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Showing posts with the label Himachal Infinity Med Labs

Protein in Urine Test (Proteinuria) — Causes, Diagnosis & Meaning

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  What is a Protein in Urine Test? A protein in urine test measures how much protein is present in your urine sample. In healthy individuals, only a small amount of protein is excreted. When kidney filters (glomeruli) become damaged or inflamed, they allow more protein to pass into the urine. This test helps detect early kidney dysfunction and monitor existing renal diseases or systemic disorders like diabetes and hypertension . Other names: Urine protein test 24-hour urine protein Urine total protein Protein-to-creatinine ratio (PCR) Dipstick urinalysis Why is the Test Done? Your doctor may recommend a urine protein test as part of a routine check-up , to monitor a known kidney condition , or when symptoms suggest kidney dysfunction. It’s also included in a complete urinalysis , which checks urine color, concentration, pH, and the presence of glucose, blood, or bacteria. Conditions Linked to Protein in Urine: Chronic...

Lipase Test – Purpose, Procedure, and What Your Results Mean

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  What is a Lipase Test? A Lipase Test checks how much of the lipase enzyme is present in your blood. Lipase helps your body digest fats by breaking them down in the small intestine . Under normal conditions, only a small amount of lipase circulates in the blood. However, if the pancreas is injured or inflamed, large quantities of the enzyme leak into the bloodstream. This test helps identify: Pancreatitis (acute or chronic) Pancreatic blockages or tumors Digestive and metabolic disorders Also known as: Serum Lipase, Lipase, LPS Test. Purpose of the Lipase Test Doctors may recommend this test to: Diagnose acute or chronic pancreatitis Monitor pancreatic function or treatment response Detect blockages, cysts, or tumors in the pancreas Evaluate conditions like Crohn’s disease , celiac disease , and cystic fibrosis Identify intestinal injury , peritonitis , or gallbladder disorders Why You May ...

Homocysteine Test: Purpose, Procedure, and Health Implications

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  Introduction The homocysteine test is a blood test that measures the level of homocysteine , a sulfur-containing amino acid produced when the body metabolizes methionine (an essential amino acid obtained from food). Under normal circumstances, homocysteine is quickly broken down and converted into other useful compounds with the help of vitamins such as B6, B12, and folate (Vitamin B9) . When these vitamins are insufficient, or when genetic or metabolic disorders are present, homocysteine levels in the blood may rise. Elevated homocysteine (known as hyperhomocysteinemia ) has been studied for its possible role in cardiovascular disease, stroke, and inherited conditions such as homocystinuria . Why Is Homocysteine Important? Normal Role: Homocysteine is a natural byproduct of protein metabolism. Vitamin Connection: B vitamins, particularly folate and B12 , are essential to keep homocysteine within a healthy range. Deficiency Link: Low fo...

Vitamin B12 and Folate: Importance, Deficiency, Testing & Health Insights

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  Introduction Vitamins are essential nutrients that keep the body functioning optimally. Among them, Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and Folate (Vitamin B9) are crucial for maintaining healthy red blood cells, brain function, and DNA synthesis. Since the human body cannot produce these vitamins on its own, they must be obtained through diet or supplements. Although both are stored in the body, their storage capacities differ. Vitamin B12 can be stored in the liver for 3–5 years , whereas folate is stored in smaller amounts and needs to be replenished regularly through food sources or supplements. Why Are Vitamin B12 and Folate Important? Support the formation and repair of red blood cells, nerve cells, and brain cells Essential for DNA synthesis and cell division Crucial for fetal development during pregnancy, reducing the risk of neural tube defects Aid in neurological health , preventing nerve damage and cognitive decline ...

Understanding Thyroid Function Tests: A Complete Guide

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Introduction The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It absorbs  iodine from the diet  to produce hormones that control vital metabolic activities, such as converting food into energy, regulating calorie burn, maintaining heart rate, stabilizing blood pressure, and managing body temperature. When thyroid hormone levels drop below normal, body functions slow down—leading to fatigue, weight gain, and sluggish metabolism. On the other hand, excess hormones speed up processes, causing weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and nervousness. In India, thyroid disorders are increasingly common. Research suggests that  1 in 10 adults suffer from hypothyroidism , a condition where the gland fails to produce sufficient hormones. Women, particularly those of childbearing age, are twice as likely to develop this condition compared to men. To assess thyroid health, doctors often recommend a  thyroid function panel , a set of blood tests design...