FAQ
Popular Questions
Q.1 What tests does your laboratory offer?
We offer a wide range of tests, including but not limited to blood tests, body tests, and more.
Q.2 Are your laboratory tests certified?
Yes, all our tests are certified and conducted by experienced professionals.
Q.3 Do you offer home collection services for samples?
Yes, we provide home collection services for your convenience
Q.4 How can I book an appointment for a test?
You can book an appointment by visiting our website or contacting us directly.
Q.5 Do you offer specialized tests for specific conditions?
Yes, we offer specialized tests for various conditions, including cardiology, diabetes, and more.
FAQ
General Questions
What are cancer marker tests?
These examinations search for cancer indicators, commonly known as tumor markers. Tumor markers are chemicals frequently produced by normal cells or cancer cells reacting to one another. As an illustration, specific tumor markers are proteins made more significantly by certain cancer cells than by normal ones. Variations in the genes and other components of tumor cells may also serve as tumor markers. Samples of biological fluids, including urine or blood, may include specific tumor markers. Cell samples taken during a tumor biopsy include additional tumor markers.
After a cancer diagnosis, tumor marker tests are often performed. Regarding your cancer, the test findings might provide crucial information on:
How fast is the cancer growing?
What type of treatment is most likely to help?
Is the treatment working?
Has cancer come back after treatment?
There are tumor markers for not all malignancies. Furthermore, no information is perfected from the known tumor markers. This is due to :
Also, there may be an increase in specific tumor markers in non-cancerous situations. Tests for tumor markers are unable to distinguish between tumor indicators caused by cancer and other illnesses.
Certain individuals do not produce elevated amounts of the tumor markers typically associated with their particular form of cancer.
Tumor marker tests, however, even with these limitations, Additionally, certain tumor markers may be rising in your cancer when combined with the findings of other tests and examinations.
What are they used for?
The primary purpose of tumor marker tests is to shed light on a confirmed cancer. However, they might also be utilized in some circumstances to assist in identifying cancer or screening for the disease.
Most typically, tumor marker tests are utilized following a cancer diagnosis. Tumor markers may be helpful when combined with other tests:
Check your body’s other regions to see if your cancer has spread (cancer stage)
Estimate your cancer’s potential growth rate, likelihood of recovery, and probability of recurrence.
Pick the best course of action for your particular cancer kind. Certain malignancies with specific tumor markers respond better to certain treatments. Another name for tumor indicators that aid in treatment planning is biomarkers.
Keep an eye on the effectiveness of your treatment. Declining tumor marker levels typically indicate the efficacy of your treatment.
Look for any cancer that doesn’t go away after treatment or that returns after it has.
Specific tumor marker tests that rely on bodily fluids—primarily blood or urine—have limited applicability in detecting particular cancer types. Test results are mainly used to screen individuals who:
There is a high chance of developing the cancer type associated with the tumour marker being examined.
Possess signs that could indicate that kind of malignancy.
Cancer cannot be diagnosed by tumor marker tests utilized in cancer screening. It only indicates that you have a higher chance of developing cancer if your tumor marker levels are high. A biopsy is typically required to identify or rule out malignancy.
Tumor marker assays employ tumor cells and may aid in cancer diagnosis. Typically, a biopsy removes these “tumor cell markers.” However, they may be combined with other testing to confirm a diagnosis of malignancy and ascertain the best course of treatment.
Why do I need a Cancer marker test?
A Cancer marker test could be necessary if you:
Are you undergoing cancer treatment at this time
received their cancer therapy in full
Possess additional illnesses that raise your risk, or you have a family history of a specific type of cancer that puts you at high risk of developing it.
