Liver Function Tests Liver function tests (also known as liver panels are blood tests that measure different enzymes, proteins, and other substances made by the liver. These tests check the overall health of your liver. The different substances are often tested at the same time on a single blood sample, and may include the following: Albumin, a protein made in the liver Total protein. This test measures the total amount of protein in the blood. ALP (alkaline phosphatase), ALT (alanine transaminase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). These are different enzymes made by the liver. Bilirubin, a waste product made by the liver

A c-reactive protein test measures the level of c-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. CRP is a protein made by your liver. It's sent into your bloodstream in response to inflammation. Measure Low-Level inflammation, and infection.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects the cells of a person’s immune system and is the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). When a person becomes infected with HIV, through exposure to the blood or body fluids of an infected individual, the virus begins to reproduce very rapidly. So, during the first few weeks of infection, the amount of virus (viral load) in the blood can be quite high. The immune system responds by producing antibodies directed against the virus and these begin to be detected in the blood around 3-4 weeks after exposure to the virus. As the level of HIV antibody increases, the viral load in the blood decreases. This early HIV infection may cause no symptoms or sometimes a flu-like or glandular fever-type illness. The only way to determine whether a person has been infected is through HIV testing. Modern HIV screening tests detect HIV antigens (parts of the virus itself, usually a protein called the p24 antigen) and/or antibodies produced in response to an HIV infection.

Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) The cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) biomarker test is used to monitor breast cancer and its response to treatment. The CA 15-3 antigen is a protein released into the bloodstream by breast cancer, various other cancers, and even some benign (noncancerous) conditions. CA 15-3 is one of several substances classified as tumor markers, which may increase as a malignancy progresses and decrease as a tumor gets smaller as it responds to cancer therapy. This test is used to monitor response to breast cancer treatment and disease recurrence.

Prolactin Levels A prolactin (PRL) test measures the level of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is a hormone made by the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain. Prolactin causes the breasts to grow and make milk during pregnancy and after birth. Prolactin levels are normally high for pregnant women and new mothers. A prolactin levels test is used to: 1. Diagnose a prolactinoma (a type of tumor of the pituitary gland) 2. Help find the cause of a woman's menstrual irregularities and/or infertility 3. Help find the cause of a man's low sex drive and/or erectile dysfunction

A urinalysis is a test of your urine. It is often done to check for urinary tract infections, kidney problems, or diabetes. You may also have one during a checkup if you are admitted to the hospital, before you have surgery, or if you are pregnant. It can also monitor some medical conditions and treatments. A urinalysis involves checking the urine for: Its color Its appearance (whether it is clear or cloudy) Any odor The pH level (acidity) Whether there are substances that are not normally in urine, such as blood, too much protein, glucose, ketones, and bilirubin Whether there are cells, crystals, and casts (tube-shaped proteins) Whether it contains bacteria or other germs

Cholesterol Levels Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in your blood and every cell of your body. You need some cholesterol to keep your cells and organs healthy. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. But you can also get cholesterol from the foods you eat, especially meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy products. Foods that are high in dietary fat can also make your liver produce more cholesterol. Getting your cholesterol levels checked is an important part of staying healthy. High cholesterol increases your risk for heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death in Kenya. Knowing your cholesterol status can help you stay in control of your health

Thyroxine (T4) Test A thyroxine test helps diagnose disorders of the thyroid. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located near the 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. Thyroxine, also known as T4, is a type of thyroid hormone. This test measures the level of T4 in your blood. Too much or too little T4 can indicate thyroid disease. The T4 hormone comes in two forms: Free T4, which enters the body tissues where it's needed Bound T4, which attaches to proteins, preventing it from entering body tissues A test that measures both free and bound T4 is called a total T4 test. Other tests measure just free T4. A free T4 test is considered more accurate than a total T4 test for checking thyroid function. Other names: free thyroxine, free T4, total T4 concentration, thyroxine screen, free T4 concentration What is it used for? A T4 test is used to evaluate thyroid function and diagnose thyroid disease.

A stool culture is a test on a stool sample to find germs (such as bacteria or a fungus) that can cause an infection. A sample of stool is added to a substance that promotes the growth of germs. If no germs grow, the culture is negative. If germs can cause infection to grow, the culture is positive. The type of germ may be identified using a microscope or chemical tests. Sometimes other tests are done to find the right medicine for treating the infection. This is called sensitivity testing. Depending on what your stool is being tested for, you may only need to collect one stool sample. Or you may need several stool samples over a period of days. A stool culture is done to: Find the cause of the symptoms. It can help explain symptoms such as severe or bloody diarrhea or an increased amount of gas. It can also help find the cause of nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, bloating, belly pain and cramping, and fever. Find and identify certain types of organisms that are causing infections or diseases. These include food poisoning, inflammation of the large intestine (colitis), cholera, and typhoid. Identify a person who may not have any symptoms of disease but who carries bacteria that can spread the infection to others. This person is called a carrier. A person who is a carrier and who handles food is likely to infect others. Find out if treatment for an infection has worked as it should.

A creatinine test is a measure of how well your kidneys are performing their job of filtering waste from your blood. Useful in the evaluation of kidney function and in monitoring renal dialysis.

A stool analysis is a series of tests done on a stool (feces) sample to help diagnose certain conditions affecting the digestive tract. These conditions can include infection (such as from parasites, viruses, or bacteria), poor nutrient absorption, or cancer. For a stool analysis, a stool sample is collected in a clean container and then sent to the laboratory. Laboratory analysis includes microscopic examination, chemical tests, and microbiologic tests. The stool will be checked for color, consistency, amount, shape, odor, and the presence of mucus.

Semen Analysis Semen analysis is a test of a man’s sperm and semen. Also known as a sperm count or male fertility test, its results show how many sperm are released, as well as how they're shaped and how well they move Semen is the thick fluid that comes from men’s penis when they ejaculate during sexual activity. It carries sperm out of a man’s body so it can fertilize an egg and create an embryo (the first stage of pregnancy). Why Have a Semen Analysis? If you and your partner are having trouble getting pregnant, one of the first tests your doctor will likely ask for is a semen analysis. While both men and women can have problems, issues with male fertility can play a part in as many as half of all infertility cases. And male infertility is often caused by low sperm production. Another reason you might need a semen analysis is to make sure a vasectomy (a procedure to prevent pregnancy) was successful. It’s usually done 8 to 16 weeks after the surgery to see if you’re still making any healthy sperm.