Author: Paul Towet
THE ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST: WHAT THE RESULT CAN AND CANNOT TELL YOU
An oral glucose tolerance test can seem unusual compared with an ordinary blood test. You arrive at the laboratory, have blood taken, drink a very sweet glucose solution, and then have another blood sample taken later. But there is a reason for this process. The test looks at how your body handles a known amount…
THE T3 TEST: WHAT THE RESULT CAN AND CANNOT TELL YOU
Your T3 result may look like just another number on a laboratory report. But that number is connected to a hormone system that helps your body use energy and carry out many everyday functions. That does not mean a high or low T3 result can, by itself, tell you that you have a thyroid problem.…
WHAT IS THE HIV WINDOW PERIOD?
If you have had a possible exposure to HIV, one of the most confusing parts of testing can be the waiting period between the exposure and the point when a test can detect infection. You may test negative and still wonder whether it was simply too early to know. This is where the HIV window…
HOW SOON CAN HIV BE DETECTED BY A BLOOD TEST?
If you have had a possible exposure to HIV, one of the most confusing parts of testing can be the waiting period between the exposure and the point when a test can reliably detect infection. You may test negative and still wonder whether it was simply too early to know. This is where the HIV…
THE T4 TEST: WHAT THE RESULT CAN AND CANNOT TELL YOU
Your T4 result may appear to be just another number on a laboratory report. But that number is connected to a system that helps control how your body uses energy, stays warm and carries out many everyday functions. That does not mean that a high or low T4 result can, by itself, tell you that…
THE SERUM IRON TEST: WHAT THE RESULT CAN AND CANNOT TELL YOU
Serum iron measures the amount of circulating iron at the time of testing. It can contribute to iron assessment, but it does not directly measure total body iron stores and should not be interpreted alone.
TOTAL IRON-BINDING CAPACITY (TIBC): WHAT THE TEST CAN TELL YOU ABOUT IRON TRANSPORT
TIBC estimates the blood’s capacity to bind iron and reflects the availability of transferrin for iron transport. It is most useful when considered with other iron-study results and clinical context.
THE LDL CHOLESTEROL TEST: WHAT LDL CAN AND CANNOT TELL YOU ABOUT CARDIOVASCULAR RISK
LDL cholesterol is one of the particles that carries cholesterol through the blood. Too much LDL over time can contribute to fatty deposits in artery walls, so the result is considered alongside other heart and blood vessel risk factors.
THE HDL CHOLESTEROL TEST: WHAT HDL CAN AND CANNOT TELL YOU ABOUT HEART HEALTH
HDL cholesterol is one part of the blood lipid profile. The test measures cholesterol carried by HDL particles, but it does not directly measure artery health or guarantee protection from cardiovascular disease.
LESSONS LABORATORIES LEARNED FROM COVID-19
COVID-19 showed how essential laboratory capacity, networks, supply chains, data systems, skilled staff, quality systems, surveillance, innovation and clear communication are during health emergencies.