Laboratory_services

Clinical Chemistry
This service involves the biochemical analysis of blood and body fluids to assess organ function, detect disease, and monitor treatment. Key tests include:

• Liver function tests (LFTs): To assess the health of the liver (e.g., ALT, AST, Bilirubin).
• Kidney function tests: Such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), to evaluate kidney health.
• Electrolyte panel: Measuring levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate.
• Blood glucose levels: For diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.
• Lipid profile: To assess cholesterol levels, which helps in evaluating cardiovascular risk.
• Urinalysis: Tests for proteins, glucose, ketones, and infections in the urine.

Endocrinology
Endocrinology testing focuses on the hormonal balance within the body. Common tests include:

• Thyroid function tests: Measuring levels of TSH, Free T3, and Free T4 to diagnose thyroid disorders.
• Cortisol tests: To check adrenal function and screen for conditions like Addison’s disease or Cushing’s syndrome.
• Testosterone and estrogen levels: For reproductive health evaluations and hormone imbalances.
• HbA1c test: A long-term marker for blood sugar levels in diabetes management.
• Parathyroid hormone (PTH) test: For calcium metabolism disorders.

Haematology & Coagulation
This service examines blood and its clotting ability, helping in diagnosing blood disorders and monitoring overall health. Key tests include:

• Full haemogram (Complete Blood Count – CBC): Measures red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets to detect conditions like anemia, infections, and leukemia.
• Coagulation profile: Including Prothrombin Time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), and INR, to assess clotting disorders such as hemophilia or thrombosis.
• Blood typing and cross-matching: For transfusion and blood compatibility.

Microbiology
Microbiology services focus on detecting and identifying infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Examples of tests include:

• Urine culture: For diagnosing urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Sputum culture: To identify respiratory infections like pneumonia.
• Stool tests: For detecting gastrointestinal infections, including bacterial and parasitic infections.
• Blood culture: To identify bloodstream infections (sepsis).
• Antibiotic sensitivity testing: To determine the most effective treatment for bacterial infections.

Histology
This service examines tissue samples under a microscope to detect diseases, particularly cancer. Common tests include:

• Biopsy analysis: Tissue from organs like the liver, lungs, or skin is analyzed to detect cancer, inflammatory diseases, or infections.
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC): A technique that helps in identifying specific proteins in cells to diagnose cancer types and other diseases.

Cytology
Cytology involves the study of individual cells, often for cancer detection. Key tests include:

• Pap smear: A screening test for cervical cancer, detecting abnormal cells in the cervix.
• Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC): Used to collect cells from lumps or swellings (e.g., thyroid nodules or lymph nodes) for examination.
• Urine cytology: To detect cancer cells in the urinary tract.
• Pleural fluid and ascitic fluid cytology: For analyzing body fluids to detect malignancy or infections.

Serology
This service detects antibodies or antigens in the blood, which helps diagnose infections and autoimmune diseases. Key tests include:

• HIV antibody test: To diagnose HIV infection.
• Hepatitis B and C tests: To detect viral infections of the liver.
• Rheumatoid factor (RF): To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
• Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test: To detect autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
• Rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test: A screening test for syphilis.