What are lab tests? How do they work? This guide will answer those questions and more, by explaining what lab tests are and how you can use them to better manage your health. Doctors often order lab test in Pakistan as part of their routine checkups and examinations, but many patients aren’t aware of what these tests are or what they mean. Here’s an overview of the purpose and procedure behind lab tests to help you make sense of your results and better understand the process in the future. Note that some medical providers will allow you to request lab tests online from home, rather than going to the hospital or doctor’s office to get them done.
Blood work
The lab test in Pakistan most frequently used for chronic fatigue syndrome is called a comprehensive metabolic panel, which includes various tests that measure how well your liver and kidneys are functioning. The test also measures your blood sugar, electrolytes (like potassium), red and white blood cells, kidney function and creatinine level. If you have CFS, or are concerned you might have it, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
Urine tests
One common urine test is a urine drug test, which checks for illegal or prescription drugs in your system. You can also be tested for how much of certain substances are in your system by checking your blood, saliva or hair follicles.
Stool tests
What is a stool test? More commonly known as a bowel movement, your stool is formed by muscles and intestine, along with food waste and water. Because it’s a valuable indicator of overall health, lab tests on stools have been developed to measure its constituents. You may undergo these lab test in Pakistan if you suffer from constipation or diarrhea.
X-rays
An x-ray is a noninvasive test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. To create an x-ray image, a small amount of radiation passes through your body from an external source. Exposure to radiation does not pose any health risk if you have regular dental checkups and are otherwise healthy.
MRIs
An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, scans all of your tissues and organs with radio waves and a powerful magnet to produce a detailed picture. As opposed to an X-ray, an MRI does not use radiation. MRIs are useful for visualizing soft tissues, including ligaments and tendons in addition to bones. It’s also possible to inject contrast into specific areas so that MRIs can show detailed blood flow patterns—great for diagnosing blood clots, blockages, tumors or inflammation.
CT scans
Computerized tomography (CT) scans use x-rays to create a series of cross-sectional images of your body. Doctors can then look at these images to see if anything appears abnormal. For example, they might use a CT scan to look for potential problems with your heart or bones. One advantage of a CT scan is that it doesn’t expose you to radiation, but it does use quite a bit of contrast material.
PET Scans
If a doctor is looking for cancerous cells in your body, he or she may order a positron emission tomography (PET) scan. The scan works by detecting abnormal cell activity. It’s like looking at an apartment building and seeing which units are turned on—meaning those cells are working—and which are off, meaning they aren’t. The PET scan looks for these off cells to find signs of cancer, infection, inflammation and other conditions that could be life-threatening.
Bone Density Scan
Healthy bones are a critical component of healthy muscles and joints, which means they play an important role in overall health. Healthy bones can be difficult to determine with an X-ray or MRI scan. To get a more accurate picture of your bone density and health, opt for a DEXA scan. This type of lab test in Pakistan will use X-rays to measure bone density, and give you detailed results about any deficiencies you may have.
Genetic Testing
When it comes to genetic testing, there are tests for over 1,000 conditions that you can get. Whether you want to test your baby or yourself, our genetic testing lab can help. If you’re thinking about getting a genetic test from home, then let us give you some insight into what tests are available and how they work. Our team of medical experts has gathered some of our most popular genomic services and listed them below. Learn more
