Body fluid tests
Body fluid tests play a pivotal role in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions.
Here's an overview:
Why undergo the analysis?
Analysis of body fluids helps in diagnosing diseases, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and assessing overall health status.
When to undergo the analysis?
Patients may undergo body fluid analysis based on symptoms, routine health check-ups, or as part of disease management protocols.
What sample is required?
The sample required depends on the specific test and the condition being evaluated. Common samples include blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and saliva.
Is any prior preparation necessary?
Preparation requirements vary. Some tests may require fasting before blood collection, specific timing for urine collection, or cessation of certain medications.
How is it used?
Results from body fluid analysis provide valuable insights into organ function, metabolic processes, infection, inflammation, and hormonal balance.
What are the normal values?
Normal values vary depending on the specific test and the individual's age, gender, and health status. Reference ranges are typically provided by laboratories.
Most requested tests reference table
Test | Normal Range |
Blood glucose | 70 - 100 mg/dL |
Urine protein | < 150 mg/24 hours |
CSF pressure | 60 - 200 mmH2O |
Salivary cortisol | 6 - 23 mcg/dL |
This table provides reference ranges for some of the most requested tests on body fluids, aiding in the interpretation of test results and clinical decision-making.
What do altered values signify?
Altered values may indicate underlying health conditions such as infection, inflammation, hormonal imbalance, organ dysfunction, or metabolic disorders.