https://healthencyclo.blogspot.com/atom.xml Health Encyclopedia

Monday, February 6, 2023

What is Alkaline phosphatase test?

Alkaline phosphatase is a type of enzyme that exists in the body. Enzymes are proteins that help chemical reactions. For example, it can break down large molecules into smaller parts or help assemble smaller molecules into larger structures.

You have alkaline phosphatase all over your body, including your liver, digestive system, kidneys, and bones.

If you have signs of liver or bone disease, your doctor may order an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test to measure the amount of enzymes in your blood and help diagnose the problem.
Sometimes it is part of a broader group of tests that check how the liver is functioning, called a regular liver or liver panel.

Why should I take this test?

If her liver is not working properly, she may have high levels of ALP in her blood. Doctors often use this test to check for blocked bile ducts. Other conditions that can cause liver problems include:

• liver cancer

• cirrhosis

• hepatitis

• blocked bile ducts

This test can also detect bone problems such as:

• Paget's disease, which affects bone growth

• Problems caused by vitamin D deficiency
Interpretation of test results It is given in units (IU/l). .
The report may also include reference ranges that may vary from lab to lab. A common reference range is 44-147 IU/L, although some professional bodies recommend a range of 30-120 IU/L. For this reason, it is important to check test reports against the reference range of the lab that analyzed the samples.

Elevated ALP can indicate many other conditions besides liver and bone disease. However, high ALP values ​​are not necessarily a sign of a problem.
Several factors may be considered when interpreting test results. For example, ALP is usually higher in pregnant women, growing children and adolescents, and the elderly. ALP produced in the gut can also increase after fatty meals in people with certain blood types. It can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, hypothyroidism, and some rare genetic disorders that affect ALP or liver function. Persistent low levels of ALP may indicate hypophosphatasia (HPP), a rare genetic disorder of bone metabolism.
If there is an ALP isozyme test, the test report will show values ​​for different types of ALP. Elevation of specific ALP sources can localize tissue damage and other diseases in the body.

Regardless of the type of ALP test you have, it is important to discuss your test results with your doctor. Your doctor can best explain what your test results mean for your health and whether other tests might be beneficial.

When discussing test results with your doctor, these questions may help you better understand your situation and the most appropriate next steps in treatment:

Saturday, February 4, 2023

What does billirubin test indicate?

What is a bilirubin blood test?

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment found in all blood and stool. A bilirubin blood test determines the level of bilirubin in the body.

Your liver may not be able to process the bilirubin in your body. This may be due to excess bilirubin, blockage, or liver inflammation.
Excess bilirubin in the body causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to turn yellow. This condition is called jaundice.

A bilirubin test can help determine if you have these conditions.

Bilirubin is formed in the body when the hemoglobin protein in old red blood cells is broken down. Shedding old cells is a normal and healthy process.
After circulating in the blood, bilirubin moves to the liver.

In the liver, bilirubin is processed, mixed with bile, excreted into the bile ducts and stored in the gallbladder.

Finally, bile is released into the small intestine to aid in fat digestion. It is eventually excreted in your stool.

Bilirubin that is bound by the liver to glucuronic acid (a glucose-derived acid) is called direct or conjugated bilirubin.
Bilirubin that is not bound to glucuronic acid is called indirect bilirubin or unconjugated bilirubin. The sum of all bilirubin in the blood is called total bilirubin.
The
comprehensive bilirubin blood test accurately measures all three levels of bilirubin in the blood: direct, indirect and total bilirubin.

In both adults and children, symptoms associated with high bilirubin include jaundice, yellowing of the skin and eyes, tiredness, itchy skin, dark urine, and loss of appetite.

Common Reasons for Bilirubin Testing there is.
Therefore, testing for bilirubin in the blood is a good way to check for liver damage.

Mild jaundice in newborns may be due to normal changes in bilirubin metabolism or may be the first sign of a medical problem.

If the birth value is too high, the baby's blood can be tested several times in the first few days of life to monitor liver function. Jaundice in newborns can be very serious and life-threatening if left untreated.

Another reason for high bilirubin levels is that more red blood cells than normal are being destroyed.
This is called hemolysis.

Bilirubin may be measured as part of a "panel" of tests. The liver is often examined with a battery of tests including:

• alanine transaminase

• aspartate aminotransferase

• alkaline phosphatase

• albumin

• total protein

normal bilirubin blood tests

In older children or adults, normal direct bilirubin levels range from 0 to 0.4 milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL).
A normal level of total bilirubin is 0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL.

