The table of blood tests is as long as 300-400 tests in every diagnostic lab. Out of these, some tests are performed very frequently in large numbers. These tests are fundamental for doctors to diagnose problems. Health check-ups are required to maintain a healthy life. Let’s look at some prevalent lab tests in India.
Top 20 Lab Tests in India
1. CRP (C-reactive protein) test
CRP test is used to detect inflammation in the body or infection. The CRP levels indicate inflammation in the body because of infections which is extremely unspecific like problems in heart, diabetes, cholesterol etc.
2. LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) test
LDH is an enzyme that is found in our body cells or tissues of liver, brain, kidneys, muscles, and pancreas. The LDH looks for damages in body tissues. This test measures the amount of LDH in our blood or other fluids.
3. ANCA (anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies) test
ANCA are autoantibodies produced by our immune system. These antibodies attack neutrophils (a type of white blood cells) which can cause autoimmune vasculitis. This disease can lead to swelling up of blood vessels. ANCA test is performed to find out the type of vasculitis that a person might be suffering from or to monitor treatment of the disorder.
4. BMP (basic metabolism panel)
BMP is conducted to check body’s fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and the functioning of kidney. It is a group of eight tests that check glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, chloride, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine.
5. Lipid profile
Lipids are fatty constituents of cells and are a source of energy. They are of high, low and very low density. High level of proteins like triglycerides and cholesterol can prove fatal for health. Lipid profile has series of tests that are performed to check levels of different types of lipids in our body.
6. ESR (erythrocyte sediment rate) test
Inflammation is the reaction of the human body to injury, trauma, infection or autoimmune diseases. ESR is done to check the sedimentation rate of red blood cells (erythrocytes). This rate informs us about the amount of CRP and fibrinogen present in the blood. It is not a diagnostic test particularly. It is just a means to detect whether inflammation persists.
7. ALT (Alanine aminotransferase) test
The ALT test is performed to find out about the damage in the liver. ALT is manufactured by the liver to breakdown food into sugar. This is supposed to present in small quantity. If the amount of ALT increases inside our body, then it might be an indication of an ongoing or upcoming liver problem. Usually, the ALT test is done to keep track of treatment of a liver problem which is in progress.
8. TIBC (Total iron binding capacity) test
Iron is a very essential mineral for manufacturing haemoglobin (part of RBC’s that carries oxygen). Deficiency of iron (anaemia) is hazardous as it affects the supply of oxygen to the body parts and organs. TIBC test is conducted to find out the amount of iron in the blood as excessively high or low levels of iron can prove to be harmful.
9. RPR (rapid plasma region) test
Syphilis is a sexually transferred disease (STD). RPR test is prescribed to find out the presence of antibodies that are produced as a reaction to bacteria that causes syphilis. RPR test helps to confirm if a person is suffering from syphilis or not and to find out the effectiveness of treatment that a syphilis patient might be undergoing.
10. Urine Protein test
This test is performed to check the amount of protein in urine. Urine isn’t supposed to have protein. But due to malfunctioning kidney, diabetes, dehydration, high blood pressure urinary test infection (UTI) protein might be found. High levels of protein in the urine aren’t a good indication and require treatment.
11. GGT (gamma glut amyl transferase) test
GGT is a transfer enzyme used by liver for assimilation of drugs and poisons. Enzymes are molecules used in chemical reactions of the body. This enzyme is concentrated in the liver and is the most sensitive indicator for liver diseases or disorders. It is generally conducted on people suffering with alcoholism and are exposed to risk of liver damage.
12. CBC (complete blood count) test
Complete blood count measures the overall cell count in the blood and to detect the risks of developing disorders related to blood like anaemia. It takes the cell count of RBCs, WBCs, haemoglobin, and platelets. While they might not point at some specific disease, CBC tests can indicate at a few of them. CBC Lab tests in India is Common test and we have done any diagnosis centre.
13. Kidney Function test
This blood test unfolds the GFR (glomerular filtration rate) of kidneys. This test reveals the amount of a waste product called creatinine which is produced from muscle tissue. When kidneys are malfunctioning creatinine increases in the blood. Kidney function test helps to find out how the kidneys are working. This is the most common Lab tests in India.
14. LFT (liver function test)
Measures the amount of proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin. A liver panel includes ALT test, ASP test, ALP test, albumin test, bilirubin test. This test tells about liver problems and it’s functioning.
15. BUN (blood urea nitrogen) test
This test reveals about how kidneys and livers are working. Urea nitrogen is supposed to be flushed out of the body after complete breakdown. If the levels of this compound is high, then it indicates the problem with either liver or kidney.
16. Mono (mononucleosis) test
This test is done to predict the presence of antibodies produced against Epstein-barr virus (EBV). It includes mono spot test andEBV antibody test.
17. Thyroid Profile
It is a series of panel that checks the quantity of T3, T4, TSH and T3RU hormones in the blood. These tests are necessary to find out if the body has appropriate amounts of these hormones to keep away disorders related to thyroid.
18. ANA (anti- nuclear antibody) test
ANA are auto antibodies produced by the immune system. They cause damage to tissues. This test is conducted to find out about the presence of these antibodies and the autoimmune disorder they might lead to.
19. Glucose levels
The glucose levels in the blood might drop or elevate depending upon the digestive system and functioning of glands. These levels are tested to find out about the probability of developing a disease like diabetes or finding out problematic organ functioning.
20. Micro albumin test
This test is done to check for signs of developing kidney damage. It tests the presence of albumin the urine to get to know about the working of kidneys. It is usually done in patients who are exposed to kidney diseases due to family history.
These blood tests are necessary for highlighting any disorders at their initial stages. Lab tests diagnose the dangers that we might be exposed to, unknowingly. They also are a method to keep track of the effects of medications on the body.