Your health and medical history, the diagnosis of cancer, and any potential symptoms will all influence the kind of test that you undergo. The most popular tumor marker types and their applications are listed below. There are tumor markers associated with a single kind of cancer. Others have connections to a wide range of cancer types:
CA 125 (cancer antigen 125)
Tumor marker for: ovarian cancer
Used to:
See if cancer treatment is working
See if cancer has come back after you’ve finished treatment
CA 15-3 and CA 27-29 (cancer antigens 15-3 and 27-29)
Tumor markers for: breast cancer
Used to: Monitor treatment in people with advanced breast cancer
PSA (prostate-specific antigen)
Tumor marker for: prostate cancer
Used to:
Screen for prostate cancer
Help diagnose prostate cancer
Monitor treatment
Check to see if cancer has come back after you’ve finished treatment
CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)
Tumor marker for: colorectal cancer, and also for cancers of the lung, stomach, thyroid, pancreas, breast, and ovary
Used to:
See if cancer treatment is working
See if cancer has come back after you’ve finished treatment
AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein)
Tumor marker for: liver cancer, and cancers of the ovary or testicles
Used to:
Help diagnose liver cancer
Find out if cancer has spread (the stage of cancer)
See if cancer treatment is working
Predict chances for recovery
B2M (Beta 2-microglobulin)
Tumor marker for: multiple myeloma, some lymphomas, and leukemias
Used to:
See if cancer treatment is working
Predict chances for recovery
What happens during a Cancer marker test?
Tests for Cancer markers are most frequently performed on blood. Urine tests and biopsies are also commonly utilized to look for cacer indicators. A little tissue sample is taken out for testing during a simple surgery called a biopsy.
A doctor will take your arm’s vein and use a tiny needle to extract blood. for a blood test. Little amounts of blood are collected into test tubes or vials after the needle is placed. As the needle enters or exits your body, you could experience a slight sting. Less than five minutes are often needed for this.
Regarding a pee test, Your healthcare professional will explain the procedure for supplying your sample.
The physician will take a tiny sample of tissue for the biopsy. Biologic sample preparations vary based on the location of the sample. Cutting or scraping the area of your skin can be used to take a biopsy. A small incision (cut) may be made to remove all or part of a suspicious area during a biopsy of tissue from inside your body, or a special needle may be used to extract a sample.
Does taking any preparation material help me ace the test?
Generally, no extra preparations are necessary for a blood or urine test.
A fasting period of several hours before the biopsy operation may be required.
What is a hormones profile test?
A blood test called a “hormones profile” evaluates the levels of several hormones in your body and offers important information about the state of your hormones.
What is a thyroid profile test?
By examining the levels of thyroid hormones like TSH, T3, and T4, a blood test known as a thyroid profile test assesses how well the thyroid gland is working.
What is the importance of growth hormone?
When it comes to metabolism, growth, and body composition, growth hormone is essential. In adults it aids to maintaining bone density and muscular mass, and it is crucial for children’s healthy growth and development.
What is total testosterone?
Total testosterone is the total amount of testosterone in the bloodstream, including both bound and free testosterone. It is important for sexual development and maintenance of muscle mass and bone density.
What is AMH and why is it tested?
An indicator of a woman’s ovarian reserve—the quantity and quality of eggs still in the ovaries—is the hormone known as anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), which is generated by the ovaries.
How is a hormones profile test done?
The standard procedure for a hormone profile test involves drawing blood from an arm vein. Once the sample is examined in a lab, the levels of different hormones are determined
What are the effects of a growth hormone deficiency?
A growth hormone deficiency can lead to reduced bone density, increased body fat, and decreased muscle mass. In children, it can result in stunted growth.
Can I book a hormones profile test online?
Yes, you can book a hormones profile test online through our website or by contacting our laboratory directly.
What is the significance of Anti Tpo in thyroid disorders?
Anti-TPO antibodies are often present in autoimmune thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. High levels of Anti-TPO antibodies can indicate an autoimmune reaction against the thyroid gland.
What happens if PTH levels are too high?
High PTH levels can lead to hypercalcemia (high level of calcium in the blood), which can cause symptoms such as kidney stones, fatigue, and bone pain.
What is a Vitamin Test?
The levels of different vitamins in your body can be determined by a blood test called a vitamin test. In addition to identifying vitamin excesses or deficiencies, it aids in evaluating your overall nutritional health.
Why is a Vitamin Test Important?
A vitamin test is essential because vitamins are crucial in maintaining overall health. Deficiencies or excesses of vitamins can lead to various health problems, so it’s necessary to ensure your vitamin levels are within the optimal range.
What Vitamins are Typically Tested in a Vitamin Test?
Vitamins including vitamin D, B12, folate (vitamin B9), vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin K can all be measured with a vitamin test.
