Details for Specific Laboratory Tests

Many laboratory tests can be used in the diagnosis of multiple medical conditions. An elevated or decreased result may or may not indicate a specific disease or condition. All laboratory results should be evaluated by your healthcare provider in context with your clinical symptoms.

A1C, HEMOGLOBIN A1C OR GLYCOLATED HEMOGLOBIN

This test is useful in monitoring the long term control of diabetes mellitus. Unlike a fasting glucose which tells you what your glucose is at that moment, glycolated hemoglobin reflects the average glucose concentration over the past 120 days. This test will indicate if your diabetes is under control.

BASIC METABLOIC PROFILE

This test is a smaller version of the comprehensive metabolic profile. It consists of eight tests including: glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium, and kidney function test.

BNP - B-TYPE NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE

This test is used in the diagnosis and treatment of congestive heart failure.

CBC - COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT

This is a screening test for overall health. It checks for infections, both viral and bacterial. A CBC also checks for anemia and bleeding problems. It is also used to evaluate chemotherapy treatment.

COMPREHENSIVE METABOLIC PROFILE

This profile is used to evaluate your heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. It is the most common chemistry profile ordered and includes glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium, and eleven other tests.

CRP - C-REACTIVE PROTEIN

This test is used as an indicator of infection or of possible heart disease.

HEPATIC (LIVER) PANEL

This test is used to evaluate liver function. Many medications can cause liver damage and this test is used to monitor these medications. It is also a screen for Hepatitis, blockages and other diseases that affect the liver.

H. PYLORI - HELICOBACTER PYLORI

Helicobacter Pylori is a bacterium implicated in chronic gastritis and stomach ulcers. Our Laboratory is the only lab in this area to offer the urea breath test for H. Pylori. This test is a non-invasive test for H. Plyori and for the active infection. Common blood tests will only indicate if you have ever had H. Pylori, not if it is active. The test only takes 15 minutes and involved blowing into two balloon-like bags and a citrus drink. Please contact the Laboratory for more information.

LIPID PANEL

This test is used to evaluate increased cholesterol and triglycerides as an indicator of coronary artery disease or to evaluate statin drugs. It includes cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL (good) cholesterol.

MRSA CULTURE

This test is used to screen for possible MRSA carriers before surgery or admission to the hospital. Many healthy people have MRSA normally in their nose. MRSA can cause problems in hospitalized patients so many healthcare providers screen all admitted patients for MRSA.

PLAVIX - P2Y12 - CLOPIDOGREL, PRASUGREL

This test is used to check blood clot formation of patients on Plavix. Plavix is a drug commonly prescribed to patients who face an increased risk of heart attacks or strokes. Our lab is the only in this area to offer this test. It can be used to check to see if the medication is blocking clot formation or to make sure the Plavix is out of the patient's system prior to surgery to prevent bleeding.

PROTIME

This test is used for the monitoring of Coumadin Anticoagulant Therapy.

RAPID STREP - STREP THROAT SCREEN

This test is for the rapid detection of Group A Beta Strep in the throat (strep throat). A positive result can be reported within 24 hours but a negative result does not mean that strep is not present. Since untreated Group A Strep can lead to many health problems, all negative rapid streps are verified by culture and can take up to 48 hours.

STOOL SPECIMENS

Many tests can be performed on stool. These include culture, parasites, viruses, blood, and white cells. The Laboratory has special stool collection instructions and kits depending on what tests have been ordered. Some stool tests can take over 48 hours to complete and additional charges can occur depending upon the pathogen isolated.

UA - URINALYSIS

This test is used to detest abnormalities of the bladder and kidneys. It can diagnose kidney disease and urinary tract infections.

URINE CULTURE

This test isolates and identifies bacteria in the urinary tract. If a pathogen is isolated, a sensitivity will be performed. A sensitivity indicates to your healthcare provider what antibodies should be effective against the bacteria. There will be an additional charge for the identification and sensitivity of the bacteria. A special container and urine culture collection instructions are provided by the Laboratory. Urine culture results will take at least 48 hours.

24 HOUR URINE COLLECTION

This test is used for the collection of urines over a 24 hour period. If the order says "24 HOUR URINE" please come by the lab for a special container. Some 24 hour urine tests use refrigeration as a preservative and some use an acid. The lab will provide you with the correct 24 hour urine container and instructions.