There are several different tests that can be done to determine the health of the internal organs and diagnose any conditions that can be a threat to life and normal functioning of the organs. A sample of urine, blood, tissue or other bodily fluid to get better information about your health is what laboratory tests are conducted for. Your local physician or doctor may request one or more of these tests either to diagnose or detect conditions and diseases, or a regular check-up to monitor your health. With the population growing exponentially in many countries, people are also prone to contract diseases that can cause discomfort and even death in some cases. Thanks to the innovations in the field of medical laboratory sciences lab technicians can not only help diagnose but also monitor health and thereby assist patients to maintain good health and strength.
There are several different tests that are conducted these days, let’s consider three of them.
The TSH Test
Thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH as it is more popularly known as; this is a blood test that assesses this hormone. The thyroid is a tiny gland shaped like a butterfly located near the throat. Our bodies need the energy to function and the thyroid gland makes hormones that regulate the way your body uses the energy. It plays a vital role in maintaining an ideal weight, temperature, mood, and muscle strength. The hormone is produced in a gland situated in a part of the brain called the pituitary. When the levels of this hormone are low, the pituitary gland makes more TSH, and when the levels are high, less TSH is produced by the pituitary gland. The level of this hormone is an indication of how healthy the thyroid is.
The electrocardiogram or ECG test.
This is a test done to monitor the electrical activity in the heart to determine if it is functioning normally. In this test, a moving piece of paper or a screen is used to record the activity and rhythm of the heart, the dips and peaks on the screen or paper can be interpreted by your physician to check for any unusual or abnormal activity.
The ECG test is also a good way to check how high blood pressure is causing damage to blood vessels and other parts of the heart. The test is painless and safe and doesn’t take much time.
Some of the conditions that can be detected by an ECG are cholesterol clogging up your heart’s blood supply, abnormal heart rhythms and enlargement of a side of the heart
The ESR Blood Test
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), is a blood test that which can reveal any inflammatory activity in the body. An ESR blood test can help the doctor monitor the progress of or diagnose an inflammatory disease.
When a blood sample is placed in a thin, tall tube, red blood cells or RBC (erythrocytes) gradually settle to the bottom. The cells begin to clump due to Inflammation. The ESR test detects the distance RBC fall in the test tube in one hour. The farther the red blood cells descend, the more the inflammatory response of the immune system.
These are just three of the many laboratory tests that can be availed by those who wish to have a general check-up of their health done, this helps individuals maintain good health and lead an active lifestyle.
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