Title : Blood: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
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| Short Description : Blood test
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Description :
Blood is made up of cells suspended in a liquid portion called plasma. ESR measures the fall of the level of cells against plasma in fine tube held vertically for one hour. ESR is influenced by two main factors
1. Properties of the Red Blood Cells : Changes in the size, shape and number of red cells due to certain disease will affect the sedimentation rate.
2. Properties of the Plasma : The amount and type of plasma protein present in a blood sample may affect the ESR. If protein levels are raised, the sedimentation rate may be increased.
ESR is not a specific test for any particular disease, but is used as a screening test for general indication of inflammation. High ESR reading is indicative of inflammatory process and further investigations may be required to confirm any diagnosis. However, it is not uncommon for pregnant females to have increased ESR |
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
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Short Description : Blood test
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| Description :
Explanation of Test: ALT is an enzyme found in primarily in hepatic (liver) cells and to a lesser degree in the kidney, heart and skeletal tissues. This test is done as part of the panel to diagnose liver disease and cirrhosis. ALT can also be used to monitor treatment of hepatitis as well as monitor effects of drug treatment that might be toxic to the liver. This enzyme is elevated in myocardial infarction |
| Reference range: < 21 mm/hr |
| Title : Peripheral blood film (PBF)
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| Short Description : Blood test
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| Description :PBF is a thin smear of blood made on a glass slide and stained with special dyes. It is then examined under the microscope and can provide a vast amount of information on blood cells. It allows visual estimation of haemoglobin and the overall picture of blood cells. Changes in size, shape and structure of individual red blood cells and white blood cells can be identified. These changes may have diagnostic significance in certain disease. Immature forms of blood cells, which are especially significant in cases of leukaemia, can be identified. Overall, the PBF provides useful information on haematologic blood disorders, such as anaemia and leukaemia. |
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