Who Should Consider Getting a Vitamin Test?
A vitamin test may benefit people at risk of vitamin deficiencies, such as those with certain medical conditions, dietary restrictions, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can also be helpful for those experiencing symptoms of vitamin deficiency.
How is a Vitamin Test Done?
Usually, blood drawn from an arm vein is used to perform a vitamin test. The sample is then examined in a lab to determine the different vitamin levels.
What Can the Results of a Vitamin Test Tell You?
The results of a vitamin test can provide information about your overall nutritional status and help identify any deficiencies or excesses of specific vitamins. This information can be used to guide dietary changes or supplementation if necessary.
How Can I Improve My Vitamin Levels?
In order to assist raise your vitamin levels, your doctor might suggest dietary adjustments, supplements, or other treatments if your vitamin test shows deficits. Taking your medical professional’s advice seriously is crucial for the best
Are There Any Risks Associated with Vitamin Testing?
Testing for vitamins is a low-risk, safe process. Serious problems are unlikely, however some patients may feel mild soreness or bruising at the location of the blood sample extraction.
What is Viral Fever?
Viral fever is a common term used to describe a variety of viral infections that cause fever as a primary symptom. These infections can affect anyone, from children to adults.
What are the Symptoms of Viral Fever?
Symptoms of viral fever can include fever, body aches, fatigue, headache, cough, and sometimes a rash. Symptoms can vary depending on the specific virus causing the infection.
How is Viral Fever Diagnosed?
Viral fever is often diagnosed based on symptoms and physical examination. Sometimes, blood tests or other diagnostic The precise virus causing the infection may be found by testing.
How is Viral Fever Treated?
Treatment for viral fever typically focuses on relieving symptoms. This may include rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and discomfort.
When Should I See a Doctor for Viral Fever?
You should see a doctor if you have a fever that lasts more than a few days, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe headache, or a weakened immune system.
How Can I Prevent Viral Fever?
You can reduce your risk of viral fever by practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying up to date on vaccinations
Is Viral Fever Contagious?
Viral fever can be contagious, depending on the specific virus causing the infection. It is essential to take precautions to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Can Viral Fever Lead to Complications?
Viral fever can sometimes lead to dehydration, bacterial infections, or, in rare cases, more severe complications. You must seek medical attention if you have concerns about your symptoms.
What is heart disease?
An assortment of cardiac issues are included in the broad phrase “illness of the heart and blood vessels is heart disease another name for it: cardiovascular disease.
Although there are methods to control and prevent many forms of heart disease, heart disease remains the biggest cause of mortality in the US.
What are the types of heart disease?
Heart illness comes in a wide variety of forms. Congenital heart disease is one type of it that you could have from birth. During your lifetime, other varieties emerge.
Heart disease, also called as coronary artery disease or coronary heart disease, is the most prevalent kind. Plaque, a sticky material, accumulates in the arteries supplying blood to your heart muscle over time, slowly causing heart attacks. Other heart issues may arise from the plaque’s narrowing or blocking of blood supply to the heart muscle.
Angina is a part of chest pain caused by insufficient blood flow.
Heart attacks occur from a lack of blood circulation to the portion of the heart muscle.
A heart that is unable to pump dont get blood to meet the demands of the body is said to be in cardiac failure.
An irregular heartbeat Your heart valves or heart muscle may be impacted by other cardiac illnesses (cardiomyopathy).
What causes heart disease?
Heart disease’s etiology varies depending on the condition. Genetics, lifestyle, medications, infections, and other illnesses are a few potential causes.
What are the symptoms of heart disease?
The nature of your cardiac illness will determine your symptoms. It’s possible that you won’t initially experience any symptoms. Sometimes a heart attack or another problem could reveal your heart condition to you before you realize it.
How are heart diseases diagnosed?
In order to determine whether you have heart disease, your medical professional will:
Inquire about your symptoms and medical history.
Find out about any family medical history, particularly if any relatives have experienced heart problems.
Perform a physical examination.
Probably perform blood and cardiac testing
For examinations, diagnosis, and treatment, your physician could occasionally recommend you to a cardiologist—a medical professional who specializes in cardiac disorders.
Who is more likely to develop heart disease?
