Common Medical Tests

Urine Culture A urine culture is a test that can detect bacteria in your urine. This test can find and identify the germs that cause a urinary tract infection (UTI). Bacteria, which typically cause UTIs, can enter the urinary tract through the urethra. In the environment of your urinary tract, these bacteria can grow rapidly and develop into an infection. Who is the test for? Urine cultures can identify the microorganisms, typically bacteria, which cause a UTI. UTIs are more common in females than males. This is because a woman’s urethra is shorter and much closer to the anus. Therefore, it’s much easier for bacteria from the intestines to find their way into the urinary tract. Bacteria ascend the urethra into the bladder, ureters, and kidneys, where they can develop into an infection. How is the test administered? The urine for a urine culture can be collected in several different ways. The most common method for collecting urine is the midstream clean-

Antibiotic Sensitivity Test Antibiotic sensitivity  or  antibiotic susceptibility  is the  susceptibility  of  bacteria  to  antibiotics . Because susceptibility can vary even within a  species  (with some  strains being more  resistant  than others),  antibiotic susceptibility testing  ( AST ) is usually carried out to determine which antibiotic will be most successful in treating a bacterial infection  in vivo .  Testing for antibiotic sensitivity is often done by the  Kirby-Bauer method ( agar diffusion test ) . Small wafers containing antibiotics are placed onto a plate upon which bacteria are growing. If the bacteria are sensitive to the antibiotic, a clear ring, or zone of inhibition, is seen around the wafer indicating poor growth. Ideal antibiotic therapy is based on determination of the aetiological agent and its relevant antibiotic sensitivity. Empiric treatment is often started before laboratory microbiological reports are available when treatment sho

Blood Cell Count A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection and leukemia. A complete blood count test measures several components and features of your blood, including: Red blood cells, which carry oxygen White blood cells, which fight infection Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells Hematocrit, the proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component, or plasma, in your blood Platelets, which help with blood clotting Abnormal increases or decreases in cell counts as revealed in a complete blood count may indicate that you have an underlying medical condition that calls for further evaluation. Why it's done A complete blood count is a common blood test that's done for a variety of reasons: To review your overall health. Your doctor may recommend a complete blood count as part of a routine medical examination to monitor your

Common Diagnostic Procedure of  Blood Tests a). Body area tested: Usually blood sample from an arm. b). Measurement of substances in the blood to evaluate organ function and to help diagnose        and monitor various disorders. Common Blood Tests; Tests                                              Reference Range Acidity(pH)                                  7.35-7.45 Acidity  and alkalinity are expressed on the  pH  scale, which ranges from 0 (strongly acidic ) to 14 (strongly basic or alkaline). A  pH  of 7.0, in the middle of this scale, is neutral.  Blood  is normally slightly basic, with a normal  pH  range of 7.35 to 7.45. Usually the body maintains the  pH  of  blood  close to 7.40. Alcohol (Ethanol)                       More than 0.1 mg/dL usually indicates intoxication. The ethanol test, commonly known as alcohol test, is used for both medical and legal purposes. Samples and results for each use are usually collected and tested separ