Tests
A reticulocyte count (retic count) measures the number of reticulocytes in your blood. Reticulocytes are immature (still developing) red blood cells (RBCs). Your body makes reticulocytes in your bone marrow. Then it sends them into your blood, where they mature into red blood cells within one to two days. The main job of the red blood cells is to move oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body.
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A rheumatoid factor (RF) test checks a sample of your blood for rheumatoid factor, a protein made by the immune system .
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This test measures the amount of salicylates in the blood. Salicylates are a type of drug found in many over-the-counter and prescription medicines. These can include:
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An SHBG blood test measures the level of a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in a sample of your blood. SHBG is made mostly in your liver. It binds (attaches) to sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen and helps control how much of these hormones are active in your body.
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This test looks for smooth muscle antibodies (SMAs) in a sample of your blood. High levels of SMAs are usually a sign of a chronic (long-lasting) liver condition called autoimmune hepatitis .
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A sodium blood test measures the amount of sodium in your blood. Sodium is a type of electrolyte . Electrolytes are minerals that have an electrical charge when they are dissolved in water or body fluids. You have electrolytes in your blood, urine (pee), tissues, and other body fluids. They help control the amount of fluid and the balance of acids and bases (pH balance) in your body. Sodium also helps your nerves and muscles work properly.
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A sputum culture is a test that checks for bacteria or another type of germ that may be causing a respiratory tract infection (an infection in your lungs or airways). Sputum, also known as phlegm, is a thick type of mucus made in your lungs. If you have an infection or chronic illness affecting the lungs or airways, sputum can settle in your lungs, and you may also cough it up
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A stool elastase test measures the amount of elastase in your stool (poop). Elastase is a type of digestive enzyme, a protein that speeds up certain chemical reactions in your body. The pancreas, a gland that sits behind your stomach, makes these digestive enzymes to help your body break down food and absorb nutrients. Your body can then use these nutrients for energy, growth, and repairing cells.
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Syphilis tests generally look for certain antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes when it finds harmful substances in your body. In this case, the harmful substance is the bacterium that causes syphilis , one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs.)
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A testosterone levels test measures the amount of the hormone testosterone in a sample of your blood. Hormones are chemical messengers in your bloodstream that control the actions of certain cells or organs.
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Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is testing that measures the amount of certain medicines in your blood. It checks whether the amount of medicine you take is safe and effective.
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A thyroglobulin test measures the amount of a protein called thyroglobulin (Tg) in a sample of your blood. Your thyroid (a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck) makes thyroglobulin along with many other important hormones . Together, these hormones control bodily activities such as your heart rate and how fast you burn calories from food.
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