MPV Blood Test – For Checking Platelet Volume in Blood

Mean Platelets Volume test or commonly known as MPV blood test is a part of the Complete Blood Count procedure that aids in the determination of estimation of the average size of the platelets. 

Why is MPV blood test conducted?

The production of platelets in the body is a continuous process. MPV test aids in determining the rate of production of the platelets in a human being who is suffering from diseases or problems related to platelet destruction or bone marrow. The test has the prowess to offer insights on whether or not the body is producing enough platelets since the size of the platelet becomes big in case of abnormalities.

How is MPV calculated?

A Delhi diagnostic centre based senior technician explains – mean platelet volume is measured using a sample of blood drawn from one of the veins of the human body. It’s a parameter which is generally calculated along with complete blood count. In the laboratory, the sample is typically run through a machine which helps in the estimation of the volume of platelets on the basis of the values obtained from a platelet histogram. 

Platelets which showcase a mean platelet volume above the defined normal range are termed as macro-thrombocytes. On the other hand, MPV blood test normal range below average is termed as micro-thrombocytes. 

What do MPV blood test results indicate?

Normal MPV range value falls between 9.7 and 12.8 femtoliter (fL). Anything above or below this range marks the presence of abnormalities. At the same time, it is essential to note that reference ranges may differ from one pathology lab to another due to the use of different testing techniques.

MPV blood test high value is an indication of increased platelets destruction in the body. The levels are higher when a person has one or a combination of the below-mentioned conditions or diseases:-

• Myeloproliferative diseases
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Immune thrombocytopenic purpura
• Bernard-Soulier syndrome

MPV blood test low values speak of problems in platelet production by bone marrow. These are as follows:-

• Thrombocytopenia or low Platelets. This may be due to reduced production which typically happens in the case of aplastic anemia.
• Low MPV levels can be associated with abnormally reduced size of the platelets
• Low MPV count can be seen as a symptom of Wiskott - Aldrich syndrome which is generally termed as a genetic mutation of the WAS gene.

MPV test service is available with the leading pathology labs of the nation. It is recommended that individuals must get MPV test done once in every six months along with a complete blood count in order to keep aware of in-breeding or potential problems which may affect the human system.

Kidney Function Test - What are Its Various Types?

Kidneys play a vital role in maintaining health. The most important job is to filter the waste materials from the blood and expel them from the body in the form of urine. The kidneys also help in controlling the water level as well as various essential minerals present in the body. They also play an important role in the production of vitamin D, Red Blood Cells and hormones that regulate blood pressure. However, if you doctor predicts that your kidneys are not functioning properly, you need to perform a kidney function test at the earliest. Every diagnostic lab in India offers a plethora of kidney function tests at the most affordable ranges. 

What are the symptoms of kidney problems?

Some of the major symptoms of kidney problems include-

·         High blood pressure,

·         Occurrence of blood while urinating,

·         Frequent urges to urinate,

·         Difficulty in urination,

·         Swelling of the hands and feet due to the accumulation of fluids in the body, etc.

If one is experiencing the symptoms mentioned above simultaneously, it indicates that your kidneys are not functioning properly. A blood test for kidney function is required to determine the reason.

What are the types of kidney function tests?

To examine the functioning of the kidneys, the doctor will order a set of tests that will help to estimate your Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). The GFR tells the doctor about how actively the kidneys can filter waste products from the body. Following are some of the kidney tests that examines the functioning of the kidneys-

Urinalysis- This type of kidney function test screens the presence of protein and blood in urine. Several types of infection increase urine protein that leads to the occurrence of kidney diseases. 

Kidney stone test- A kidney stone test is performed through a special type of CT scan known as noncontrast spiral computed tomography that moves in a circle and produces images of stones present in the kidneys. Along with this scan, the doctor performs an intravenous pyelogram commonly known as X- ray test to get a closer picture of the urinary tract, including kidney stones.

Serum Creatinine test- Creatinine is basically a breakdown product of muscle tissues. This type of kidney test checks the level of creatinine present in the body. The kidneys help to filter creatinine from the blood. Therefore, a high-level creatinine may indicate a kidney problem.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) - A BUN test is a type of kidney test that checks for the presence of waste products in the body.It also measures the amount of nitrogen present in the blood. A higher level of BUN value indicates severe kidney problems.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) - A GFR test examines how well the kidneys are filtering wastes by looking at the factors like- age, test results, gender, height, weight, etc.

