The OGTT is an exam that assesses a person’s ability to maintain adequate glucose levels after a glucose overload. Thus, the OGTT test is indicated for diagnosing pre-diabetes and diabetes, especially in people who have risk factors, and is also indicated from the 24th week of pregnancy to investigate gestational diabetes. The TOTG test, also […]
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The VHS test is a blood test widely used to detect any inflammation or infection in the body, which can indicate anything from a simple cold, bacterial infections, to inflammatory diseases such as arthritis or acute pancreatitis, for example. The ESR test, also called the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate or Red Blood Cell Sedimentation Rate test, […]
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The VDRL exam is a laboratory test that aims to diagnose and monitor the response to treatment for syphilis, which is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Treponema pale. Thus, by collecting a blood sample, which is sent to the laboratory for processing, it is possible to identify the presence of circulating antibodies […]
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The 24-hour Holter is an exam that evaluates the rhythm and heart rate, and is indicated when there are recurring symptoms of dizziness, chest pain, palpitations or shortness of breath, which may indicate cardiac changes. Generally, the Holter exam is done for 24 hours, but it can also be done for 48 or 72 hours, […]
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The ABPM test, or ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, is a diagnostic test carried out using a device that allows blood pressure to be recorded over a 24-hour period, during usual day-to-day activities and even when the person is sleeping. ABPM is recommended by a cardiologist to diagnose systemic arterial hypertension or to assess whether a […]
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Gamma glutamyl transferase, or Gamma GT, is an enzyme produced in the pancreas, heart and liver, which is generally elevated in the blood when there is some change in one of these organs, such as pancreatitis, heart attack or cirrhosis, for example. To confirm or rule out the diagnosis of liver and biliary problems, the […]
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The ANA test (antinuclear factor) is a test indicated to identify antibodies produced by the body that attack the body’s own cells and tissues, helping to diagnose autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This exam is based on the search for abnormal antibodies and identification of their reaction pattern against cells, also called […]
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The HCV test is a laboratory test indicated for the investigation of infection with the hepatitis C virus, HCV. Thus, through this test, it is possible to check the presence of the virus or antibodies produced by the body against this virus, anti-HCV, and is therefore useful in diagnosing hepatitis C. This test is simple, […]
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Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an exam that is used to diagnose and treat diseases of the bile ducts and pancreas, such as choledocholithiasis (stones in the bile ducts), cholangitis (infection of the bile ducts), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and some tumors. Typically, the ERCP exam is done in the hospital due to the […]
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CA 19-9 is a protein released by cells in some types of tumor and is therefore used to aid in the diagnosis of some types of cancer, such as pancreatic, liver, gallbladder or colorectal cancer, as it can have high levels under these conditions. However, levels of the CA 19-9 tumor marker can also indicate […]
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