Indirect circulating bilirubin is total bilirubin minus direct circulating bilirubin. Additionally, normal reference ranges may vary from laboratory to laboratory.
It is normal for newborns to have high bilirubin levels due to the stress of childbirth. Normal indirect bilirubin is less than 5.2 mg/dL in him within 24 hours of birth. However, many newborns have some form of jaundice and bilirubin levels above her 5 mg/dL in the first few days after birth.

Causes of Abnormal Results

If you have high bilirubin levels in your blood, your doctor may order other blood tests and an ultrasound.
In an adult, high bilirubin may be due to problems with the liver, bile ducts, or gallbladder. Examples include:

• liver diseases, like hepatitis

• Gilbert’s syndrome, a genetic disease

• cirrhosis, which is scarring of the liver

• biliary stricture, where part of the bile duct is too narrow to allow fluid to pass

• cancer of the gallbladder or pancreas

• gallstones

• drug toxicity

High bilirubin may also be due to problems in the blood instead of problems in the liver. Blood cells breaking down too fast can be caused by:

• Hemolytic anemia: This occurs when too many blood cells are being destroyed from an autoimmune disease, genetic defect, drug toxicity, or infection, and the liver is unable to metabolize the amount of indirect bilirubin in the body.

• Transfusion reaction: This occurs when your immune system attacks blood that was given to you through a transfusion

Infant jaundice

In an infant, high (usually indirect) bilirubin and jaundice can be very dangerous and may be caused by several factors. There are three common types:

• physiological jaundice: at two to four days after birth, caused by a brief delay in the functioning of the liver and usually not serious

• breastfeeding jaundice: during the first week of life, caused by a baby not nursing well or low milk supply in the mother

• breast milk jaundice: after two to three weeks of life, caused by the processing of some substances in breast milk

All of these can be easily treated and are usually harmless if treated.
More serious conditions that cause high bilirubin and jaundice in infants include:

• Abnormal blood cell shape, such as sickle cell anemia

• Cells called erythroblastosis fetalis, in which the baby's red blood cells are severely broken down due to a blood type mismatch between the infant and the mother

• Genetic Deficiency of certain critical proteins

• Bruising due to difficult labor

• Small size, increased red blood cell count due to premature birth

• Infections

Bilirubin blood test

Abnormally high bilirubin level on blood test If indicated, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the underlying cause.

Once your doctor has determined the cause of your high bilirubin level, you may need to do more bilirubin blood tests to monitor the effectiveness of your treatment. If the doctor determines that there is, an imaging test may be ordered to make sure there are no structural abnormalities.

Friday, February 3, 2023

What is SGPT Test?

SGPT test means serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase and measures liver health. This test shows the amount of glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) in serum. GPT is an enzyme commonly found in heart cells, kidneys, muscle, and liver. SGPT, also known as ALT (alanine aminotransferase), is what doctors recommend to check for liver disease or medication-induced liver damage.
Why is the SGPT or ALT test important?

This enzyme is commonly found in the liver. This enzyme is also present in small amounts in the kidneys and other organs. Your body needs ALT to convert food into energy. The usual; low ALT levels in the blood. When the liver is damaged or injured, more ALT is released into the blood and levels rise. Your doctor may prescribe this test along with other liver tests.

Why would a doctor order this test?

Your doctor may suggest this test if you have various symptoms of liver disease or damage. These symptoms include

• abdominal pain or swelling

• nausea

• vomiting

• yellow skin or eyes (called jaundice)

• weakness

• extreme fatigue

• dark urine

• Light - colored stools

• Itchy skin



Other reasons for this test are:



Your doctor may recommend this test as part of your regular physical examination. If you have liver disease, your doctor may recommend this test to see if treatment is working.

Test Results

Test results are available within hours or the same day.

SGPT Test The normal range is 7 to 55 units per liter (U/L).
Men may have higher ALT levels.
What are the Symptoms of High SGPT?

Here are some common symptoms that indicate you have high levels of her SGPT in your body.