Blood Alcohol Test – An Overview

A blood alcohol test, as the name suggests, is a test that aids in the detection of the presence of alcohol in the blood. Alcohol poses an evident effect on the body of the consumer, even if consumed in limited quantity. Large quantities, on the other hand, acts as a sedative and relaxes (depresses) the central nervous system.

Alcohol Blood Test Detection Time

Alcohol is a substance that gets quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and can be detected within minutes of its consumption. Nearly 90% of the alcohol is broken down by the liver, and the rest of it is either excreted out through urine or is exhaled via breath. 

Why is a blood alcohol test done?

It is typically done to:-

•    Measure the amount of alcohol present in the blood of an individual when he/she is suspected illegally drunk or intoxicated. Common symptoms of intoxication include lack of coordination, unsteadiness, confusion, unsafe driving, etc. The test is also known as ‘blood test for alcohol abuse’ in this case.
•    Detect the cause of an individual’s altered mental status, like coma, confusion or interrupted thinking.
•    Check the presence of alcohol in cases when consumption of alcohol is prohibited. For instance, in case of underage consumption, individual enrolled in an alcohol treatment program, etc. 

Blood Alcohol Testing Methods

There are two known methods to detect the presence of alcohol in the human system. Either by the use of a blood alcohol test or by using special breath alcohol detectors. 

In the case of a blood alcohol test, a sample of blood is drawn from one of the veins of the body. The sample of collected in special blood collection tubes and is sent to the laboratory for testing and analysis. On the other hand, in the case of breath alcohol detector, an individual is asked to blow in air into the machine via a mouthpiece attached the detector. The sensor presents results within 2 minutes. 

Blood Alcohol Test Results 

A normal test result means that the tested individual’s body has not been intoxicated by alcohol. While an abnormal or negative result indicates that alcohol is present in the person’s bloodstream. Legal intoxication is typically termed as having an alcohol level that’s equal to or above 80mg/dL. Anything between 80 and 400mg/dL means that an individual is likely to experience increased impairment and depression of central nervous system. At the same time, a range of 400mg/dL means that the individual is likely to lose his/her consciousness. The legal blood alcohol concentration level amid people under the age of 18 (25 in India) must be lower than 20mg/dL. 

Blood alcohol test service is offered by all diagnostic center in Bhubaneswar and other cities across the nation.

 

Understanding the Need for a Tuberculosis Test

Tuberculosis or otherwise commonly known as TB is a chronic disease that mainly harms the lungs of the body. The bacteria causing tuberculosis typically spreads from one person to another via tiny droplets released into the air through sneezes and coughs. If a person is exposed to the risk of getting TB, he/she must get a tuberculosis test done right away.

Signs and Symptoms of TB

The human body has its own inbuilt immune system that usually prevents the bacteria from harming internal organs and prevents the person from becoming sick. However, when the immune system fails to perform, the following signs and symptoms of TB are witnessed.

•    Coughing that lasts long, approximately three or more weeks
•    Coughing blood
•    Pain the chest pain while breathing or coughing
•    Unexpected weight loss
•    Fatigue
•    Feeling feverish
•    Experiencing night sweats
•    Chills, and
•    Loss of appetite

TB, if left untreated can become severe in nature and affect other parts of the body as well. Commonly affected parts include the kidneys, spinal cord, the brain, etc. When TB occurs outside lungs, its sign and symptoms vary depending upon the organ that’s involved.

Test for TB

Off all the tests available for confirming or denying the presence of TB in a patient, the first and the foremost examination done by a physician is a physical analysis of a patient's condition. During a physical examination, the doctor studies the lymph nodes for swelling and listens to the sound made by the lungs during breathing.

Post a thorough analysis the physician may suggest some additional tests for checking the presence of this chronic disease in the body.

•    Tuberculosis blood test – Two main types of blood test for tuberculosis are QuantiFERON-TB Gold Test and T-Spot TB test. Each of these is highly useful in confirming or ruling out TB in a patient when exposed to a high risk of TB infection and have shown a negative response to a skin test. These tests require only a single visit to a pathology lab.

•    Tuberculosis Imaging Test – If a patient proves positive to a skin test for TB, he/she is then ordered a chest X-Ray of CT scan. Such imaging examinations showcase white spots in the lungs where the immune system of the body has barred TB bacteria or reveal changes in the lung caused by the bacteria.

•    Sputum Test – If an imaging test shows the presence of TB in the lungs, the physician will take a sample of the sputum (the coughed out mucus) to check for TB bacteria. A sample of sputum also helps in testing for drug-resistant strains for TB

Medical science has developed treatments against tuberculosis that are highly effective and efficiently remove TB bacteria from the body. TB test in India is offered by all the leading medical centres and pathology labs at the most reasonable cost.

