What is Pathology Lab Test ?

Pathology

Pathology is a branch of medicine that determines the cause and nature of diseases by examining and testing body tissues (from biopsies and pap smears, for example) and bodily fluids (from samples including blood and urine). The results from these pathology tests help doctors diagnose and treat patients correctly. 

Tests to ensure a Healthy Lifestyle ?

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC):It is used to diagnose anaemia, infections, certain types of cancer, and so on. It’s especially important for Indian women as they tend to suffer from iron deficiency and anaemia and may require supplementation. If the CBC is okay, it may be repeated once a year.
2. Blood Sugar Test:Done after a 12-hour fasting period, this helps detect diabetes. In cases of pre-diabetes and diabetes, an additional test, HbA1C that indicates the average blood sugar levels over the previous 3 months is done. An annual testing is recommended if the reading is normal.
3. Lipid Profile:It is an accurate indicator of your heart health. This blood test measures the total cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL and LDL levels. Testing once in 2 years is recommended for people with normal readings.
4. Liver Function Test:This is done annually to screen for liver conditions, such as alcohol-induced liver damage, fatty liver, Hepatitis C and B.
5. Urine Analysis:It checks for presence of proteins, sugar and blood (especially in smokers who are at high risk for bladder cancer) in the urine sample, which could indicate kidney disease, among other conditions. If the report is normal, get a test done yearly.
6. Kidney Function Test:A high reading of serum creatinine may indicate impaired kidney function.
7. Thyroid Function Tests:These blood tests are important in detecting underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). In case of normal findings, once-a-year testing is recommended.
8. Test for Vitamin D Deficiency:An extremely common condition, Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of bone loss and osteoporosis in later years, among other things.
9. Pap Smear Test (For Women):It can catch pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, and is recommended for every sexually-active woman after the age of 21.

Do remember that all lab reports need to be reviewed by a trained physician as what may be normal for one person may not be for another, depending on their overall health condition.

Keep in mind, that awareness and disease prevention via pathology tests can save you from plenty of health disorders later. At Ishta Diagnostics, we have state-of-the-art Pathology facility for the correct diagnosis of diseases and other medical conditions. Get a pathology test done today!