1. Heart attack
2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Inflammation of the pancreas
5. Muscle damage
6. Shortness of breath
7. Overdose of alcohol
8. Liver Damage

Slightly elevated ALT levels can be caused by

• Alcohol abuse

• Cirrhosis (long-term damage and scarring of the liver)

• Mononucleosis

• Aspirin



moderately high ALT levels may be due to

chronic liver disease

alcohol abuse

cirrhosis

Blockage

• Heart attack or blockage (when heart cannot pump adequately)

• Kidney damage

• Muscle damage

• Red blood cell damage

• Heart attack

• Vitamin A overdose



Acute viral hepatitis

• Drug overuse such as acetaminophen

• Liver cancer

• Sepsis


How can i reduce SGPT level?

The best way to reduce his SGPT levels in his body is to eat a vitamin D rich diet. Experts believe that vitamin D prevents liver damage, thereby lowering high levels of SGPT.

Thursday, February 2, 2023

What is SGOT Test indicate?

SGOT Overview

The SGOT test is usually prescribed to people at risk for liver damage. The SGOT blood test helps your doctor understand the level of this enzyme in your blood and, depending on the results, prescribes further tests to see if you have the disease before starting treatment. The SGOT test is also used to find out if a patient has her hepatitis C infection.

SGOT Test Full Form

SGOT or serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase is another name for aspartate aminotransferase or AST. An enzyme produced mainly in the liver. However, the heart, kidney, and brain also produce this protein to some extent. Normally, low levels of SGOT in the bloodstream are considered normal. Often people who have had a heart attack have increased amounts of aspartate aminotransferase in their blood system.

Purpose of the SGOT test

Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase or his SGOT test is mainly liver This is done to check the state of the The main function of SGOT or AST enzymes is to support amino acid metabolism. While the enzyme can be found in the cells of other vital organs, the AST or SGOT test is part of the liver panel tests. The SGOT test is usually prescribed when a person shows the following symptoms:

• Weight loss

• Nausea

• Weakness

• Yellowing of skin and whites of the eyes

• Pain and swelling in the abdomen, where the liver is present

• Dark color urine

• The stool is pale in color

• Visible swelling in ankles

• Frequent skin itching

• Loss of appetite

The test is also prescribed for people who:

• Have a family history of liver diseases

• Have recently been to a place with a high hepatitis contraction rate

• Are alcoholic, or were alcoholic

• Have diabetes

• Are obese

• Have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

• Are undergoing treatment for existing liver diseases

Side effects of the SGOT test

When blood samples are taken, there are practically no risks or side effects associated with the process. That said, when the serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase or SGOT blood test is conducted as a part of a panel that requires fasting, then certain side effects can be seen. These include:

• Feeling light-headed

• Fainting

• Nausea

These can be dealt with by taking rest and eating nutrition-rich food. People whose veins are not easy to locate might have to get their arms punctured a few times, before the correct vein is found
This can lead to arm stiffness and bruising. This is nothing serious, and a little rest can get rid of these side effects. If itching persists or bleeding does not stop, see a doctor immediately.

Interpretation of high SGOT test results

SGOT blood test results will come to him within a day. The amount of AST or SGOT in blood is calculated in units per liter (units/l). Normal values ​​may vary by age, gender, and region/ethnicity. However, the normal range is usually between 8 units/L and 40 units/L. Females are narrower than males.

If results show that her level of AST in her blood is above the normal range, this may indicate the development or progression of liver disease. High AST scores indicate:

• Chronic Hepatitis

• Cholestasis

• Cirrhosis

• Liver Cancer

• Heart Damage

• Kidney Disease

• Paracetamol Overdose

• Recent Aditas44 Surgery

• Pancreatitis

If the test shows very high values, this may indicate short-term liver disease. However, if the values ​​increase slightly with each test, this may indicate a chronic disease. This encourages doctors to prescribe more tests. AST test results can also be false positives. This means that an AST test result may indicate that a person has a high AST score for her, while other reports are normal.

• Diabetic ketoacidosis

• Taking antibiotics such as para-aminosalicylic acid and erythromycin estolate
Interpreting Low SGOT Test Results

Your body needs the right amount of enzymes. As previously mentioned, higher than normal values ​​indicate various disorders leading to further examination and treatment. Since it is an enzyme, even lower than normal SGOT levels may indicate a problem. Low levels may indicate:

• vitamin B6 or pyridoxine deficiency

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• cancer

• genetic disease

• autoimmune disease

CONCLUSIONS

Aspartate aminotransferase, or an important role in monitoring liver function. This enzyme is found primarily in the liver, along with alanine aminotransferase or ALT. However, there are situations in which AST is high while ALT is low or normal. This leads doctors to prescribe tests to monitor the heart and kidneys.

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

What is prolactin test?

