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What Other Diseases “Masquerade” as Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and affects more than 2 million Americans. The diagnosis is not easy to make in many instances. There are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis. Most of them involve inflammation. When a patient goes to a rheumatologist...

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A Blood Test For Rheumatoid Arthritis is Important

Posted by Blood Tests | Posted in Blood Info, Blood Test Results, Blood Tests | Posted on 17-12-2008

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There is many information about rheumatoid arthritis available in medical books and online spread over many websites. You can find all the facts, regular medical treatments and alternative treatment online and you can even try to diagnose yourself by doing research online. It is alway good to do your own thinking but to confirm your thoughts you need to see a physician who can do some blood test for rheumatoid arthritis and treat you properly.

There are a number of different blood test for rheumatoid arthritis, and they all give answers to different specifications and questions. They are all important for the diagnostic evaluation and eventually the treatment of this debilitating disease. The blood tests are designed to locate the disease and confirm if what you where thinking was right. Without these blood tests a good diagnoses is not possible because they are the most important indicators to determine the condition.

There are four categories of blood test for rheumatoid arthritis:

- erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- C-reactive protein
- rheumatoid factor
- plasma viscosity

The first test called Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) tells the degree of inflammation in your body. This is done by a specific test where the blood is let to fall down a tube and measuring the time it takes to fall, if the blood falls very fast trough the tube it indicates an inflammation somewhere in the body. When you are healthy the sedimentation rate is normally low. The results of this test points to a major inflammation somewhere in the body, the test is not specific to a disease like arthritis but it gives one of the clues for the diagnosis.

The blood test for C-reactive protein works almost the same as the ESR. It also isn’t that specific but it still shows if irritation is existing or not in your body.

The Rheumatoid factor test is positive with 70-90 percent of all people with rheumatoid arthritis. But this test has a big disadvantage, it will only be positive if your condition is severe.

The plasma viscosity test is a recent type of diagnostic procedure which replaces ESR tests rapidly. The advantage of this test over ESR is that there are fewer variables which can affect the result, so it can give a more direct impression of the plasma protein content of a sample.

Blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis are essential

Your doctor will probably use more than one type of blood test to come to the right diagnosis. The tests have proved as an effective and essential tool to do this. The tests have been used in many hospitals and laboratory to help the physician to find the cause of symptoms.

It is of the utmost importance that before you subject yourself to any procedure you know if there are any preparations prior to the test. If there are instructions you should follow, you need to follow them precisely because laboratory workers are knowledgeable with these instructions. You should also keep your physician well informed about the results of test and the way you are reaction on any treatment.

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What Is A CBC Blood Test?

Posted by Blood Tests | Posted in Blood Info, Blood Test Results, Blood Tests | Posted on 16-12-2008

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A commonly prescribed medical test used today to decipher if you are ill, experiencing trouble, healthy or to best find why you are in discomfort or medical finding is a blood test referred to as a Complete Blood Count, or more often explained as, CBC, its acronym.

Humans couldn’t exist unless we had blood flowing head to toes within our bodies. It, makes perfect sense it is one of the first places to look when figuring out diagnosis. CBC blood tests are often called out by doctors in television dramas these days, but in reality, it is a crucial step in understanding what is right and what is abnormal with you, at least, on the inside.

A CBC blood test can be prescribed by a doctor simply when you are are under the weather, fatigued, or even if you simply have had difficulty and don’t know how to get rid of a cold. You need not be at death’s door, nor lying in an emergency room bay to have a CBC blood testCBC blood test ordered.

Next time you have an appointment with your doctor, physician or alternative practitioner for your 12 Month check-up, if your physician doesn’t order a CBC Blood Test, by all means, ask he or she does. It is the cheapest, ‘no brainer’, maybe even life-saving act you can do and definitely should do at least once a year.