The likelihood of developing heart disease can be increased by a variety of circumstances. You have some control over some of these things and not over others.
Age. With age is grown up an increased risk of heart disease.
Love.Compared to men, women may be more or less susceptible to heart disease due to certain circumstances.
Genes and family history.An elevated risk of heart disease is associated with a family history of early heart disease. Furthermore, studies have indicated a genetic component associated with an increased risk of specific cardiac conditions.
ethnicity and race.Some groups are more vulnerable than others.
lifestyle choices.Bad lifestyle choices can increase your risk of heart disease over time:
Consuming an excessive amount of salt, processed carbs, and saturated fats.
not exercising to the proper extent.
excessive alcohol consumption.
smoking as well as being around secondhand smoke.
Overwhelming tension.
Heart disease risk may increase if you have coexisting medical issues. High blood pressure is one of these ailments.
elevated amounts of cholesterol.
diabetics.
Being overweight.
Inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
chronic illness of the kidneys.
metabolic disorder.
What are the treatments for heart disease?
The type of heart disease you have, the severity of your symptoms, and any coexisting medical conditions all affect your treatment options. Among the potential therapies are:
Heart-healthy lifestyle adjustments
Drugs
Operations or procedures
Heart recovery
Can heart diseases be prevented?
By adopting heart-healthy lifestyle choices and taking care of any other underlying medical concerns, you may be able to reduce your chance of developing certain heart diseases.
What is a bone density scan?
An examination that evaluates the quantity of calcium and other minerals in your bones when taking low-dose x-ray technology is called a bone density scan, or DEXA scan. Your bones’ bulk and strength, also referred to as their bone density, are depicted by this measurement.
The majority of people’s bones weaken with age. Osteopenia is the term for when bones thin more than usual. Osteoporosis is a more dangerous disorder that can happen to people who have osteopenia. The degenerative illness known as osteoporosis results in extremely thin and fragile bones. Osteoporosis is most common in women over 65 and often affects elderly adults. Fractures, or shattered bones, are more common in people with osteoporosis, particularly in the hips, spine, and wrists.
Additional names for this test include dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA); bone mineral density test; BMD test; DEXA scan; and DXA.
What is it used for?
Identify osteopenia (poor bone mass) using a bone density scan
Determine the osteoporosis
Forecast the chance of more fractures
Assess the efficacy of osteoporosis treatment.
Why do I need a bone density scan?
Any woman who is 65 years of age or older than should get a bone density scan. This age group of women is particularly vulnerable to bone density loss, which can result in fractures. Low bone density may also be a concern for you if you:
possess an extremely little body mass
suffered at least one fracture after turning fifty.
have experienced a height loss of at least half an inch in a year
Are you a man older than seventy?
have a history of osteoporosis in your family
Additional risk variables consist of:
Absence of exercise
puffing on cigarettes
binge drinking
Inadequate consumption of calcium and vitamin D
What happens during a bone density scan?
Bone density can be determined in a variety of methods. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, or DEXA scan, is the commonly used and most accurate method. In a radiologist’s office, the scan is typically performed.
During a DEXA scan:
Reclining on a cushioned table is what you will do. Pretty sure you can wear what you’re wearing.
The instructions may be to rest your legs on a padded platform or to lie with your legs straight.
Your hips and lower back will be scanned by a device. You will be moving beneath a photon generator, which is another scanning device, at the same time. An image fusion and computer transmission will occur between the two machines. On the computer screen, a medical professional will see the images.
It is necessary that you remain motionless during the scanning process. Holding your breath could be requested of you.
Providers may utilize a handheld scanner called a peripheral DEXA (p-DEXA) scan to detect bone density in the forearm, finger, hand, or foot.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?
24 – 48 hours before your test, you might be instructed to cease taking calcium supplements. Additionally, you should refrain from wearing clothing with metal accents like buttons or buckles or jewelry made of metal.
Are there any risks to the test?
Radiation exposure during a bone density scan is quite low. Most people can safely use it. Pregnant women are advised against using it, though. Radiation can be harmful to a developing embryo even at modest concentrations. If you suspect you could be pregnant, make sure your provider knows.
What do the results mean?
A “T” score is commonly provided as a consequence of bone density testing. When your bone density is measured and compared to that of a healthy 30-year-old, the result is called a T score. There is likely some bone loss if your T score is low.
