Good Reads
Blood test profiles
Renal Function Test
Kidney function tests (RFT/KFT) are group test of blood tests that give information about the state of a patient’s kidney. These tests include creatinine, Blood urea, and Blood urea Nitrogen. The kidneys regulate the amount of water and salts that we have in our bodies. They do this by filtering the blood through millions of structures called nephrons. The kidneys also pass out certain waste products from the body. Urine is made up of the excess water, salts and waste products passed out
RFT’s or KFT’s are carried out
- To evaluate kidney function and aid in the diagnosis of kidney disease
- To monitor the progression of renal insufficiency
- The BUN-to-creatinine ratio may aid in the evaluation of a person’s state of hydration
Liver Function Test
Liver function tests (LFT‘s) are groups of blood tests that give information about the state of a patient’s liver. These tests include albumin, bilirubin (direct and indirect), and others. Liver transaminases (AST or SGOT and ALT or SGPT) are useful biomarkers of liver injury in a patient with some degree of intact liver function. Hepatic (liver) involvement in some diseases can be of crucial importance. This testing is performed on a patient’s blood sample. Some tests are associated with functionality (e.g., albumin), some with cellular integrity (e.g., transaminase), and some with conditions linked to the biliary tract (gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase). Several biochemical tests are useful in the evaluation and management of patients with hepatic dysfunction. These tests can be used to detect the presence of liver disease, distinguish among different types of liver disorders, gauge the extent of known liver damage, and follow the response to treatment. Some or all of these measurements are also carried out (usually about twice a year for routine cases) on those individuals taking certain medications, such as anticonvulsants, to ensure the medications are not damaging the person’s liver.
Lipid Profile
Lipids are a group of fats and fat-like substances that are important constituents of cells and sources of energy. Monitoring and maintaining healthy levels of these lipids is important in staying healthy.
Lipid profile or lipid panel is a panel of blood tests that typically includes
- Triglycerides
- Total cholesterol
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
- Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)
- Cholesterol:HDL ratio
- LDL:HDL Ratio
Lipid profile test serves as an initial broad medical screening tool for abnormalities in lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides. The results of this test can identify certain genetic diseases and can determine approximate risks for cardiovascular disease, certain forms of pancreatitis, and other diseases.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals that are found in body tissues and blood in the form of dissolved salts. As electrically charged particles, electrolytes help move nutrients into and wastes out of the body’s cells, maintain a healthy water balance, and help stabilize the body’s acid/base (pH) level.
The electrolyte panel typically includes tests for:
- Sodium—most of the body’s sodium is found in extracellular fluid, outside of the body’s cells, where it helps to regulate the amount of water in the body.
- Potassium—this electrolyte is found mainly inside the body’s cells. A small but vital amount of potassium is found in the plasma, the liquid portion of the blood. Monitoring potassium is important as small changes in the potassium level can affect the heart’s rhythm and ability to contract.
- Chloride—this electrolyte moves in and out of the cells to help maintain electrical neutrality and its level usually mirrors that of sodium.
Thyroid Function Test
Thyroid function tests (TFTs) is a collective term for blood tests used to check the function of the thyroid.
It typically includes detection of levels of T3 (Triiodothyronine), T4 (Thyroxine) and TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone).
TFTs may be requested if a patient is thought to suffer from hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), or to monitor the effectiveness of either thyroid-suppression or hormone replacement therapy. It is also requested routinely in conditions linked to thyroid disease, such as atrial fibrillation and anxiety disorder.