Controlling Diabetes – Test and Foods to Opt For

Diabetes is a condition wherein the body’s ability to produce or use insulin is affected. Insulin is an important element that helps the body to utilize blood sugar for the production of energy. Diabetes, here, causes the blood sugar level to rise to atypical levels which in turn causes severe damage to the circulatory and nervous system of the body. Diagnosing diabetes with a simple diabetes test, at the earliest, can defer the chances of an individual suffering from many chronic diseases and even heart attacks.

Who Should Take a Diabetes Test?

Diabetes is known to showcase no signs and symptoms in its early phase. However, some people may experience the below mentioned symptoms which call for the need to get a diabetes test done.
•    Extreme thirst
•    Sudden weight loss
•    Persistence fatigue feeling
•    Feeling hungry all the time
•    Difficulty in seeing or focusing
•    Urinating more than usual

How to get tested?

Typically, there are three methods to get tested against diabetes. These include:-

Testing using a blood sample – A blood diabetes test allows a physician to evaluate the level of blood sugar present in the body. There further are four types of blood tests, one of which may be suggested for checking the prevalence of diabetic condition. These are:-

•    A1C Test
•    Random Blood Sugar Test
•    Fasting Blood Sugar Test
•    Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

Testing using a urine sample – This often is not used by the physicians to diagnose diabetes. However, it may be recommended to those who showcase the signs of having Type 1 diabetes. 

Gestation Diabetes Test – Gestational diabetes is common amid pregnant women. They may be suggested a gestation diabetes test in two cases – either they have a family history or had it in the past, or in the second trimester when the chances of blood sugar level fluctuating is high. 

How to Control Diabetes?

In addition to the availability of a plethora of medications, there are few foods that widely help in controlling blood sugar levels in the body. 

Dates – A brown, sticky fruit, date is a rich source of fibre and makes for a perfect diabetes-friendly snack. Many pieces of research have also proven that dates are richer in antioxidants when compared to a serving of oranges, broccoli and peppers. 

Milk – As a known fact, milk is one of the best sources of Vitamin D and calcium. A glass of milk is enough to help regulate blood sugar level in the body. One can also opt for other dairy products such as low fat yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. to quell diabetes.

Flaxseeds – These are rich sources of fibre and alpha-linolenic acid. Flaxseeds are known to lower cholesterol and blood sugar, thereby curtailing the chances of one experiencing a heart disease, heart attack or other cardiovascular conditions. 

Sage – Sage has the prowess to boost insulin secretion in the body and curb blood sugar level, especially amid individuals on the edge of getting diabetes. In addition to this, it also aids in proper functionality of the liver and improves the body’s immunity. 

Beans – Yet another fibre loaded food, beans is heavy and makes one feel full. It aids in keeping a steady blood sugar and even lowers cholesterol level. Furthermore, beans are known to burn fat as they are rich in calcium.

To conclude, diabetes is a condition that affects the blood sugar level of the body and triggers the on-set of many chronic conditions. The best way to avoid diabetes is to lead a healthy life, eat a balanced diet, exercise properly and get a diabetes test done at regular intervals.

Vitamin D and B12 deficiency: Symptoms, Treatment and Precautionary Measures

Vitamin B-12 and Vitamin D are vital for several body functions including, healthy functioning of the brain, blood cell production as well as proper functioning of our nervous system. Vitamin B 12 particularly helps in preparing DNA and Red Blood Cells of our body. On the other hand, Vitamin D is essential for strong bones as it helps the body to use the calcium from the diet. Both Vitamin D and B12 deficiency can cause serious health disorder if not treated early. 

To get a better picture, let’s take a look to the symptoms, treatment and precautionary measures of both of them: 

Symptoms of Vitamin D and B12 deficiency

Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency 

Earlier, Lack of Vitamin D in the body leads to rickets, a disease that causes bones and skeletal deformities. But today, along with this, a host of other health problems arises due to our lifestyle and eating habits.

Though there are no severe symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency, some of the common visible signs are:

•    Fatigue,
•    Muscle cramps,
•    Joint pain,
•    Weight gain,
•    High Blood pressure,
•    Restless sleep,
•    Severe headaches,
•    Constipation or diarrhea etc.