One of the following could be displayed in your results:
-1.0 or greater on the T scale. Bone density like this is regarded as typical.
between a -1.0 and -2.5 T score. You may be susceptible to developing osteoporosis as a result of your low bone density, or osteoopenia.
less than a -2.5 T-score. You most likely have osteoporosis as a result of this.
Should the findings indicate that you have low bone density, your physician will suggest actions to stop additional bone loss. They could consist of:
walking, dancing, and using weight machines as ways to increase your level of activity.
Include vitamin D and calcium in your daily diet
Using pharmaceuticals to improve bone density
See your healthcare practitioner if you have any queries regarding your results and/or bone loss therapies.
Get additional information on reference ranges, laboratory testing, and comprehending outcomes.
Is there anything else I need to know about a bone density scan?
Typically, bone density is determined via a DEXA scan. In order to verify a diagnosis or determine whether treatment for bone loss is effective, your healthcare professional could, however, request additional testing. Some examples of these include blood testing for hormones, vitamin D, and/or calcium.
What is a Pregnancy test?
A pregnancy test looks for a particular hormone in a sample of your blood or urine to determine whether you’re carrying a child. The hormone is human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). An elevated hCG level indicates pregnancy. In the first ten weeks following fertilization, when an egg fuses to the uterine wall, hCG levels rise swiftly.
The best results from urine tests for pregnancy come a week or two after the test-taker has missed their menstrual cycle. However, Urine tests may report negative results even when they are positive if you take them too soon after becoming pregnant. This is because your body may not have produced enough hCG to register on the test yet.
An hCG urine test is available at your doctor’s office, or you can use an at-home test kit to perform the test yourself. Many people utilize a home pregnancy test before contacting their doctor because these tests are essentially the same. Proper adherence to the guidelines yields an accuracy percentage of approximately 97–99% for home pregnancy tests. The results can be provided to you in minutes.
Pregnancy blood tests can be performed in a lab or at the office of your provider. These examinations can precisely ascertain if you are pregnant even before you miss your period because they can detect tiny amounts of hCG. However, hCG blood tests aren’t frequently employed to detect pregnancy. This is because, compared to blood tests, urine tests are more affordable, highly accurate, and yield results more quickly. The results of an hCG blood test could take many hours or even days.
Other names for this test include total chorionic gonadotropin, hCG total OB, qualitative and quantitative hCG blood tests, beta-hCG urine test, and human chorionic gonadotropin test.
Why is a pregnancy test necessary?
This test can be necessary if you suspect pregnancy. Pregnancy symptoms differ from person to person. Missed menstruation is the most prevalent indicator of early pregnancy. Other typical indicators of early pregnancy could be:
Tender, swollen breasts
Fatigue Frequent urge to urinate (pee)
vomiting and nausea (sometimes known as morning sickness), Experiencing bloating or puffiness in your body or abdomen
To ensure that you are not pregnant, you might also require a pregnancy test if you require medical care that could endanger the unborn child.
How does a pregnancy test work?
Utilizing a home pregnancy test is quick and straightforward. Without a prescription, a pregnancy test kit for use at home is accessible. Test strips or sticks that react to hCG in your urine are included in the kits. The processes for doing a test vary depending on the brand, so it’s crucial to follow the directions that come with your test. The majority of test kits, either way
In your urine stream, hold the test stick or strip.
After gathering your pee in a cup, dip the test strip or stick it into the cup.
Following a predetermined amount of time, you will examine your results on the test stick or strip. You will find out what to search for in the instructions. Generally speaking, in order for any at-home pregnancy test to yield the most accurate results, you must:
Before using the test, make sure to check the expiration date.
Test your first-morning urine. Generally speaking, morning pees contain higher hCG than afternoon urine.
Set an intervalometer. It could be necessary to adjust your results if you estimate the timing.
Your provider’s office or a lab performs blood tests. A medical expert uses a tiny a needle to draw blood from an arm vein. After the needle is placed, small amounts of blood are collected into test tubes or vials. While the needle enters or leaves your body, it could sting a little. Often, this process takes five minutes or less.
What do the results mean?
Your findings will show whether you’re pregnant.