Your complete blood count test, or CBC is a representation of your internal (which fuels your exterior) health and if there is trouble, odds are, early signs will be found within your blood and its components. There are exceptions to the case, but be on the safe side, anyways. A number of determining variables are examined in CBC Blood Tests: white blood cells and red blood cells or levels, the HCT (or Hematocrit, which basically determines the volume of space which your blood occupies), Hgb (or Hemoglobin which accounts for the oxygen inside your blood cells), and platelet counts which determines your blood’s ability to clot.

Too many or too few of another ingredient of your blood, depending on what numbers reveal themselves can be a alert that tells your medical staff what is really happening inside you. While the diagnosis variations can be numerous and cover a wide spectrum, having your CBC Blood Test at least per year, after visiting your doctor can supply you answers to most questions about your internal and external health, that physical touch, putting a stethascope to your chest, checking your lungs and opening your mouth and saying, ‘Ahhhh,’ just can’t do.

A CBC (Complete Blood Count) Test (or Tests) can provide you exact reasons why you are fatigued, not feeling ‘normal’, bruising more often than normal, having chest discomfort, have an infection, are showing allergic reactions, plus a mountain of other potential issues. But, perhaps even more important, these blood tests allow you the potentially life-saving, life stretching benefit of detecting early warning signs of perhaps hazardous and life threatening trouble if ignored. Make a note now for both yourself and your family to regularly (at least once a year) take part in a CBC Blood Test or Complete Blood Count Tests. It could save your life, but even if nothing is seriously wrong, it’s an easy method to increase the quality of your current lifestyle.

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Menopause Blood Test – How A Blood Test For Menopause Can Help You

Posted by Blood Tests | Posted in Blood Info, Blood Test Results, Blood Tests | Posted on 15-12-2008

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If you are suffering from some of the symptoms associated with menopause such as mood swings, fatigue, loss of hair, night sweats and hot flashes you may want to find out whether you have started menopause for sure, one way of doing this is by have a menopause blood test. In this article we will talk about the blood test in a bit more detail.

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms above and you are over the age of 40 it is likely that you have started menopause. These symptoms are commonly seen in menopausal women. However there are sometimes other reasons why some of these symptoms are occurring and that why it is important to have a blood test. This will confirm whether you are going through menopause or whether you have other conditions, such as iron deficiency that leads to fatigue.

If you think you are suffering from menopause you don’t necessarily have to have a blood test, you can simply pick up a menopause test kit, and test your urine in the privacy of your own home. Although this is practical a blood test is better in some cases. For example if the results of the menopause test kit states that you are not going through menopause, you still will not know what is causing your symptoms, but with a blood test you can properly diagnose the condition responsible for the symptoms you are experiencing.

A blood test to diagnose whether an individual is suffering from menopause or not is a simple non-invasive procedure.

During a menopause blood test the levels of estrogen, progesterone and follicle stimulating hormone within the blood are measured. If the test results show that there is a decline in estrogen or progesterone it means the menopause process has begun. It is very likely that the doctor will recommend hormone replacement therapy to balance out the deficiency in hormones. This will help to relieve the symptoms of menopause since they occur as a result of the hormones becoming unstable.

Hormone replacement is a very effective and common form of treatment, although in recent times there have been stories in the media about how it may increase the risk of a woman developing breast cancer. This increase in risk is apparently small, but it is still enough to put many women off using this form of treatment.

As you can see a blood test is an excellent tool for finding out whether someone is undergoing menopause or whether they are suffering from another condition that causes similar symptoms. It is a safe test and once it is carried out, your doctor is in a better position to advise you on the best way to deal with your symptoms. To summarize, not everyone has to undergo a blood test to diagnose menopause because you can simply purchase a home test kit, but if you are worried that your symptoms may be occurring because of something else other than menopause, a blood test may be your best option.

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Pregnancy Blood Test

Posted by Blood Tests | Posted in Blood Info, Blood Test Results, Blood Tests | Posted on 13-12-2008

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Pregnancy blood-test measures the level of pregnancy hormone and HCG present in the bloodstream. HCG can be detected in the urine and blood within 7-12 days of conceiving.

