Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) Tests Acid-fast bacillus (AFB) is a type of bacteria that causes tuberculosis and certain other infections. Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is a serious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. It can also affect other parts of the body, including the brain, spine, and kidneys. TB is spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. AFB tests are used to diagnose an active tuberculosis (TB) infection. They may also be used to help diagnose other types of AFB infections.

Kidney function tests are simple procedures that use either the blood or urine to help identify issues in the kidneys. There are a few different types of kidney function tests that investigate various aspects of kidney function. They include Urea, Creatinine, GFR, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride. A blood test that checks how well your kidneys are filtering your blood, is called GFR. GFR stands for glomerular filtration rate.

A stool Hpylori antigen test looks for antigens to H. pylori in your stool. Antigens are substances that trigger an immune response. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a type of bacteria that infects the digestive system. Many people with H. pylori will never have symptoms of infection. But for others, the bacteria can cause a variety of digestive disorders. These include gastritis (inflammation of the stomach), peptic ulcers (sores in the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus), and certain types of stomach cancer.

Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Test A rheumatoid factor (RF) test measures the amount of rheumatoid factor (RF) in your blood. Rheumatoid factors are proteins produced by the immune system. Normally, the immune system attacks disease-causing substances like viruses and bacteria. Rheumatoid factors attack healthy joints, glands, or other normal cells by mistake. An RF test is most often used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune disorder that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. Rheumatoid factors may also be a sign of other autoimmune disorders, such as juvenile arthritis, certain infections, and some types of cancer. What is it used for? An RF test is used to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorders.

penetrates beneath the surface of the skin and causes infection. In cutaneous candidiasis, the skin is infected with candida fungi. This type of infection is fairly common. It can involve almost any skin on the body, but most often it occurs in warm, moist, creased areas such as the armpits and groin. The fungus that most often causes cutaneous candidiasis is Candida albicans.

This test measures the levels of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibodies in your blood. H. pylori are bacteria that can invade your gut. H. pylori infection is one of the major causes of peptic ulcer disease. This happens when inflammation caused by the bacteria affects the mucus coating of your stomach or duodenum, the first section of your small intestine. This leads to sores on the lining and is called peptic ulcer disease. This test can help your healthcare provider find out whether your peptic ulcers are caused by H. pylori.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 is a molecular test that analyzes your upper respiratory specimen, looking for genetic material (ribonucleic acid or RNA) of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Scientists use the PCR technology to amplify small amounts of RNA from specimens into deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is replicated until SARS-CoV-2 is detectable if present. The PCR test has been the gold standard test for diagnosing COVID-19 since authorized for use in February 2020. It’s accurate and reliable.

Creatinine Test This test measures creatinine levels in the blood and/or urine. Creatinine is a waste product made by your muscles as part of regular, everyday activity. Normally, your kidneys filter creatinine from your blood and send it out of the body in your urine. If there is a problem with your kidneys, creatinine can build up in the blood, and less will be released in urine. If blood and/or urine creatinine levels are not normal, it can be a sign of kidney disease. What is it used for? A creatinine test is used to see if your kidneys are working normally.

Drug Use Screening Tests Drug use screening tests are questionnaires designed to find out if you are abusing drugs. Drug abuse is a pattern of using drugs that can cause serious problems in your work, relationships, and health. Drug abuse can include taking illegal drugs or misusing legal drugs. Misuse means using the drugs for a nonmedical reason, such as getting high or taking more than the prescribed dose. It can also mean taking someone else's medicine or taking medicine in a different way than you are supposed to, such as crushing and snorting tablets. Drug abuse is a disease that can make you physically and mentally dependent on drugs. A drug use screening test can help your provider make an effective treatment plan for you. Commonly abused drugs include: Marijuana Prescription opioid pain relievers, which include oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and codeine Heroin, an illegal opioid Cocaine Methamphetamines Hallucinogens, which are drugs that cause hallucinations (seeing, hearing, and/or feeling things that are not real). They include LSD and Ecstasy (MDMA). Drug abuse may also be called drug addiction or substance abuse. Substance abuse can also refer to the abuse of other substances including alcohol and inhalants. Inhalants are household products, such as paint thinner and certain types of glue, that contain substances that affect perception and mood when inhaled.

TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone) Test TSH stands for thyroid-stimulating hormone. A TSH test is a blood test that measures this hormone. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located near your throat. Your thyroid makes hormones that regulate the way your body uses energy. It also plays an important role in regulating your weight, body temperature, muscle strength, and even your mood. TSH is made in a gland in the brain called the pituitary. When thyroid levels in your body are low, the pituitary gland makes more TSH. When thyroid levels are high, the pituitary gland makes less TSH. TSH levels that are too high or too low can indicate your thyroid isn't working correctly. What is it used for? A TSH test is used to find out how well the thyroid is working.

The hepatitis B surface antibody test (HBsAb) detects proteins called antibodies that are produced by the immune system in response to the hepatitis B virus (HBV). The test is used to determine if you are immune to the virus after natural exposure or vaccination. anti-HBs or HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antibody) - A "positive" or "reactive" anti-HBs (or HBsAb) test result indicates that a person is protected against the hepatitis B virus. This protection can be the result of receiving the hepatitis B vaccine or successfully recovering from a past hepatitis B infection. This test is not routinely included in blood bank screenings. A positive anti-HBs (or HBsAb) test result means you are “immune” and protected against the hepatitis B virus and cannot be infected. You are not infected and cannot spread hepatitis B to others.

Vitamin D testing is used to determine whether you have enough vitamin D in your body to support normal bodily functions. An inadequate level of vitamin D is called a deficiency. A more mild lack of vitamin D can be referred to as an insufficiency. Your health care provider may order a vitamin D test in order to: 1. Screen for a possible deficiency or insufficiency if you have a risk factor that increases the likelihood of having a low level of vitamin D. A risk factor is anything that makes it more likely for a health problem to occur. 2. Diagnose a vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency if you have symptoms that suggest low levels. Testing may also be used to diagnose a rare vitamin D toxicity due to excess intake of vitamin D supplements. 3. Monitor your vitamin D levels if you are being treated for a previously detected deficiency.