Blood Test at Home

A CBC is typically performed using an automated instrument that measures various parameters, including counts of the cells that are present in a person's sample of blood. The results of a CBC can provide information about not only the number of cell types but also can give an indication of the physical characteristics of some of the cells.

Why would I need this test?

To determine your general health status; to screen for, diagnose, or monitor any one of a variety of diseases and conditions that affect blood cells, such as anaemia, infection, inflammation, bleeding disorder or cancer.

Test result Interpretations:

Many different conditions can result in the increase or decrease of blood cell populations. Some of these conditions may require treatment, while others may get resolved on their own.

Recent blood transfusions affect the results of the CBC.

Normal CBC values for babies and children are different from adults. The laboratory will supply the reference ranges for various age groups, and a health practitioner will take these into considerations when interpreting data.

Why would I need this test?

Whenever high glucose is present in the blood, it gets attached to the RBCs, and thereby haemoglobin, producing glycylated haemoglobin.

The A1c test is highly preferred since the test gives information on average blood sugar for the past 3 months. It also gives information on the amount of haemoglobin is attached to sugar or glucose.

American Diabetes Association, the European Association for the Study of Diabetes and the International Diabetes Federation recommends that the HbA1C test be the primary test used to diagnose pre-diabetes, type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

HbA1c test also gives an overview of how well your treatment is progressing.

Test result Interpretations:

Higher the HbA1c level, higher the risk of developing diabetes associated complications.

Why would I need this test?

To help evaluate thyroid gland function and to help diagnose thyroid disorders.

Test result Interpretations:

When TSH concentrations are increased, the thyroid will make and release inappropriate amounts of T4 and T3 and the person may experience symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. If there is decreased production of thyroid hormones, the person may experience symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Why would I need this test?

The Vitamin D 25 Hydroxy test is the best way to monitor Vitamin D levels. Vitamin D deficiency indicates osteoporosis (brittle bones), rickets (weak bones) and a variety of bone disorders.

Test result Interpretations:

Low levels of Vitamin D indicate that the body is deficient of vitamin D and the person is likely to experience several bone disorders. Your doctor will help explain the results of your test and determine if you are truly suffering from a vitamin D deficiency.

Why would I need this test?

Vitamin B 12 testing is generally ordered when a patient present with symptoms like Dementia, Loss of Appetite, Weakness, Increased heart beat etc. It is also recommended when patients show symptoms of anaemia, to check if reduced vitamin B12 is responsible for anaemia known as “pernicious anaemia”.

Test result Interpretations:

Values lesser than 200 pg/mL are a sign of a vitamin B12 deficiency.

Why would I need this test?

AMH test is also more commonly called as the Ovarian Reserve Marker because it serves as an indicator of a woman’s fertility and the measure of success of antifertility treatment. The levels of AMH in the blood drop significantly at the onset of menopause and virtually absent after menopause. Hence the AMH test is also a predictor for onset of Menopause.

AMH test carries high importance in the diagnosis of PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome); PCOS is marked by excess follicles which in turn produce abnormally high amounts of AMH. This is also observed in case of an ovarian tumour. An AMH test may be ordered when evaluating ovarian function, fertility issues, especially when considering assisted reproduction procedures such as IVF.

AMH test is not just an ovarian reserve marker but a marker in Non IVF setting and a predictive marker in IVF setting, which can predict the success of IVF treatment.

Test result Interpretations:

During a woman's childbearing years, a decreased level of AMH may indicate low ovarian reserve with diminishing fertility, resulting in minimal or less responsiveness to IVF treatment. It can also indicate premature ovarian failure. An increased level of AMH is often seen with PCOS but is not specific to this condition. Increased AMH may also indicate an increased or even excessive responsiveness to IVF and a need to tailor the procedure accordingly.

Why would I need this test?

To screen for or diagnose a hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection or to find out if the vaccine against hepatitis B has produced the desired level of immunity and protection; may also be used to monitor treatment and assess the success of the treatment.

Test result Interpretations:

The tests for hepatitis B may be ordered individually but are often ordered in in collaboration with other tests, depending on the reason for testing. Results of the tests are collectively evaluated, as results of one test have to be supplemented with that of the other. However, not all tests are performed for all people.

Why would I need this test?

To screen for and monitor liver disease.

Test result Interpretations:

Raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values indicate leakage from cells due to inflammation or cell death. Liver disease is more likely when the values of AST and ALT are higher, ALT rising more than AST in acute liver damage such as hepatitis.

Why take Urine Routine Examination Test?

A routine urine examination can give information about several conditions such as Hematuria; associated with Kidney Stones, Pyuria; associated with urinary infections or Eosinophilia; associated with nephritis and other diseases. Presence of Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells or Pus cells can give details on a variety of diseases. Your doctor will be able to guide you based on symptoms presented.