There are two types of pregnancy blood test done.

1. Qualitative test- This indicates whether HCG is present or not present by answering in the affirmative or in the negative. This test is very similar to the homemade pregnancy test.

2. Qualitative test- This test gives the exact proportion of HCG in the bloodstream. This gives you the approximate age of the fetus. The progress of pregnancy is also determined by this test.

Pregnancy blood-testis performed by collecting blood in a syringe and then sent to the lab to find the level of HCG in it. This takes a maximum of 2 days to obtain the results.

If the test is done very early this test may fail to determine the HCG level present in the blood. This test can be done several times on your doctor’s recommendation, in case he wants to determine the progress of your pregnancy.

Symptoms, of pregnancy like, delayed menstruation, pelvic pain, vomiting, and breast tenderness if occurs, one must immediately get the pregnancy test done. Recent studies reveal that blood test is more accurate than urine test. Blood test is recommended for women who are less than 4 weeks pregnant.

The reliability of blood test depends more on the technique and methodology of the lab. Although blood test is considered to be the most accurate, the test could be wrong if the woman has been using fertility drugs and if the test id performed very early.

Besides the pregnancy blood-test a number of other blood- test are conducted too; to determine the mother blood type, anemia, to detect some dangerous diseases such as chicken pox and rubella, diabetes, to detect the presence of twins and to detect down syndrome and neural defects.

Pregnancy blood test is one of the easiest ways of knowing if a woman is pregnant or not. It is very interesting thing to note that lots of women trust pregnancy blood test and whenever they miss a menstrual cycle, they go for this test to confirm if they are pregnant or not. Pregnancy is something which women have to be careful about. A pregnant woman needs to take care of her health more than ever. Thus it is important that she knows about her pregnancy as early as possible. Thus such tests are a great help and can bring results very quickly. By doing this test the woman becomes sure of the fact if she is pregnant or not. This helps her in taking the decision of going to see a doctor regarding the physical issues she will be facing in coming few weeks.

———————– Article   # 23—————————–

Understanding Your Pet’s CBC Blood Test

When you take your pet to the veterinarian for a regular check up or if you are concerned that your pet may be ill, the vet will likely perform a CBC. A CBC, or complete blood count, is used to evaluate the cells that circulate through your pet’s blood. With the help of this test, your vet can find the first indication that your pet may be ill or in need of medical care in some way.

What is the CBC?

The CBC test actually takes a count of both the red and white blood cells in your pet’s blood. With the help of the CBC test, which requires taking a blood sample and performing what is called a “blood smear,” the vet can check for signs of illness. Having a low red blood count, for example, could be a sign that your pet is suffering from anemia. A high white blood count, on the other hand, is a sign of infection. Odd blood counts can also indicate inflammation as well as an immune system disease.

Why is a CBC Performed?

A CBC may be performed as a part of your routine health screening in order to make certain your pet is healthy. It may also be performed before undergoing anesthesia in order to be certain your pet is healthy enough for the procedure.

Even if your pet appears healthy and is not about to undergo anesthesia, a CBC can catch a problem in its early stages so it can be treated immediately. The earlier a disease is caught, the greater the probability of successful treatment.

A CBC may also be performed if your pet has recently experienced trauma or appears to be sickly in any way. With the help of the CBC, the veterinarian can better pinpoint the problem, which can range from a simple infection to something more complicated. Certain types of cancers, for example, can be identified with the help of a CBC. This is particularly true of leukemia, which can sometimes be identified with a simple blood smear.

Depending upon the results of the CBC, the veterinarian may recommend a diagnostics test. A diagnostics test is a test that looks for traits related to a specific disease that the veterinarian suspects after reviewing the CBC.

How is a CBC Performed?

In order to perform a CBC, your vet or your vet tech will need to sterilize a needle and then look for a superficial vein from which blood can be drawn. He or she will then wet your pet’s fur with alcohol and may snip away some hair in order to better locate the vein. With the vein properly located, he or she can then insert the needle and draw out some blood. While this certainly isn’t a painless procedure for your pet, it is the same as drawing blood from a human. Therefore, most pets tolerate it quite well and suffer no harmful affects.