Involved Health Risks:

Vitamin D deficiency performs a significant role in the occurrence of almost all types of major diseases. Some of them are:

•    Osteoporosis or Osteopenia.
•    Cancers, particularly- breast, prostate, and colon cancer, etc.
•    Heart-Related Diseases.
•    High Blood Pressure.
•    Obesity.
•    Multiple sclerosis.
•    Problems of infertility and PMS.
•    Alzheimer's disease etc.

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Precautionary Measures

The most accurate method to measure the level of Vitamin D in the body is 25-hydroxy Vitamin D blood test.

Common Treatment methods for Vitamin D include providing Vitamin D 12 supplements for raising the level. Patients are suggested to consume foods that in the diet naturally contain Vitamin D, such as cod-liver oil, salmon fish, mushrooms, milk or yogurt, mackerel, tuna, canned fish, orange juice, etc.

Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

Usually, a deficiency of vitamin B 12 leads to anemia. If left untreated, deficiency of Vitamin B 12 progresses with the time and cause symptoms such as-

•    Excessive weakness, tiredness or lightheadedness,
•    Heart palpitation and shortness of breath,
•    Pale skin,
•    Constipation, diarrhea or suffering from loss of appetite,
•    Loss of vision, etc.

Treatment and Precautionary Measures for Vitamin B 12 Deficiency:

The treatment for Vitamin B 12 Deficiency involves injecting vitamin B 12 initially with injections, high dosages of an oral replacement, or nasal therapy for life.

Some of the precautionary measures include eating animal products such as meat, poultry, liver, pork, beef etc., seafoods, dairy products such as- eggs, milk, yogurt and cheese, fortified soy milk, vitamin supplements, etc. Doctor also recommend to take B-12 containing multivitamin and eat cereals fortified with Vitamin B 12 in breakfast.

To conclude, it is always suggested to take the supplements in appropriate quantity to overcome Vitamin D and B12 deficiency in the body. However, taking Vitamin D and B12 in the diet in excess amount can also cause adverse health effects.

An Overview of Lipase Blood Test

Lipase is a type of enzyme which is prepared by the pancreas, a glandular organ that sits behind the stomach. While eating, lipase is released into our digestive tract and helps the intestines to break down the fats present in the food we eat. To state otherwise, lipase is a key digestive enzyme that helps the body to digest fats.

A standard amount of lipase is needed to maintain the normal functioning of the cells as well the digestive system. An abnormally higher level of enzyme in the blood is indicator of a serious health problem. Therefore lipase blood test is used to measure the amount of lipase present in the body along with an amylase test which helps to diagnose severe pancreatic diseases such as-

•    Acute pancreatitis- sudden swelling of the pancreas.
•    Chronic pancreatitis- Chronic or recurrent swelling of the pancreas.
•    Celiac disease.
•    Crohn’s disease.
•    Cystic fibrosis.
•    Pancreatic cancer etc.

When is the test ordered?

Generally, a lipase blood test is ordered, when a person suffers from one of the above-mentioned diseases. Other than that, the test can also be used for initial diagnosis. The doctor may order the test if one is suffering from clinical symptoms of a pancreatic disorder. Some of the symptoms are as follows:

•    Severe upper abdominal pain or back pain,
•    High Fever,
•    Oily or fatty stools,
•    Loss of appetite,
•    Severe weight loss,
•    Nausea, with or without vomiting.

The test is also directed at intervals when the doctor wants to monitor someone with a pancreatic disease to evaluate the effectiveness of the on-going treatment and also to determine whether the lipase level has increased or decreased over time.

Preparation for the Test

Usually, the preparation of the test includes eight hours of fasting before giving the blood sample. In addition to this, the doctor may recommend to stop taking certain types of medications like – birth control pills, codeine, morphine, thiazide diuretics, etc. or other herbal supplements before the test. This is because prior medications can interfere with the test results.

How is the test done?

Lipase blood test is typically performed by a lab technician or nurse. The sample of blood is drawn from one of the veins, preferably from the arm. The blood is collected in a special sample tube which is then sent to the laboratory for in-depth examination.

Understanding the results-

•    The normal range of lipase is under 140 units per liter (U/L).Also depending on the age, the values as high as 200 U/L is also considered to be normal.
•    If the level of lipase is 5 – 10 times higher than the standard value, the person is considered to be suffering from the disease called acute pancreatitis.
•    A low level of lipase in the blood, below 110 U/L, indicates permanent damage to the lipase- producing cells in the pancreas which can eventually lead to cystic fibrosis.

To conclude, lipase blood test can provide various critical health information. The doctor usually prescribes this test if you are suffering from any type of pancreatic disease or digestive disorder.