If hCG was absent from your sample, a negative result suggests that you might not have a baby. However, a negative result does not automatically imply an absence of pregnancy. A home urine test performed too soon could cause your body to need to make more hCG to show up on the test.
It’s a good idea to retake the test a week later because hCG levels climb every day throughout the early stages of pregnancy. Call your provider if you believe you are pregnant despite receiving negative results from two at-home tests (not pregnant). Inquire with your provider about the necessity for a second test if the one they performed yields a negative result.
If the test is positive, then hCG was detected in your specimen. That typically indicates that you are expecting. It’s essential to see your provider as soon as possible to ensure that you get the proper care. If you used a home test, your doctor might perform an additional test to be sure you are pregnant.
If you’re using medication for fertility purposes, drug ), your test results may show that you’re pregnant when you’re not. To find out if you are indeed pregnant, consult your healthcare provider.
Find out more about reference angles, laboratory testing, and comprehending out omes.
The majority of pregnancy tests ensure that hCG is present in the sample. However, specific pregnancy tests also assess the amount of hCG present. These tests are termed quantitative hCG testing and are typically done on blood samples.
Your body’s level of hCG can provide your doctor with crucial details regarding the condition of your unborn child and your pregnancy. Quantitative hCG tests are sometimes used to help:
If you are very early in your pregnancy, find out the fetus’s age.
If there’s a chance you won’t get pregnant, keep an eye on things.
Verify for specific problems, such as:
A fertilized egg that tries to row outside of the uterus is called an ectopic pregnancy. The egg cannot develop into a baby when it’s in the wrong place. It needs to go in order to protect your organs. This can be a medical emergency.
Molar pregnancy (hydatid rm mole) is abnormal tissue growth inside the womb. The reason for this is that the fertilized egg has so many severe genetic defects that it is unable to develop into a baby. The development can progress into cancer and must be removed.
Issues with the fetus, such as Down syndrome, chromosomal additional problems, and specific birth abnormalities (hCG testing is typically included in a series of prenatal screening tests known as a “quadruple” or “triple” screening exam.)
Your doctor may also prescribe a quantitative hCG blood test to monitor or help diagnose non-pregnancy-related medical issues. These include conditions that can raise hCG levels, such as testicular and ovarian cancer.
What are diabetes tests?
Diabetes, often known as diabetes mellitus, is a disease that affects how well the body uses blood sugar or glucose. Glucose is your body’s main energy source. Insulin, a hormone, facilitates the uptake of glucose by your cells from the circulation. Your body cannot produce insulin, or it does not function properly if you have diabetes. As a result, glucose levels may rise excessively high, which may result in dangerous health issues. These include renal illness, nerve damage, heart disease, and vision issues. Tests for diabetes determine blood or urine glucose levels to determine if you have diabetes or are at risk for developing it.
What are they used for?
Diabetes testing can be used to identify and screen for the following conditions:
Diabetic type 1. Your body produces very little or no insulin if you have type 1 diabetes. This illness results from your immune system targeting and eliminating insulin-producing cells. Although it can begin at any age, childhood is when it typically starts. Individuals who have type 1 diabetes need to take insulin shots or use a specific pump daily.
Diabetes type 2. This type of diabetes is the most prevalent kind. Even while type 2 diabetes affects the body’s ability to produce insulin, the cells in it react poorly to it and find it difficult to absorb enough glucose from the blood. Genes and lifestyle choices, such being overweight or obese, can contribute to type 2 diabetes. Although it is more widespread in children and teens, the illness primarily affects adults.
diabetic pregnancy. This particular type of diabetes is exclusive to pregnancy.
diabetes previa. You have higher-than-normal blood glucose levels. in this condition, but not high enough to qualify as diabetes. However, it can endanger you.
Why do I need a diabetes test?
Gestational diabetes doesn’t usually cause symptoms in the early stages of pregnancy, but most pregnant women are screened for the condition. If testing shows glucose levels are high, you will be tested again to confirm the diagnosis.
You may also need testing if you have certain risk factors. You may be at higher risk for diabetes if you:
Are over 45 years old. The American Diabetes Association recommends annual diabetes screening for all adults aged 45 years and older.