What is a prolactin test?

This test measures the level of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. In pregnant women, prolactin stimulates the breasts to produce milk.

When prolactin-producing cells in the pituitary begin to grow out of control, they can form tumors (prolactinomas). Prolactinomas, also known as mammary gland adenomas, are often not cancer. Most commonly seen in women under the age of 50. A symptom of a prolactinoma tumor is milk production, even if the woman is not pregnant. In men, prolactinoma can cause difficulty obtaining or maintaining an erection (impotence) or decreased libido.

If you are diagnosed with prolactinoma, your doctor may prescribe drugs called dopamine agonists, such as: B. Bromocriptine or cabergoline. Cabergoline works well and has been shown to lower prolactin levels in most prolactinoma patients.Cabergoline also reduces the size of prolactinoma tumors.

Why do I need this test?

This test may be needed if your health care provider determines you have a prolactinoma tumor. Symptoms of this type of tumor include:

• leakage of milk in non-pregnant or breastfeeding women

• breast pain in women

• breast enlargement in men

• Decreased libido

• Headache

• Male impotence

• Visual disturbance

What do my test results mean?

Test results may vary depending on age, gender, medical history and other factors. Test results may vary depending on the lab used. may not mean there is a problem
Ask your doctor what the test results mean for you.

Results are given in micrograms per liter (µg/L). Normal prolactin levels in the blood of non-pregnant women are less than 20 µg/L. In men, the normal value is less than her 15 µg / l. If test results show an abnormally high prolactin level, imaging tests may be needed to find out if a prolactinoma tumor is present.

What influences test results?

Certain psychiatric drugs, oral estrogen drugs, cocaine abuse, and opioid drugs can raise prolactin levels above normal. If you have kidney or liver disease, you may also have high prolactin levels.

What does high mean?

Low prolactin levels are usually not a problem in women or men. However, very high levels of prolactin, known as hyperprolactinemia, may indicate a more serious problem. About 10% of the population suffers from hyperprolactinemia.

High prolactin levels are normal during pregnancy and postpartum breastfeeding. However, hyperprolactinemia can also be caused by anorexia nervosa, liver disease, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can cause pituitary hypertrophy that can be treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. High prolactin levels can also be caused by pituitary tumors. These tumors can be treated medically or surgically.

certain medications can cause high prolactin levels
Psychotropic drugs such as risperidone and haloperidol can raise levels. Metoclopramide also increases prolactin levels. This drug is usually used to treat acid reflux and nausea caused by chemotherapy.

Some common stressors increase prolactin levels. These stressors include low blood sugar, strenuous exercise, and mild fatigue. If you have high prolactin levels, you may need to find ways to reduce stress and keep your blood sugar at a steady level. there is. If you have high prolactin levels, avoid eating anything containing these ingredients.

Sunday, January 29, 2023

What is phosphorus test?

Phosphorus is a key element essential to several physiological processes in the body. Helps bone growth, energy storage, nerve and muscle production. Many foods, especially meat and dairy products, contain phosphorus, so it's usually easy to get enough of this mineral from your diet. It contains. However, blood contains phosphorus. A doctor can determine blood phosphate levels with a serum phosphate test.

Hyperphosphatemia is when there is too much phosphorus in the blood. Hypophosphatemia is the opposite, too little phosphorus. A variety of medical conditions, such as chronic alcohol use disorders and vitamin D deficiency, can cause blood phosphate levels to become too low.

Serum phosphorus tests can tell if your phosphorus levels are high or low, but they won't help your doctor diagnose the cause of your condition.

Why do you need a serum phosphate test?

Are your phosphate levels too low? Your doctor may order a serum phosphate test if you suspect it's too high. Both extremes can lead to health problems.

Symptoms that indicate your phosphate levels are too low include: B. Pain, fragility, poor growth in children

• Irregular breathing

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Muscle weakness

• Weight gain or loss

Calcium-bound phosphate in arteries There may be deposits. Sometimes these deposits can appear in the muscles
They are rare and only occur in people with severe calcium absorption or kidney problems.In many cases, excess phosphorus leads to cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

If blood calcium test results are abnormal, your doctor may order a serum phosphate test. Your body needs to maintain a delicate balance of calcium and phosphorus levels.An abnormal result on a calcium test may indicate that your phosphate levels are also atypical.



What do the results mean?

Serum phosphorus is measured in milligrams of phosphorus per deciliter of blood (mg/dl). According to Mayo Medical Laboratories, the normal range for adults is generally 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL.

