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.