Pre Chemotherapy Package near me in Gurgaon

Calcium (Ca) Test measures the levels of calcium in blood. Calcium is essential for body processes including cell signaling, blood clotting, contraction of muscles, and functioning of nerves. It plays a crucial role in the formation and maintenance of healthy bones. Deficiency of calcium results in Osteoporosis, a disease in which the bones lose their density and become soft and fragile, causing them to fracture very easily.

About 99% of the total amount of calcium received by the body is bound as calcium complex in bones, and the remaining 1% lies in blood circulation. Of the amount of calcium circulating in the blood, about half remains bound to albumin protein or other ions and are metabolically inactive, while the remaining half remains free and metabolically active. Blood Calcium tests can be of two types: Total Calcium Test used to measure the total calcium concentration in blood including both the free and bound forms, and Ionized Calcium Test used to measure the concentration of only the metabolically active form.

Calcium levels in the blood are maintained within a very narrow range by a number of mechanisms. Deviation from the normal range of calcium concentration causes Hypocalcemia (low levels of calcium), or Hypercalcemia (excess of calcium). Both these conditions impact normal body processes in the short term and may give rise to other conditions in the long term.

A blood calcium test cannot be used to check for a lack of calcium in your diet or for osteoporosis (loss of calcium from bones) as the body can have normal calcium levels even in case of dietary deficiency of Calcium. The body can augment mild calcium deficiency by releasing the calcium stored in bones.

Lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme which plays an essential role in the production of energy from glucose. It is present in all the cells of the body, with the highest concentrations being in the cells of heart, lungs, muscles, liver, kidneys, and RBCs. Normally, only a small amount of the enzyme is found in the serum outside blood cells. However, in certain conditions of damage to the cells, lactate dehydrogenase is secreted out of the cells into the serum, where its concentration rises. Thus, the Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase Test is a nonspecific test that helps to determine the presence of conditions causing tissue damage somewhere in the body. Further tests are performed to identify the exact cause and location of these conditions.

The total lactate dehydrogenase in the body consists of five different forms of the enzymes (isoenzymes) named LDH-1 to LDH-5. The isoenzymes are present in different concentrations in different organs of the body. For example, LDH-1 and LDH-2 are most abundant in the cells of the heart, while LDH-5 is most abundant in the liver. Although the total LDH levels indicate tissue damage somewhere in the body, testing for the different isoenzymes can help identify the location of such damage.

Lactate dehydrogenase is also secreted into other body fluids in case of damage to the body tissues. It is also produced by bacteria and can be thus used to help identify bacterial meningitis.

Blood Stag is composed of blood cells suspended in blood plasma (yellowish-colored liquid). The blood cells include red blood cells (also called RBCs or erythrocytes), white blood cells (also called WBCs or leukocytes), and platelets (also called thrombocytes).

Red blood cells (RBCs) are the most abundant blood cells. RBCs contain hemoglobin which helps in the transportation of oxygen to the tissues. RBC count is the measurement of the number of RBCs in a given volume of blood.

Packed Cell Volume (PCV) or Hematocrit (Hct) is the measurement of the blood volume occupied by RBCs. It is expressed in percentage.

White blood cells (WBCs) are key components of the immune system and thus protect the body from various infections and cancers. Total Leucocyte count (TLC) is the measurement of the total number of leukocytes (WBCs) in a given volume of blood.

There are five types of WBCs:

1. Neutrophils

2. Basophils

3. Eosinophils

4. Lymphocytes

5. Monocytes

Differential Leucocyte Count (DLC) determines the percentage of different types of WBCs.

Neutrophils, Basophils, and Eosinophils are called Granulocytes because of the presence of granules inside these cells.

Absolute count of different types of WBCs is the measurement of their absolute numbers in the given volume of blood.

Platelet count - Platelets (also called thrombocytes) are disc-shaped cell fragments without a nucleus that help in blood clotting. Platelet count is the measurement of the number of platelets in a given volume of blood.

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) is a measurement of the average size of platelets.

PDW or platelet distribution width refers to the variation of platelet size distribution

Hemoglobin (Hb) -  Hemoglobin (Hb) is a protein found in red blood cells (RBCs) that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues, exchanges the oxygen for carbon dioxide, and then carries the carbon dioxide back to the lungs where it is exchanged for oxygen.

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) is the average volume of a red blood cell.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) is the average amount of hemoglobin in the average red blood cell.