The blood is then placed into a special tube with an anti-coagulant that prevents the blood from clotting. The blood is then passed through a machine that is able determine the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Then, a drop of blood is placed on a slide and examined under a microscope. Here, the machine’s diagnosis is confirmed and any abnormalities in the cells are identified.

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Why Have a Cholesterol Blood Test?

Posted by Blood Tests | Posted in Blood Info, Blood Test Results, Blood Tests | Posted on 12-12-2008

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To measure cholesterol, a simple blood test is often carried out. 12 hours before your test you may be required to refrain from eating (which usually includes when you are sleeping at nighttime). This requirement is to enable a blood measurement after allowing time for all food to be digested. The procedure itself is simply your doctor, or practice nurse taking a tiny amount of blood by either using a needle and syringe or by pin pricking your finger to obtain a small sample.

The sample taken will be used to measure the levels of LDL (bad) and HDL (good), and triglycerides (fats) in your blood. The measuring units for blood are millimoles per liter of blood (mmol/litre). The current scientific thinking is that a healthy balance of cholesterol in the blood is to have a total blood level of less than 5mmol/litre, and an LDL cholesterol level of under 3mmol/litre.

Blood level testing is available and advised for everyone, but it would be a good idea to have a test soon if any of these risk factors apply to you:

* You are over 40 years of age,

* There is a history of diseases such as cardiovascular disease in your family. For example, if a close relative on your side of the family, such as your father or brother developed heart disease, or had a heart attack, or a stroke before the age of 55 years old, or if your mother or sister had these conditions before the age of 65 years old

* A close family member has a cholesterol related condition.

* You are overweight or obese.

* You have high blood pressure (hypertension).

* You have a medical condition, such as a kidney disorder, an under-active thyroid gland, or acute inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis).

Any of the above listed conditions can cause an increase your everyday levels.

Many lifestyle choices can also increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, or stroke by adversely affecting your cholesterol ratio. Here are some of the most common risk aspects:

* Smoking, especially if you smoke very heavily.

* A highly unbalanced diet.

* A high BMI (body mass index – your weight in relation to your height),

* Conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes and

other un-avoidable risk factors, such as your age, sex, and ethnicity.

Whatever your lifestyle or age it is advised for everyone to take a blood test because the sooner you are examined, should there be any problems your doctor can help you with drug treatment of a dietary program to aid your levels into returning to a healthy balance. So don´t delay, get a cholesterol blood test today.

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What Is A CBC Blood Test?

Posted by Blood Tests | Posted in Blood Info, Blood Test Results, Blood Tests | Posted on 11-12-2008

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A commonly prescribed medical test used today to decipher if you are ill, experiencing trouble, healthy or to best find why you are in discomfort or medical finding is a blood test referred to as a Complete Blood Count, or more often explained as, CBC, its acronym.

Humans couldn’t exist unless we had blood flowing head to toes within our bodies. It, makes perfect sense it is one of the first places to look when figuring out diagnosis. CBC blood tests are often called out by doctors in television dramas these days, but in reality, it is a crucial step in understanding what is right and what is abnormal with you, at least, on the inside.

A CBC blood test can be prescribed by a doctor simply when you are are under the weather, fatigued, or even if you simply have had difficulty and don’t know how to get rid of a cold. You need not be at death’s door, nor lying in an emergency room bay to have a CBC blood testCBC blood test ordered.

Next time you have an appointment with your doctor, physician or alternative practitioner for your 12 Month check-up, if your physician doesn’t order a CBC Blood Test, by all means, ask he or she does. It is the cheapest, ‘no brainer’, maybe even life-saving act you can do and definitely should do at least once a year.

