Medical Tests
Understanding medical tests helps you take a more active role in your healthcare. This section provides clear, reliable information about common diagnostic tests — what they are, why they are performed, how they are done, and how to interpret the results.
Blood tests are among the most common diagnostic tools. They help detect infections, monitor organ function, and evaluate overall health.
▸ Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
▸ Liver Function Tests (ALT, AST)
▸ Kidney Function Tests (Creatinine, BUN)
▸ Blood Glucose Test
▸ Lipid Profile
Cardiac (heart) tests help evaluate heart rhythm, blood flow, and structural abnormalities.
▸ Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
▸ Echocardiogram
▸ Cardiac Stress Test
▸ Troponin Test
▸ Holter Monitoring
▸ Coronary CT Angiography
Genetic testing looks for DNA changes that can predict disease risk or guide treatment.
▸ BRCA1/BRCA2
▸ Prenatal Screening (NIPT)
▸ Pharmacogenetic Testing
▸ Oncogene Testing
Urine analysis can reveal information about kidney function, infections, and metabolic conditions.
▸ Urinalysis
▸ Urine Culture
▸ 24-hour Urine Collection
▸ Proteinuria Test
▸ Microalbuminuria Test
Microbiological and Infectious Disease TestsTumor marker tests help detect or monitor certain cancers. They are often used alongside imaging and biopsy.
▸ PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
▸ CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen)
▸ AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein)
▸ CA-125
▸ CA 19-9
▸ CA 15-3 / CA 27-29
Microbiological and Infectious Disease TestsThese tests measure hormone levels to evaluate endocrine gland function.
▸ Thyroid Panel (TSH, T3, T4)
▸ Cortisol Test
▸ Insulin and C-Peptide
▸ Testosterone and Estrogen Tests
▸ Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)
These tests detect bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites causing infections.
▸ Blood Culture
▸ Throat or Nasal Swab
▸ Stool Culture
▸ Sputum Test
▸ HIV, Hepatitis B/C Tests