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) is the average concentration of hemoglobin in a given volume of red cells.

Red Cell Distribution Width Coefficient of variation (RDW CV)is a measurement of the variability of the red blood distribution curve and their mean size. 

Glucose - Fasting Blood Test is done to measure the levels of glucose in blood during period of fasting.

Glucose is the main source of energy for body. Carbohydrates consumed in the diet are broken down in the body to glucose, which is absorbed by the intestines and transported by the blood to various organs. The cells of these organs utilize the glucose to produce energy when required, and the excess is stored either as glycogen in the liver for short-term storage or in fat tissues as triglycerides for long-term storage. The uptake, utilization, and storage of glucose after it is absorbed in the intestines is facilitated by the hormone- insulin which is secreted by the pancreas. Insulin influences the transport of glucose to the organs like heart, brain, working muscles, etc. It also directs storage of excess glucose. The action of insulin reduces sugar levels in the blood.

After a meal, sugar levels increase in blood and insulin is secreted in response to reduce sugar levels until it becomes normal. If glucose levels fall too low in blood, another pancreatic hormone called glucagon is released, which directs the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and releases it into the blood. The insulin and glucagon hormones create a feedback mechanism to keep blood glucose levels within the normal range. Imbalance in their activity causes an excess or shortage of blood sugar.

Glucose - Fasting blood Test helps to determine if the body is able to utilize or store glucose efficiently. High levels of sugar in blood indicates diabetes or resistance to insulin. Type 1 Diabetes is caused when insulin is not produced or produced in very little quantity. Type 2 Diabetes is caused when insulin produced is not utilized effectively by the body. In both these cases, blood sugar level rises, while cells are deprived of nutrition.

Magnesium is a mineral micronutrient which plays essential roles in body processes including enzyme functions, energy production by metabolism, contraction of muscles, and nerve functioning. It also helps in the metabolism of calcium and hence helps in the maintenance of healthy bones. Magnesium is supplied to the body from dietary sources and is absorbed in the small intestine and colon. It is subsequently absorbed into the bones and tissues. Only about 1% of the total amount of magnesium absorbed remains in the blood within a narrow normal range. The normal range of magnesium concentration is maintained in the body by utilizing the amount absorbed from food and excreting the excess through urination.

Deviation from the normal range of magnesium concentration causes Hypomagnesia (shortage of magnesium), or Hypermagnesia (excess of magnesium). Both these conditions impact normal body processes in the short term and may give rise to other conditions in the long term.

The Prothrombin Time (PT) Test measures the ability of the plasma to clot in order to detect a bleeding disorder or clotting disorder and to monitor the effects of anticoagulant medication, Warfarin.

In case of any bleeding, the body responds to stop the blood loss as quickly as possible by forming a blood clot. This process of blood clotting or coagulation is called hemostasis and involves a series of chemical reactions in the blood (coagulation cascade) which activates blood proteins called coagulation factors one after another, in a series. The activated coagulation factors lead to the formation of fibrin mesh around the platelets and other blood cells at the site of bleeding and this complex hardens to form a “blood clot”.

Coagulation cascade proceeds by two pathways, the intrinsic pathway, and the extrinsic pathway. These pathways later merge together into a common pathway. Prothrombin (Coagulation Factor II) is converted to its active form thrombin in one of the reactions. The PT Test assesses the functioning of Blood Coagulation Factors I, II, V, VII, and X, which are parts of the extrinsic and common pathways by measuring the time taken for conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. The Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) Test measures the functioning of Blood coagulation Factors I, II, V, XII, VIII, IX, X, and XI, along with other factors Prekallikrein (PK), and High Molecular Weight Kininogen (HK) which form parts of the intrinsic and common coagulation pathways. The PT and aPTT tests are usually performed together and the results of both are evaluated simultaneously to determine the rate of blood clotting.

Warfarin is prescribed in the treatment of conditions caused or worsened by excessive blood clotting like Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clot formation in blood vessels), irregular heartbeats, etc. The PT test is also performed to evaluate the effectiveness of Warfarin treatment. When performed to determine Warfarin efficacy, the result of the PT Test is expressed in terms of a measurement scale called the International Normalized Ratio (INR). Since the PT Tests are performed using different reagents in different labs giving rise to widely varying results in other conventional units, the INR system was created to maintain uniformity in the results.

The Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) test measures the time taken by the blood to form a clot after the addition of substances (reagents) which activate the clot formation.