Your complete blood count test, or CBC is a representation of your internal (which fuels your exterior) health and if there is trouble, odds are, early signs will be found within your blood and its components. There are exceptions to the case, but be on the safe side, anyways. A number of determining variables are examined in CBC Blood Tests: white blood cells and red blood cells or levels, the HCT (or Hematocrit, which basically determines the volume of space which your blood occupies), Hgb (or Hemoglobin which accounts for the oxygen inside your blood cells), and platelet counts which determines your blood’s ability to clot.

Too many or too few of another ingredient of your blood, depending on what numbers reveal themselves can be a alert that tells your medical staff what is really happening inside you. While the diagnosis variations can be numerous and cover a wide spectrum, having your CBC Blood Test at least per year, after visiting your doctor can supply you answers to most questions about your internal and external health, that physical touch, putting a stethascope to your chest, checking your lungs and opening your mouth and saying, ‘Ahhhh,’ just can’t do.

A CBC (Complete Blood Count) Test (or Tests) can provide you exact reasons why you are fatigued, not feeling ‘normal’, bruising more often than normal, having chest discomfort, have an infection, are showing allergic reactions, plus a mountain of other potential issues. But, perhaps even more important, these blood tests allow you the potentially life-saving, life stretching benefit of detecting early warning signs of perhaps hazardous and life threatening trouble if ignored. Make a note now for both yourself and your family to regularly (at least once a year) take part in a CBC Blood Test or Complete Blood Count Tests. It could save your life, but even if nothing is seriously wrong, it’s an easy method to increase the quality of your current lifestyle.

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Normal Blood Sugar Range – Types of Blood Test That Will Help

Posted by Blood Tests | Posted in Blood Info, Blood Test Results, Blood Tests | Posted on 10-12-2008

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Sugar in the blood is the blood is the to human and animals. So how does this sugar get into the blood? Sugar is present in our blood mainly because of the foods we eat mainly carbohydrates. The sugar level is controlled by a hormone known as insulin which is made by the pancreases. What this means is the insulin converts these sugars into much needed energy for the body.

So what should be the normal blood sugar range in a person?

Normal Levels: Are 70 – 150 mg

The blood sugar usually moves in-between these two values throughout the day, depending on the types of food we eat. It sometime may go above or below required limit and get back to normal after a while. If your blood sugar is either to low or too high for a long period of time, it is not a good sign.

If the levels go above 150mg for a period of time then the person is said to have high blood sugar or hyperglycemia and if the levels is lower than 70mg then the person is known to have low blood pressure or hypoglycemia

If you constantly have high blood sugar and do not cure it on time it results in diabetes. If diabetes is not treated on time it can lead to eye, kidney, heart and nerve damage.

Types Of Blood Test To Diagnose Diabetes

1.Fasting Blood Test

The best way to measure the sugar levels in the blood is to do a blood test. If a person is being diagnosed for diabetes the first test he normally undergoes is the fasting blood test, where the patient fasts for 8 hours before the blood test, if his blood sugar levels are between 70mg and 99mg then he is safe.

2. 2 hour Postprandial Blood Sugar Test

This test is done 2 hours after eating meals, In this test the blood sugar levels should be in between 70-145 mg.

3.The Random Testing Method.

This test id done several time a day , the normal levels for this test should be in between 70-125mg, if the results vary then this may indicate a problem.

———————– Article   # 21—————————–

Why Have a Cholesterol Blood Test?

To measure cholesterol, a simple blood test is often carried out. 12 hours before your test you may be required to refrain from eating (which usually includes when you are sleeping at nighttime). This requirement is to enable a blood measurement after allowing time for all food to be digested. The procedure itself is simply your doctor, or practice nurse taking a tiny amount of blood by either using a needle and syringe or by pin pricking your finger to obtain a small sample.

The sample taken will be used to measure the levels of LDL (bad) and HDL (good), and triglycerides (fats) in your blood. The measuring units for blood are millimoles per liter of blood (mmol/litre). The current scientific thinking is that a healthy balance of cholesterol in the blood is to have a total blood level of less than 5mmol/litre, and an LDL cholesterol level of under 3mmol/litre.

