Tests
A 17-hydroxyprogesterone test measures the amount of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) in a sample of your blood. 17-OHP is a substance that your adrenal glands make. Health care providers can use this test to help diagnose a group of uncommon genetic disorders that affect the adrenal glands. These genetic adrenal gland disorders are called congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Your adrenal glands are two small organs that sit on top of each kidney. They make different types of hormones , which are chemical messengers in your bloodstream that control the actions of certain cells or organs.
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Tests
This test measures the level of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in a sample of your blood. A hormone is a chemical messenger in your bloodstream that controls the actions of certain cells or organs. ACTH tells your adrenal glands, two small glands that sit above your kidneys, to make another hormone called cortisol.
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Tests
An aldosterone test measures the amount of aldosterone (ALD) in your blood or urine (pee). ALD is a hormone made by your adrenal glands, two small glands that sit above your kidneys. ALD helps keep your blood pressure stable by helping to balance the levels of two electrolytes in your blood, sodium and potassium .
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An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test measures the amount of ALP in your blood. ALP is an enzyme, a protein that speeds up certain chemical reactions in your body. ALP is found in all your body tissues, but higher amounts can be found in your liver, bile ducts, and bones. Each part of your body makes a different type of ALP.
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Tests
An AFP tumor marker test is a blood test that measures the level of AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) in a sample of your blood. AFP is a protein that the liver makes when its cells are growing and dividing to make new cells. AFP levels are normally high in a fetus, but after birth, they drop very low. Healthy children and adults who aren’t pregnant have very little AFP in their blood.
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Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) testing uses a sample of blood or a cheek swab to diagnose a condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AAT deficiency). This condition is sometimes known as "alpha-." or AATD. If you have AAT deficiency, your body doesn't make enough AAT.
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Tests
An AFP test is a blood test that measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in your blood when you are pregnant. The test checks your baby's risk of having certain birth defects and genetic problems , but it does not diagnose any health conditions. The test is usually done between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy .
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An ALT test measures the amount of ALT in your blood. This test is commonly used to help diagnose liver damage or disease .
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Tests
An ammonia levels test measures the amount of ammonia in a sample of your blood. Ammonia is also called NH3. It is a normal waste product in your body. Healthy bacteria in your intestines make ammonia when you digest protein in the foods you eat.
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An amylase test measures the amount of amylase in your blood or urine (pee). Amylase is an enzyme, a protein that speeds up chemical reactions in your body. Amylase helps you digest carbohydrates . Most of the amylase in your body is made by your pancreas and salivary (spit) glands.
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Tests
An ANA test is a blood test that looks for antinuclear antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight foreign substances, like viruses and bacteria. But an antinuclear antibody attacks your healthy cells instead. It's called "antinuclear" because it targets the nucleus of the cells, which is in charge of sending signals that are needed for important cell functions.
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Tests
An ANCA test looks for antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) in a sample of your blood. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system makes to fight foreign substances, such as viruses and bacteria. ANCAs, however, are autoantibodies, which are antibodies that attack your own healthy tissues and organs by mistake. This can lead to the development of an autoimmune disease .
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