In case of any bleeding, the body responds to stop the blood loss as quickly as possible by forming a blood clot. This process of blood clotting or coagulation is called hemostasis and involves a series of chemical reactions in the blood (coagulation cascade). During this process, the blood proteins called coagulation factors get activated one after another in a series. The activated coagulation factors lead to the formation of fibrin mesh around the platelets and other blood cells at the site of bleeding and this complex hardens to form a “blood clot”.

Coagulation cascade proceeds by two pathways, the intrinsic pathway, and the extrinsic pathway. These pathways later merge together into a common pathway. The Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) test measures the functioning of Blood Coagulation Factors I, II, V, XII, VIII, IX, X, and XI, along with other factors Prekallikrein (PK), and High Molecular Weight Kininogen (HK) which form parts of the intrinsic and common coagulation pathways.

The Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) test measures the time taken by the blood to form a clot after the addition of substances (calcium and phospholipid emulsion) which activate clotting. The aPTT test result is compared to a control sample of normal blood.

The aPTT test is usually performed along with Prothrombin Time (PT) test to evaluate the cause of a coagulation defect, if any. PT test assesses the functioning of Blood Coagulation Factors I, II, V, VII, and X, which are parts of the extrinsic and common pathways by measuring the time taken for conversion of prothrombin to thrombin.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV Virus is of two types: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is found in AIDS patients, AIDS-related complex patients, and those persons who are at high risk of getting affected by AIDS. HIV virus can be transmitted by sexual contact, exposure to blood or blood products of AIDS-infected patients, or transfer of infection from AIDS-infected mother to the fetus. Most of the cases of HIV-2 infected patients are seen in West Africa, and it is detected in patients who had sexual contact with people of that geographic region. These viruses have the same morphology, overall genomic structure, and ability to cause infection. 

When the patient gets infected with the virus, the virus attacks the immune system called CD4 and combines with antibodies to use them for making a large number of copies inside the body of the patient by replication. During the first few weeks of infection, the amount of virus present and the level of p24 antigen in the blood becomes very high. After another 2-8 weeks, these increased levels start to fall as the body of the infected patient starts producing antibodies against the antigen of the virus. At this time, the HIV virus antibody can be detected in the patient’s blood via tests. The tests should be performed at this brief time because after some time both the levels of antigen and antibody in the blood falls. This will make the detection of virus infection difficult as the initial infection may have been resolved and you may not get a positive result against the infection.

The HIV antibody tests do not detect an HIV infection soon after exposure, before the development of antibodies. Most people produce detectable levels of antibody 3 to 12 weeks after exposure. If someone is screened with an HIV antibody test too soon, the result may be negative despite the fact that the person is infected. For those who are at increased risk of HIV infection, it is important to get this screening test done frequently to check for possible exposure to the virus.

This test is done by ELISA method which is also known as EIA for Enzyme Immunoassay. This test is done to analyze certain proteins which are produced by the body in response to HIV infection. 

LFT measures the level of liver enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin in the blood.

The liver is a wedge-shaped organ located in the right upper part of the abdomen. The liver helps in the synthesis of certain proteins, produces bile (an alkaline compound which helps in the breakdown of fat), process the bilirubin (a yellowish substance produced from the breakdown of hemoglobin) and helps in removing ammonia and other toxins (harmful substances) from the body. It plays an important role in the metabolism of fats, protein, and carbohydrates. It stores glycogen, vitamins, and minerals as well as helps in the metabolism (breakdown) of certain drugs.

Many diseases affect the health of the liver like hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcoholic hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), bile duct obstruction, liver or bile duct cancer and many others. Liver function can also be affected by various risk factors like alcohol abuse, certain drugs, sedentary lifestyle, and obesity. Regular monitoring of liver function is essential for early detection of any liver abnormality.

LFT is a group of tests that measure the levels of Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Total protein, Bilirubin and Gamma Glutamyltransferase (GGT) in blood. Each component has its own significance and helps to understand a particular aspect of the liver function.

