What are common diagnostic lab tests?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Common Diagnostic Lab Tests
3. Company Solutions
4. References

Introduction

Diagnostic lab tests play a crucial role in modern healthcare, offering insights into a patient’s health status and assisting in the diagnosis and management of various conditions. These tests involve analyzing blood, urine, or other samples in a laboratory setting to provide quantitative data.

Common Diagnostic Lab Tests

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

The CBC measures different components of blood, including:

• Red Blood Cells (RBC): Normal range is 4.7 to 6.1 million cells per microliter for males and 4.2 to 5.4 million for females.
• White Blood Cells (WBC): Normal range is 4,500 to 11,000 cells per microliter.
• Hemoglobin: Normal range is 13.8 to 17.2 grams per deciliter for males and 12.1 to 15.1 grams for females.
• Platelets: Normal range is 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter.

Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

This test assesses various chemicals in the blood, evaluating functions such as glucose levels, kidney function, and electrolyte balance. Key components include:

• Glucose: Normal fasting level is 70 to 99 mg/dL.
• Calcium: Normal range is 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL.
• Sodium: Normal range is 135 to 145 mEq/L.
• Potassium: Normal range is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.

Lipid Panel

This test measures cholesterol and triglycerides, helping assess cardiovascular disease risk:

• Total Cholesterol: Optimal level is less than 200 mg/dL.
• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Optimal level is less than 100 mg/dL.
• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Normal level is 40 mg/dL or higher.
• Triglycerides: Normal level is less than 150 mg/dL.

Urinalysis

Urinalysis examines the chemical and physical properties of urine. Common parameters include:

• pH Levels: Normal range is 4.5 to 8.0.
• Specific Gravity: Normal range is 1.005 to 1.030.
• Protein: Normally absent or trace amounts.
• Glucose: Normally absent in urine.

Company Solutions

Several companies offer solutions that enhance the accuracy and efficiency of diagnostic lab tests:

Roche Diagnostics

Roche provides advanced laboratory equipment and reagents, notably their Cobas systems which streamline the analysis process and deliver precise results.

Siemens Healthineers

Siemens offers a range of diagnostic solutions including Atellica Solution, which integrates immunoassay and clinical chemistry testing, improving workflow and quality of results.

Abbott Laboratories

Abbott's Alinity series provides customizable solutions that enhance diagnostic testing capabilities, offering high-throughput processing and broader testing menus.

References

• Lab Tests Online. Complete Blood Count. Retrieved from [Lab Tests Online Website]
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Types of Blood Tests. Retrieved from [NHLBI Website]
• American Heart Association. Cholesterol and Heart Health. Retrieved from [AHA Website]