Blood level testing is available and advised for everyone, but it would be a good idea to have a test soon if any of these risk factors apply to you:

* You are over 40 years of age,

* There is a history of diseases such as cardiovascular disease in your family. For example, if a close relative on your side of the family, such as your father or brother developed heart disease, or had a heart attack, or a stroke before the age of 55 years old, or if your mother or sister had these conditions before the age of 65 years old

* A close family member has a cholesterol related condition.

* You are overweight or obese.

* You have high blood pressure (hypertension).

* You have a medical condition, such as a kidney disorder, an under-active thyroid gland, or acute inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis).

Any of the above listed conditions can cause an increase your everyday levels.

Many lifestyle choices can also increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, or stroke by adversely affecting your cholesterol ratio. Here are some of the most common risk aspects:

* Smoking, especially if you smoke very heavily.

* A highly unbalanced diet.

* A high BMI (body mass index – your weight in relation to your height),

* Conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes and

other un-avoidable risk factors, such as your age, sex, and ethnicity.

Whatever your lifestyle or age it is advised for everyone to take a blood test because the sooner you are examined, should there be any problems your doctor can help you with drug treatment of a dietary program to aid your levels into returning to a healthy balance. So don´t delay, get a cholesterol blood test today.

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Lp(a) Blood Test

Posted by Blood Tests | Posted in Blood Info, Blood Test Results, Blood Tests | Posted on 09-12-2008

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When LDL cholesterol combines with a substance known as Apoliprotein (a), the result is a compound known as Lp(a), or “ugly” cholesterol. Lp(a) is called ugly cholesterol because evidence from some research studies shows that in high levels, it can increase a person’s risk of heart attack or stroke, even if cholesterol levels are otherwise “desirable.” Lp(a) is measured through a blood sample and can be tested as part of a lipoprotein panel.

Genetics determines your levels of Lp(a) and even the size of the Lp(a) molecule itself. Lifestyle changes do not alter levels of Lp(a); instead, levels for most people tend to remain consistent over a lifetime except for women, who will experience a slight rise in levels with menopause. Some physicians request testing of Lp(a) for patients who have a strong family history of premature heart disease or hypercholesterolemia. It can be a valuable test, particularly when other types of cholesterol are at healthy levels, yet concern exists that heart disease is developing. Physicians will typically order this test if a patient has had a heart attack or stroke, yet cholesterol levels fall within a “healthy” category.

Berkeley Heart Lab, Inc., based in Burlingame, California, offers a number of advanced lipid tests-including a test for levels of Lp(a)-that provide quantitative determinations of lipoprotein subclasses. According to Jeffrey Aroy of Berkeley HeartLab, Inc., “the value of the quantitative measurements is that they go beyond simply noting whether levels are ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ Instead, these measurements not only provide guidance for therapeutic treatment, but also provide valuable insight into the success of therapy and the need for adjusting treatment approaches on an ongoing basis.”

Approximately 50 percent of people who have heart attacks do not have elevated cholesterol levels. These individuals, however, typically have higher levels of CRP, Lp(a), Apo S, or homocysteine. As researchers continue to learn about the exact mechanisms of heart disease, more tests are developed to identify and measure these other risk factors and markers.

Treatment for elevated Lp(a) includes niacin therapy. Some experts believe that antioxidant therapy is also useful. People with high levels of Lp(a) benefit by concentrating their efforts OR lowering LDL levels since at lower levels, it is harder for LDL particles to attach to plaque buildup. Lowering LDL levels ultimately lowers the level of risk.

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in November 2003, researchers found that elevated levels of Lp(a) among healthy men age sixty-five years and older are predictive of the risk of stroke and death. Study participants with the highest levels of Lp(a) were more likely to experience a stroke and were 76 percent more likely to die than men with the lowest levels. These researchers support the use of Lp(a) testing as a screening tool to measure the risk of stroke and heart disease in older men.