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

 Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme and this test measures the level of this enzyme in the blood. ALT is also known as serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and is mainly found in the liver, but also in smaller amounts in the kidneys, heart, pancreas and muscles. This enzyme is released into the bloodstream in case of liver disease or damage leading to increased ALT blood levels, a specific indicator of liver injury. However, this test cannot determine the extent or severity of the liver damage.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

This test measures the level of the enzyme AST in your blood. It is also known as serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT). AST is found in the liver and is released in the blood in large amounts in case of any liver injury. AST levels are usually measured along with ALT as AST is not specific for liver (also found in the heart, skeletal muscle and other organs). Your doctor may also recommend an ALT/AST ratio to help in the diagnosis.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

This test measures the blood levels of the enzyme ALP which is found in the liver (one of the main source), bile ducts, bones, intestine, pancreas and kidney. ALP helps to break down proteins in the body. Diseases that mainly harm or damage the cells of the liver and bile duct, leading to overproduction and release of this enzyme into the bloodstream. This causes increased blood ALP levels.

Total Serum Protein

This test measures the total amount of protein in the blood, which includes two major types of proteins: albumin and globulin. The test report mentions separate results for total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin/globulin ratio (A/G ratio).

The level of proteins in the blood indicates the biosynthetic capacity of the liver. Hepatocytes (liver cells) are unable to synthesize this protein in certain liver diseases leading to a fall in protein levels in the blood.

Albumin is synthesized only in the liver. It helps to transports minerals, enzymes, hormones, bilirubin and some medicines throughout your body. It prevents the fluid from leaking out of your blood vessels into the tissues.

Globulin is synthesized in the liver and by the cells of the immune system. It plays a key role in fighting infections and transports many enzymes, hormones, minerals and some medicines in the body.

Bilirubin

This test measures the amount of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product formed by the breakdown of red blood cells and is processed by the liver.

Bilirubin blood test report includes separate values for direct (conjugated) bilirubin, indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin, and total bilirubin.

When heme is released from the hemoglobin, it is converted to bilirubin. This is called unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin which is carried to the liver by some proteins.

In the liver, bilirubin gets attached (conjugated) to modified sugars (glucuronic acid) and form conjugated (direct) bilirubin.

Both these forms can be measured or estimated by laboratory tests, and a total bilirubin result (includes both direct and indirect bilirubin) is also measured.

A damaged liver can’t properly process bilirubin, leading to abnormally high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Increased unconjugated bilirubin in the blood results due to its overproduction or improper uptake by the liver. Increased conjugated bilirubin results can be seen in diseases that reduce the rate of secretion of conjugated bilirubin into the bile or the flow of bile into the intestine resulting in a backward flow of conjugated bilirubin into the blood.

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)

This test measures the level of the enzyme GGT in your blood which is present in large amounts in the liver. It is a transport molecule and it helps the liver to metabolize many drugs and toxins. GGT is a very sensitive test for detecting any liver disease especially due to alcohol abuse and is also one of the first enzymes to rise in patients with bile duct obstruction like tumor or stones.

This is a test panel done to evaluate the kidney functions. It contains a group of tests integrated to collectively analyze any malfunction related to the kidney.

The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spinal column in the abdomen towards the back. The kidneys perform a number of important functions. The most important of these is that they filter the blood and separate the waste products generated out of regular metabolic activities of the body, primarily urea. Following the separation, the kidneys excrete the waste products out of the body through urine. They help in maintaining the normal pH level and water balance of the body. The kidneys also play essential roles in the synthesis of Vitamin D and Red Blood Cells (RBCs).

The Kidney Function Test includes the following tests to monitor kidney function:

·        Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)/ Urea:

Blood Urea Nitrogen is a test to measure the amount of urea nitrogen present in the blood. Urea is a nitrogenous by-product formed by the metabolism of protein, and its level in blood serves as an indication of the amount of nitrogen present in blood as urea. In simpler terms, BUN is the measure of the amount of nitrogen present in blood in the form of urea. High BUN levels in the blood can be caused as a result of kidney diseases, dehydration and obstruction in the urinary tract due to kidney stones, prostate gland enlargement, etc.

Urea test measures the level of urea in the blood. Urea is a final waste product formed from the breakdown of proteins. Urea is filtered out of the blood by the kidneys to excrete excess nitrogen present in the blood through urine. Excess of urea in blood is called uremia and can be caused by a number of conditions including kidney diseases.

·         Uric Acid:

This test measures the level of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is a waste product formed from the breakdown of purines, which are essential building blocks of DNA. It is also produced by the metabolism of proteinaceous food, especially red meat. Uric acid is excreted from the body by the kidneys through urine and a small portion through stool. Although indirectly but uric acid test helps in estimating the proper functioning of the kidneys, .

