1. WHAT IS INSULIN FASTING?
Insulin is a hormone that helps transport glucose from the blood to within the cells. Therefore, plays an important role in regulating blood glucose levels. The test measures the level of insulin in blood after the fasting period.
WHY IS INSULIN FASTING PERFORMED?
Insulin fasting test is performed for the following reasons:
- To help evaluate insulin production.
- To help diagnose the presence of an insulin-producing tumor in the islet cells of the pancreas.
- To help determine the cause of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia)
- To help determine when a type 2 diabetic might need to start taking insulin to supplement oral medications.
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURE?
Insulin is the primary hormone that responds to what we eat. Insulin is released from the pancreatic beta cells when carbohydrates are ingested, and, to a lesser degree, protein. Insulin is responsible for the uptake of glucose by the cells from blood for utilization and storage. It helps to maintain blood glucose levels within a normal range and plays an essential role in the metabolism of lipids.
Blood Glucose and Insulin work in correlation and balance each other. A rise in blood sugar stimulates insulin production by the pancreas, causes insulin levels to rise in the blood. Insulin stimulates the uptake of glucose by cells, leading to a fall in blood glucose. Low insulin production by pancreas or inability of cells to respond to insulin causes a rise in blood sugar levels, also known as Hyperglycemia.
2. Hb Electrophoresis
WHAT IS HB ELECTROPHORESIS?
A Hemoglobin electrophoresis test is a blood test performed to check the different types of HB in blood. This test helps in the diagnosis of disorders associated with abnormal forms of hemoglobin like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.
3. Anti HIV1 and 2
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the cause of AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV screening tests detect the HIV antigen(p24) and/or HIV antibodies produced in response to an HIV infection in the blood. Some tests detect HIV antibody in oral fluid.
When a person becomes infected with HIV, through exposure to the blood or body fluids of an infected individual or a contaminated needle, for example, the virus begins to replicate itself, producing a large number of copies. During the first few weeks of infection, the amount of virus (viral load) and p24 antigen level in the blood can be quite high.
About 2-8 weeks after exposure to the virus, the immune system responds by producing antibodies directed against the virus that can be detected in the blood. As the initial infection resolves and the level of HIV antibody increases, both virus and p24 antigen levels decrease in the blood.
An HIV infection may initially cause no symptoms or cause flu-like symptoms that resolve after a week or two. The only way to determine whether a person has been infected is through HIV testing.
WHY IS THE HIV ANTIBODY TEST DONE?
- To determine if you are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant
- If you are diagnosed with Hepatitis B, C, Tuberculosis or any other sexually transmitted disease
- Annual screening is advised for those who are at high risk for HIV infection like having an HIV positive sex partner, multiple sexual partners, homosexual people, sharing needles.
4. HBsAg (Hepatitis B)
What is the HBsAg Test?
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) is a blood test performed to determine if someone is infected with the hepatitis B virus. HBsAg also is known as Australia antigen is present on the surface of the Hepatitis B Virus.
Why is HBsAg performed?
- This test detects the presence of Hepatitis B virus
- Performed on individuals who are at a high risk of acquiring infection
- Performed on individuals with signs and symptoms of hepatitis, like jaundice and elevated ALT (alanine aminotransferase) levels in Liver Function Test
- Performed as a screening test for Hepatitis B infection following accidental exposure to the Hepatitis B virus.
5. Anti HCV Test
What is HCV Ab Test?
Hepatitis C virus antibody test is a blood test performed to check for the infection with the Hepatitis C Virus in the blood. This test checks for the antibodies present in the blood against the Hepatitis C virus. If the test is positive and antibodies are present, this means the person is infected with the virus.
Why is HCV Ab Test Performed?
- The test is performed when signs and symptoms are visible suggesting Hepatitis like jaundice, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
- For diagnosis, when the body gets exposed to Hepatitis C Virus, such as through contact with infected blood.
- Have symptoms associated with liver disease.