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Cholesterol Blood Test

Posted by Blood Tests | Posted in Blood Info, Blood Test Results, Blood Tests | Posted on 08-12-2008

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If your doctor doesn’t offer you a cholesterol blood test the next time you go, be sure to ask for one. That way you will know how your cholesterol level is going and you will be able to make adjustments if necessary. Most of the time you don’t have to ask the doctor to give you a cholesterol blood test. This test is just one of several that are done on a regular basis. There is a battery of tests that is done regularly on every patient once he or she reaches a certain age.

The results of the cholesterol blood test indicate to your doctor whether or not your cholesterol is too high and whether you need to make changes in your lifestyle or eating habits to correct this condition. If it is too high, the most common first treatment step is a change in diet, followed by prescription medication.

Your cholesterol levels are significantly affected by your food intake. If you desire to improve or stabilize your cholesterol numbers, eating properly is crucial for this and for your overall health. However, you don’t need to give up your favorite foods. It is helpful to seek help from a nutritionist who will assist in developing a diet plan for you that will decrease your cholesterol levels and maintain them at healthier ranges.

Lowering your cholesterol level doesn’t mean that you are condemned to a lifetime of bland and boring foods. With many delicious food choices available, it can be an adventure in healthy eating. Look for new, cholesterol and heart-friendly foods that you will enjoy and you will have a happy, healthy dieting experience.

You will be amazed at the vast array of cookbooks, online recipe columns, informative magazines, and much more available to you to help you prepare healthy, low cholesterol foods. Good, cholesterol friendly cookbooks will give you extensive lists of foods you will welcome and they will teach you how to prepare them. Learning how to plan and prepare heart healthy, low cholesterol meals can be challenging and fun, and learning this new skill will help you incorporate these good habits into your lifestyle.

In order for you to faithfully stick to your new diet, try and get the whole family involved. This way you can get rid of all of the junk foods from your house and reduce your chances of cheating. An added benefit is that other family members’ health will also improve.

Your new, healthy outlook will let you know you are getting better, but don’t neglect proper testing. Verify the benefit of your lifestyle change by having another cholesterol blood test . Monitoring your cholesterol level will reassure you that you are improving, and if you do need to make adjustments, it will let you know that, too.

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Genital Herpes – The Types Of Common Tests

Posted by Blood Tests | Posted in Blood Info, Blood Test Results, Uncategorized | Posted on 07-12-2008

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The experienced eyes of the doctor commonly diagnose genital herpes. Most of the doctors recognize the disease with clinical examination. To confirm the presence different tests are done. Many times the test reports indicate absence of herpes. They need to be repeated after some days. All the testing facility may not be available everywhere. You need to discuss with your doctor about the reliability of the test and identification of HSV1 or HSV2. The test reports may be misleading if sample is withdrawn from old crusted sores. The common tests that are done to find out the presence of herpes are as below.

Viral Culture-

The common test to confirm the presence of herpes is culture test. In culture test, a small sample of fluid or cells is taken from the suspected sore with a swab. This sample is sent for testing. Many times, the results may be negative but you may be having genital herpes. This test is therefore repeated after some time. The test reports of rapid viral test can take 2 to 3 days while that of standard culture may take up to two weeks.

Herpes virus antigen detection test- In this test, cells that are taken from the sore are viewed under a microscope,. The presence of herpes antigens confirms the presence of herpes infection. The results o9f this tests are reported in a day.

PCR- this test is done on cells or sores. In this test the DNA of herpes virus is detected. This test can identify between the two types of Viruses- HSV1 and HSV2. PCR results are reported within three days.

Blood test-

In blood test, blood is drawn either by a needle or with a pinprick. This blood is tested for the presence of herpes virus. Some tests can identify between HSV1 and HSV2. A blood test can only tell you about the presence of virus in your body. It cannot tell you if you have an active breakout.

Commonly blood is tested for the presence of anti bodies of herpes virus. Your doctor will inform you about the reliability of the blood test he/she has performed, because many varieties of blood test options are available. Antibody test results are reported within two days.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.

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