The presence of excess amounts of uric acid in the blood is called hyperuricemia. This accumulation of uric acid crystals in the synovial fluid between joints lead to the formation of gouts. Hyperuricemia also causes the formation of hard lumps of uric acid crystals called tophi under the skin and at the top of the ears. Uric acid crystals can also accumulate in the kidneys and cause kidney stones.

·         Creatinine:

This test measures the level of Creatinine in blood. Creatinine is a waste product formed from the normal breakdown of muscles in the body. Creatinine is almost completely excreted by the kidneys, so their levels in the blood serve as an indication of improper kidney function.

The levels of creatinine in the blood can rise due to decreased elimination from the kidneys as well as due to increased creatinine production by muscular breakdown, eating cooked meat, protein supplements, etc.

·         BUN/Creatinine Ratio:

BUN/Creatinine Ratio compares the levels of nitrogen as urea in the blood to the levels of creatinine in the blood. This ratio serves as a more accurate representation of kidney function. An increase in the ratio can be seen in case of dehydration while creatinine levels remain the same. Low BUN to creatinine ratio can be caused due to a low protein diet, liver cirrhosis, rhabdomyolysis (muscle disease), syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) as well as during pregnancy.

Electrolytes: The serum electrolyte test measures the following electrolytes:

• Sodium (Na+)

• Potassium (K+)

• Chloride (Cl-)

Electrolytes play an important role in a number of body functions like metabolism, neuromuscular functioning, maintaining hydration, and pH (acid-base balance). Electrolytes also help in the entry of nutrients into the cells and removal of waste products from the cells. Electrolytes carry an electrical charge which can be either negative or positive and exist as dissolved salts in blood and body tissues. The Serum Electrolyte test measures the following important electrolytes:

Sodium (Na+)

Sodium is an essential body electrolyte which, along with potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, etc.helps to maintain the normal fluid and pH balance of the body. It is also vital for cellular metabolism, and in the activity of nerves and muscles and transmission of impulses between them. Sodium is present in all the body fluids. The highest concentration of sodium is found in blood and extracellular fluid.

Sodium is supplied to the body principally through dietary salt (sodium chloride or NaCl), and a small portion of sodium is absorbed through other food items. The required portion is absorbed by the body and the remaining is excreted by the kidneys through urine. The body maintains a very narrow range of sodium concentration by three mechanisms:

·         Secretion of hormones natriuretic peptides and aldosterone to control sodium elimination through urine

·         Secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also called Vasopressin, to control the volume of water eliminated through urine

·         Induction of thirst

Any disruption in the above-mentioned mechanisms gives rise to an imbalance in the concentration of sodium in the blood to produce Hyponatremia (low blood sodium concentration), or Hypernatremia (high blood sodium concentration). Both these conditions produce a number of symptoms and may even lead to death.

Potassium (K+)

Potassium is one of the essential body electrolytes along with sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, etc. As an electrolyte, potassium helps to regulate the amount of fluids present in the body and to maintain a correct pH balance. It performs a vital role in cellular metabolism and transport of nutrients and waste products in and out of cells. It is also essential in the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles and muscle activity.

Sufficient amount of potassium required by the body is absorbed from dietary sources, and the remaining unabsorbed potassium is excreted by the kidneys. The hormone called aldosterone maintains the body potassium level within a small normal range. Aldosterone acts on the nephrons present in the kidneys and activates a sodium-potassium pump which helps the body to reabsorb sodium and excrete potassium. This helps to maintain the potassium concentration in the blood within its normal range. Deviation of potassium concentration from its normal range gives rise to Hyperkalemia (high potassium level in blood), or Hypokalemia (low potassium level in blood). Both these conditions may produce a number of symptoms, and may even be fatal if not controlled.

Chloride (Cl-)

Chloride is an essential mineral which acts as an electrolyte similar to potassium, sodium, bicarbonate, etc. It helps to maintain the normal fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. It also acts as a buffer to help maintain the pH balance of the body. It also plays an essential role in metabolism by producing hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach for digestion. The highest concentration of chloride is found in blood and extracellular fluid (fluid present outside the cells).

Most of the chloride is supplied to the body through dietary salt (sodium chloride or NaCl), and a small portion is absorbed through other food items. The required portion is absorbed by the body and the remaining is excreted by the kidneys through urine. The concentration of chloride in blood is maintained within a very narrow range by the body. Its increase or decrease is directly correlated with the sodium levels.