Tests
Growth hormone (GH) tests are blood tests that check if your body is making a normal amount of GH. Hormones are chemical messengers in your bloodstream that control the actions of certain cells or organs. GH, also known as human growth hormone, controls your body's growth. It also helps control metabolism, the process your body uses to make energy from the food you eat. GH is made in the pituitary gland , a small organ at the base of your brain that controls many functions, including growth.
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A hemoglobin test measures the levels of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in your red blood cells. It carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Your cells need oxygen to grow, reproduce, and make energy for you to function. Your hemoglobin levels provide information about the health of your red blood cells. If your hemoglobin levels are abnormal, it may be a sign that you have a blood disorder .
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Iron tests measure different substances in the blood to check iron levels in your body. Iron is a mineral that your body needs for growth and development. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. It carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, Iron is also important for healthy muscles, bone marrow, and organ function. Your body also needs iron to make some hormones .
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Liver function tests (also called a liver panel) use a sample of your blood to measure several substances made by your liver.
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Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small blood cells. They form in your bone marrow, the sponge-like tissue in your bones. Platelets are essential for blood clotting . A blood clot is a mass of blood that forms when platelets, proteins, and cells in the blood stick together. When you get hurt, your body forms a blood clot to stop the bleeding.
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A potassium blood test measures the amount of potassium in your blood. Potassium is a type of electrolyte . Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help control the amount of fluids and the balance of acids and bases (pH balance) in your body. They also help control muscle and nerve activity and perform other important functions.
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Protein C and protein S tests use a sample of your blood to measure how many of these proteins you have and how well they're working. Though they are often done together, these are separate tests. A protein C test measures protein C in your blood ; a protein S test measures protein S.
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An immunofixation (IFE) blood test measures the number and type of proteins in your blood. Proteins have many important functions, including giving your body energy, rebuilding muscles, and helping your immune system. There are different types of proteins, and each one has a different job for your body. This test checks to see if your body is making or losing too much of certain proteins. Your body might make too much or too little protein if you have certain health conditions.
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A clotting test measuring the extrinsic pathway, standardised internationally as INR to monitor vitamin K antagonist therapy and assess bleeding risk.
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A red blood cell (RBC) count measures the number of red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, in your blood. Red blood cells are made in your bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside your large bones. They contain hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein that carries oxygen from your lungs to every cell in your body. Your cells need oxygen to grow, reproduce, and make energy for you to function. An RBC count that is higher or lower than normal is often the first sign of an illness. So, the test may allow you to get treatment even before you have symptoms.
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A total protein and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio test measures the total amount of protein in your blood. Proteins have many important functions, including giving your body energy, rebuilding muscles, and helping your immune system . Your body might make too much or too little protein if you have certain health conditions.
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A triiodothyronine (T3) test measures the level of T3 in a sample of your blood. It's used to help diagnose thyroid disease .
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