthcare
providers screen all admitted patients for MRSA.
PLAVIX - P2Y12 - CLOPIDOGREL, PRASUGREL
This test is used to check blood clot formation of patients on Plavix.
Plavix is a drug commonly prescribed to patients who face an increased
risk of heart attacks or strokes. Our lab is the only in this area to
offer this test. It can be used to check to see if the medication is blocking
clot formation or to make sure the Plavix is out of the patient's
system prior to surgery to prevent bleeding.
PROTIME
This test is used for the monitoring of Coumadin Anticoagulant Therapy.
RAPID STREP - STREP THROAT SCREEN
This test is for the rapid detection of Group A Beta Strep in the throat
(strep throat). A positive result can be reported within 24 hours but
a negative result does not mean that strep is not present. Since untreated
Group A Strep can lead to many health problems, all negative rapid streps
are verified by culture and can take up to 48 hours.
STOOL SPECIMENS
Many tests can be performed on stool. These include culture, parasites,
viruses, blood, and white cells. The Laboratory has special stool collection
instructions and kits depending on what tests have been ordered. Some
stool tests can take over 48 hours to complete and additional charges
can occur depending upon the pathogen isolated.
UA - URINALYSIS
This test is used to detest abnormalities of the bladder and kidneys. It
can diagnose kidney disease and urinary tract infections.
URINE CULTURE
This test isolates and identifies bacteria in the urinary tract. If a pathogen
is isolated, a sensitivity will be performed. A sensitivity indicates
to your healthcare provider what antibodies should be effective against
the bacteria. There will be an additional charge for the identification
and sensitivity of the bacteria. A special container and urine culture
collection instructions are provided by the Laboratory. Urine culture
results will take at least 48 hours.
24 HOUR URINE COLLECTION
This test is used for the collection of urines over a 24 hour period. If
the order says "24 HOUR URINE" please come by the lab for a
special container. Some 24 hour urine tests use refrigeration as a preservative
and some use an acid. The lab will provide you with the correct 24 hour
urine container and instructions.