The PPD is the standard screening test to identify infection with the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis and thus assist in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Normally, the test is carried out on people who have been in direct contact with patients infected by the bacteria, even if they do not show symptoms of the disease. Find out what […]
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The Pap smear is a gynecological exam used to evaluate the cells of the cervix, being able to identify uterine changes and diseases, such as inflammation, HPV infection and cancer. Despite being recommended mainly for women who have already started sexual activity, the Pap smear, also called a preventive exam, can be carried out by […]
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Procalcitonin (PCT) is a marker of inflammation used mainly to help diagnose bacterial infections, to assess the risk of complications and the response to antibiotic treatment. Procalcitonin is a precursor peptide of calcitonin, a hormone produced by the thyroid with the aim of regulating calcium levels in the body. However, in cases of infection, there […]
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PSA, known as Prostate Specific Antigen, is an enzyme produced by prostate cells whose increased concentration may indicate changes in the prostate, such as prostatitis, benign prostate hypertrophy or prostate cancer, for example. Normally, the PSA blood test is indicated at least once a year for all men over 45 years of age, but it […]
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Parathyroid hormone, also known as PTH, is a hormone produced by the parathyroid glands, which are small glands located in the thyroid and which is metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. PTH’s main function is to regulate calcium levels in the body, as it stimulates the release of calcium into the plasma, […]
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The snare test is a quick test that must be carried out in all cases of suspected dengue fever, as it allows the fragility of blood vessels to be identified, which is common in dengue virus infection. Although it does not always come back positive when a person has dengue, this test is part of […]
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The PCR test, or RT-PCR, is an extremely sensitive laboratory test that is widely used to confirm the existence of virus infections, such as Zika, Ebola, H1N1 and, more recently, COVID-19. In addition to viral infections, the PCR test may also be indicated to investigate some bacterial infections, the presence of mutations in DNA that […]
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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 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 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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