Have prediabetes
Are overweight or obese
Have a family history of diabetes
Have high blood pressure or heart disease
Previously had gestational diabetes
If you exhibit diabetic symptoms, such as any of the following, you may need testing.
heightened desire for alcohol
Urinating a lot
A rise in appetite
exhaustion
eyesight problems
Lost weight without explanation
Prolonged healing of sores
foot that be numb or tingly
Diabetes type 1 typically has severe symptoms that develop quickly. Many often, even over years, type 2 diabetes and prediabetes symptoms appear gradually.
What happens during a diabetes test?
There are multiple approaches of diagnosing diabetes. The majority of tests involve measuring blood glucose levels.
Using a small needle, a medical professional will take blood from an arm vein. Once the needle is inserted and put in a vial or test tube, a small amount of blood will be extracted. The needle’s entry and exit points may sting a little. Usually, this takes five minutes or less.
Among the various kinds of blood tests for glucose are:
This test is sometimes called a fasting blood glucose test. You must go eight hours without eating or drinking anything before the test. Diabetes is frequently detected using this test. To confirm a diagnosis, it could be done again.
Oral glucose tolerance assessment (OGTT). Before taking this test, you must fast as well. It will take a blood sample from you when you get to the test. Next, a sugary drink containing glucose will be consumed. Another sample of blood will be drawn after roughly two hours.
High blood sugar levels. Any moment is a good time to take this test. There is no need to fast. Blood type A1c, or HbA1c. Through the course of the previous three months,the typical quantity of glucose attached to hemoglobin is measured. Oxygen is transported throughout your body by hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells found in your lungs. You can do this test without fasting.
Urine glucose levels are another option. Although diabetes cannot be diagnosed with urine testing, it can indicate your risk of developing the condition. For a diagnosis to be confirmed, a blood test is likely required if your urine glucose levels are greater than usual.
Your doctor can suggest an at-home test kit for measuring the level of glucose in pee. You will hold the test strip beneath your urine stream as part of the kit. Various glucose levels will be displayed by the test strip changing color.
Will I need to do anything to prepare for this test?
For both the blood glucose and the oral glucose tolerance test, you must fast (not eat or drink anything).
For a random blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, or glucose in urine test, no extra preparations are required.
Are there any risks to this test?
A blood test carries relatively minimal danger. Most symptoms pass quickly, however there can be some little soreness or bruising where the needle was inserted.
A pee test carries no risk.
What do the results mean?
Your test results may indicate any of the following, depending on the kind of test or tests that you took:
Standard levels of glucose. Accordingly, it is likely that you do not now have diabetes or are at risk for it.
diabetes previa. You may be at risk of developing diabetes as a result of having glucose levels that are above normal.
Diabetes types 1 or 2
gestational diabetes
Find out from your healthcare practitioner the best ways to manage your type 1 diabetes if you have been diagnosed with it. Insulin therapy and consistent glucose monitoring can help manage type 1 diabetes, while there is currently no cure for the illness.
If you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, you may be able to manage or even reverse your disease by changing your lifestyle and taking diabetes medications. A nutritious diet, weight loss, and increased activity are a few of these.
Eating healthy and exercising regular basis can potentially helped lower blood glucose levels if you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. However, make important to discuss treatment choices with your provider. After giving birth, gestational diabetes typically disappears.
Speak with your healthcare practitioner if you have any additional questions concerning your diabetes diagnosis or treatment.
Find out more about reference ranges, lab test procedures, and comprehending results.
Is there anything else I need to know about diabetes testing?
If you have been diagnosed with you have type 1 diabetes, you need to check your blood sugar frequently. Your healthcare practitioner can recommend a kit that you can use at home. The lancet—a tool that prickles your finger—comes with most kits. This is how you will take a blood sample for analysis. More recent kits are available that don’t require you to prick your finger. This kind of monitoring of glucose levels may also be necessary for some pregnant women with gestational diabetes.
Individuals who have type 2 diabetes also need to check their blood sugar levels routinely. Consult your healthcare professional about how frequently your type 2 diabetes should be examined.
It might also be necessary for those with type 2 diabetes to check their insulin levels routinely. Maintaining the proper levels of glucose requires insulin. The location of the insulin in-blood test is the provider’s office.