Testing Knowledge

Test Directory

Editor-reviewed test guides: what each test is for, how it is performed, its limitations, and which reviewed products serve it. Personal health questions are answered with knowledge and preparation guidance — not supplier sales.

25-OH Vitamin D

The main circulating form of vitamin D and the standard measure of vitamin D status.

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Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT)

A clotting test of the intrinsic and common pathways, used to monitor unfractionated heparin and investigate prolonged bleeding histories.

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Blood Gas and Electrolytes (ABG)

Point-of-care measurement of oxygenation, ventilation, acid-base status, and electrolytes in critically ill patients.

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Cardiac Troponin I/T (cTnI, cTnT)

Blood proteins released when heart muscle is injured; the primary laboratory marker in the evaluation of possible acute myocardial infarction.

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Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea (CT/NG) Detection

Nucleic acid detection of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

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C-Reactive Protein (CRP / hs-CRP)

An acute-phase protein that rises rapidly during inflammation; used to detect and monitor infection and inflammatory disease.

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Cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA Quantification

Quantifies CMV DNA for transplant monitoring and disease management.

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D-Dimer

A fibrin degradation product used mainly to help rule out venous thromboembolism when clinical probability is low.

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Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

A stool test detecting hidden blood from the lower bowel; the main screening entry point for colorectal cancer programmes.

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Ferritin

The intracellular iron-storage protein measurable in serum; the most useful single test of iron stores.

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Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c)

A long-term measure of average blood glucose over roughly the preceding two to three months, used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.

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Helicobacter pylori Stool Antigen

A non-invasive stool test for active H. pylori infection, suitable for both diagnosis and verification of eradication.

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Hepatitis B Virus DNA Quantification

Quantifies hepatitis B virus DNA to guide treatment decisions and monitor response.

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Hepatitis C Virus RNA Quantification

Confirms active hepatitis C infection and verifies cure after treatment.

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HIV-1 Viral Load

Quantitative measurement of HIV-1 RNA to stage infection and monitor therapy.

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HPV DNA Screening

Molecular test that detects high-risk human papillomavirus types from cervical samples.

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HPV DNA Screening and Genotyping

Detects high-risk human papillomavirus types used in cervical cancer screening.

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Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG, Pregnancy Test)

The hormone detected by pregnancy tests; also used in medicine to assess certain pregnancies and tumours.

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Influenza A/B RNA Detection

Molecular detection and typing of influenza A and B viruses from respiratory specimens.

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Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA Detection

Molecular detection of M. tuberculosis complex, with or without rifampicin resistance markers.

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Newborn Screening Panel (Inborn Errors of Metabolism)

Population screening of newborns from dried blood spots for treatable inborn errors of metabolism before symptoms appear.

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Procalcitonin (PCT)

A biomarker that rises markedly in systemic bacterial infection; used to support antibiotic decisions in respiratory infections and sepsis pathways.

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Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

A protein produced by prostate tissue; elevated values can reflect prostate cancer but also common benign conditions.

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Prothrombin Time / INR (PT/INR)

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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Respiratory Pathogen Panel

Multiplex PCR detecting 10–20+ respiratory viruses and atypical bacteria from one specimen.

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SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detection

Molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA for COVID-19 diagnosis and screening.

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Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

The pituitary hormone that regulates the thyroid; the primary first-line test for thyroid dysfunction.

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