Normal range varies slightly with age. It is natural for children to have higher levels of phosphorus because they need more of this mineral to develop their bones. In some cases, excess phosphorus can build up in the bloodstream. Avoiding phosphorus-rich foods such as milk, nuts, beans, and liver can help lower phosphate levels. However, you may need to take medication to prevent your body from absorbing phosphorus. I have.

In addition to impaired renal function, high phosphate levels can be caused by: eg: laxatives containing phosphates

• nutritional problems, eg when the body runs out of insulin and starts burning fatty acids instead

• hypocalcemia or low serum calcium

• parathyroid function Low parathyroid hormone levels due to hypothyroidism or parathyroid dysfunction

• Liver disease

Low phosphate levels

Low phosphate levels can be caused by many nutritional problems and medical conditions, including: There is a possibility.
• Malnutrition

• Alcoholism

• Hypercalcemia or high serum calcium

• Hyperparathyroidism or overactive parathyroid glands leading to high levels of parathyroid hormone

• Severe burns

Chen. Always ask your doctor if you have questions about your results.







Saturday, January 28, 2023

What Does a cbc blood test check for?

What is a complete blood count (CBC)?

A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test. It helps healthcare providers detect a range of disorders and conditions. It also checks your blood for signs of medication side effects. Providers use this test to screen for diseases and adjust treatments.

A CBC measures and counts your blood cells. Your provider takes a sample of your blood and sends it to a lab. The lab does a series of tests to evaluate your blood cells. These tests help your provider monitor your health.

When is a CBC performed?

You may need a CBC if you have symptoms such as:

• Bruising or bleeding.

• Fatigue, dizziness or weakness.

• Fever, nausea and vomiting.

• Inflammation (swelling and irritation) anywhere in the body.

• Joint pain.

• Problems with heart rate or blood pressure.

Why do healthcare providers order CBCs?

CBCs are an important part of a yearly physical exam. Providers also order CBCs to monitor the side effects of some prescription medications.

Your provider may order a CBC to:

• Detect abnormalities in your blood that may be signs of disease.

• Diagnose or monitor many different disorders, conditions and infections.

• Evaluate your overall health.

• Rule out conditions, disorders and disease.

• Monitor various blood diseases.

What does a CBC look for?

A CBC does many tests to measure and study red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. White blood cells are part of your immune system. They help your body fight infection. Platelets help your body clot.

A CBC measures, counts, evaluates and studies many aspects of your blood:

• CBC without differential counts the total number of white blood cells.

• CBC with differential. There are five kinds of white blood cells. The differential looks at how many of each kind of white blood cell you have.

• Hemoglobin tests measure hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

• Hematocrit describes the concentration of red blood cells in your blood.

A CBC tells your provider:

• How many new blood cells your body is creating.

• Number of red blood cells (RBC or erythrocytes), white blood cells (WBC or leukocytes) and platelets.

• Size and shape of blood cells.

What does a CBC detect?

A CBC blood test can help your provider diagnose a wide range of conditions, disorders, diseases and infections, including:

• Anemia (when there aren’t enough red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body).

• Bone marrow disorders, such as myelodysplastic syndromes.

• Disorders such as agranulocytosis and thalassemias and sickle cell anemia.

• Infections or other problems that cause abnormally low white blood cell count or high white blood cell count.

• Several types of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma.

• Side effects of chemotherapy and some prescription medications.

• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

What are the benefits of this test?

A CBC gives your provider a picture of your overall health. Using a small amount of blood, a CBC can help detect hundreds of conditions, disorders and infections. It allows your provider to monitor your health, screen for disease and plan and adjust treatment.

What are the normal ranges for a complete blood count?

Hemoglobin normal range:

• Male (ages 15+): 13.0 - 17.0 g/dL

• Female (ages 15+): 11.5 - 15.5 g/dL

Hematocrit normal range:

• Male: 40 - 55%

• Female: 36 - 48%

Platelet Count normal range:

• Adult: 150,000 - 400,000/mL

White blood cell (WBC) normal range:

• Adult: 5,000-10,000/mL

Healthcare providers use complete blood counts to manage disease and help you stay healthy. With one sample of blood, CBCs can help screen for hundreds of disorders, conditions and infections. A CBC can detect conditions early, sometimes before you have symptoms, so treatment can start as soon as possible. CBCs are an essential tool in maintaining good overall health.