Blood Test guide

Test : Alpha1-proteinase inhibitor Blood Test guide, Indications :  Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor test is a laboratory test that is carried out to measure the amount of A1AT enzyme in your blood. This test is useful in diagnosing A1AT deficiency that causes a rare form of emphysema in adults and a rare form of cirrhosis in both children and adults. A1AT deficiency causes the liver and the lung to be exposed to the damaging effects of the proteases. This condition is hereditary and is likely to pass through families. Most of us have two copies of the A1AT gene. However, some individuals with sub optimal levels of the enzyme have one normal and one abnormal gene, while those with the severe form of the disease have two abnormal copies of the gene. The blood sample for the test is usually acquired by puncturing a vein in the forearm. This procedure involves very little risk. Physiology :  Alpha-1 proteinase, also known as Alpha-1 Anti-Trypsin (A1AT), is an enzyme that functions as ...

Test : Alanine transaminase Blood Test guide, Indications :  The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test is done for the following reasons- ◆ Diagnose liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis ◆  Diagnose liver damage due to other causes ◆. Find out if jaundice caused in a person is a result of liver disease or blood –related disorders Prior to taking the test, talk to the doctors regarding the medicines and herbal supplements that you may be taking. Some of these need to be stopped, as it interferes with the test results. Also, avoid doing strenuous exercise prior to the test. Cardiac catheterization, few days before the test, can also interfere with the results. The blood sample for the test is usually taken intravenously and normally involves very little risk. Physiology :  Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme mostly found in the liver. It is also found in smaller measures in the kidneys, heart, muscles and the pancreas. ALT was earlier referred to as serum g...

Test :  Acid phosphatase Blood Test guide, Indications :  An acid phosphate test is mostly advised to evaluate the spread of prostate cancer to other parts of the body, in which cases the levels are elevated.. This is particularly true in cases where the malignancy has spread to the bones. Removing the tumor automatically brings down the levels of the enzyme. However , it must be noted that this test will not help you to identify your risk for prostate cancer before the condition develops. Increased level of acid phosphatase is also seen in cases of hyperthyroidism, Gaucher’s disease and some blood cell diseases. The test may also be ordered to analyze dysfunction in the heart, liver or other organs. Acid phosphatase test is also ordered during rape investigations as the levels of the enzyme are very high in the semen. To carry out the test, a blood sample will be drawn intravenously from the candidate. The patient must refrain from going through a rectal massage or rectal exa...