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Title : Alkaline phosphatase |
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Short Description : Blood test. |
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Description :Explanation of Test: Acid Phosphatase is an enzyme that is widely distributed in various tissues (liver, spleen, kidneys and blood components) but has greatest activity in the prostate gland and in prostate secretions. For this reason, test of acid phosphatase is used in diagnosis of prostate cancer and in monitoring efficacy of treatment of prostatic cancer. Elevated levels of acid phosphatase are seen in patients with prostate cancer that has metastasised to other parts of the body, especially the bone. |
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Reference range: Male adult: 0.3-0.7 U/L female adult: 0.2-0.6 U/L |
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Title : Alanine transaminase |
Short Description : Blood test. |
Description :
ALP is an enzyme present in the bone and liver. High concentration is found in children with growing bones. High levels are seen in bone disease and liver disorder |
Title : Allergy testing |
Short Description : Medical Procedure. |
Description :
Explanation of Test: This refers to any group of tests used to determine substances, which causes allergy reaction in a person. A true allergy reaction involves presence of antibodies and histamine release in the body. There are several types of allergy testing, namely, skin test, patch allergy test, scratch test, or RAST (radioallergosorbent) test.
Skin tests by the scratch method are the most common. A small amount of suspected allergen is introduced under the skin (forearms, or back or upper arms) by pricking or scratching the skin. Swelling and redness observed within 20 minutes is a positive sign of allergy. Alternatively the allergen can be introduced by injection under the surface of the skin. This group of tests is suitable for respiratory allergies and penicillin allergies.
Food allergies are tested by process of elimination from diet. The suspected foods are eliminated from the diet for several weeks and then gradually introduced one at a time. The person is observed closely for allergic reactions. To rule out psychological effects, a double blind test (where person is not told of the food being tested) should be done.
RAST is a performed in the laboratory on a blood sample from the person. This test looks for specific antibodies (IgE) in the blood. |
Normal findings: In a non-allergic person, allergy tests should be negative (no response to allergens) |
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