Detailed information about the main medical and diagnostic tests. Find out what they are for, how they are made, what preparation is recommended and what the results mean.
Reticulocytes are young red blood cells, that is, they have not matured and are unable to transport oxygen throughout the body. Reticulocytes are produced in the bone marrow and then released into the bloodstream, becoming mature after 1 to 2 days. Therefore, the reticulocyte count can be recommended by the doctor when he wants to […]
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The X-ray is an exam indicated to evaluate possible changes such as osteoporosis or fractures, but it can also be done to check for problems with the teeth and changes in the lung, such as pneumonia, for example. There are several types of X-rays, such as dental, chest, spine and lung X-rays, which allow the […]
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Retosigmoidoscopy is an exam indicated to visualize changes or diseases that affect the final portion of the large intestine, rectum and anus, and is recommended for screening for colorectal cancer, evaluating the presence of diverticula and polyps and investigating the cause of bleeding, for example. Rectosigmoidoscopy should be recommended by a gastroenterologist or coloproctologist. It […]
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The T3 test is requested by the doctor after altered TSH or T4 hormone results or when the person presents signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as nervousness, weight loss, irritability and nausea, for example. The TSH hormone is responsible for stimulating the production of T4, mainly, which is metabolized in the liver with the […]
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The aspartate aminotransferase or oxaloacetic transaminase test (AST or TGO) is a blood test requested to investigate injuries that compromise the normal functioning of the liver, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, for example. Oxaloacetic transaminase, or aspartate aminotransferase, is an enzyme present mainly in the liver, muscles and heart and, therefore, is normally elevated due […]
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The TSH test is used to assess thyroid function and is normally requested by the doctor when there is suspicion of changes in the thyroid, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, for example. TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain and its function is to stimulate the thyroid to produce its […]
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Prothrombin time or PT is a blood test that assesses the blood’s ability to clot, that is, the time needed to stop bleeding, for example. Therefore, the prothrombin time test is used whenever frequent bleeding or bruising occurs to try to find the cause of the problem, as well as when there are suspicions of […]
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The Coombs test is a type of blood test that assesses the presence of specific antibodies that attack red blood cells, causing their destruction and potentially leading to the emergence of a type of anemia known as hemolytic. The Coombs test can be direct, when you want to evaluate the red blood cells, or indirect, […]
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The allergy test is a type of examination indicated to identify whether the person has any type of skin, respiratory, food or drug allergy, for example, and thus indicate the most appropriate treatment according to the frequency and intensity of symptoms. . Allergy testing is normally recommended by a dermatologist or allergist when a person […]
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The eye test, also known as the red reflex test, is a test carried out during the first week of a newborn’s life to evaluate the structures of the eye, ensuring that they are correctly developed. This test is normally done in the maternity ward, but it can also be done at the first consultation […]
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