What is an insulin in blood test? This test measures the amount of insulin in your blood. Insulin is a hormone that helps move blood sugar, known as glucose, from your bloodstream into your cells. Glucose comes from the foods you eat and drink. It is your body’s main source of energy. Insulin plays a key role in […]
What is an immunoglobulins blood test? This test measures the amount of immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, in your blood. Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system to fight disease-causing substances, like viruses and bacteria. Your body makes different types of immunoglobulins to fight different types of these substances. An immunoglobulins test usually measures three specific
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What is an immunofixation (IFE) blood test? An immunofixation blood test, also known as protein electrophoresis, measures certain proteins in the blood. Proteins play many important roles, including providing energy for the body, rebuilding muscles, and supporting the immune system. There are two main types of proteins in the blood: albumin and globulin. The test
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What is a hysteroscopy? A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows a healthcare provider to look at the inside of a woman’s cervix and uterus. It uses a thin tube called a hysteroscope, which is inserted through the vulval opening. The tube has a camera on it. The camera sends images of the uterus onto
What is an HPV test? HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD), with millions of Americans currently infected. HPV can infect both men and women. Most people with HPV don’t know they have it and never get any symptoms or health problems. There are many different types of HPV. Some types
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What is a homocysteine test? A homocysteine test measures the amount of homocysteine in your blood. Homocysteine is a type of amino acid, a chemical your body uses to make proteins. Normally, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and folic acid break down homocysteine and change it into other substances your body needs. There should be very little homocysteine left
What is an HIV viral load? An HIV viral load is a blood test that measures the amount of HIV in your blood. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is a virus that attacks and destroys cells in the immune system. These cells protect your body against viruses, bacteria, and other disease-causing germs. If you lose too
What is an HIV test? An HIV test shows whether you are infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV is a virus that attacks and destroys cells in the immune system. These cells protect your body against disease-causing germs, such as bacteria and viruses. If you lose too many immune cells, your body will have trouble fighting off
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What is a herpes (HSV) test? Herpes is a skin infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, known as HSV. HSV causes painful blisters or sores in different parts of the body. There are two main types of HSV: HSV-1, which usually causes blisters or cold sores around the mouth (oral herpes) HSV-2, which usually causes blisters or sores in the genital
What is HER2 breast cancer testing? HER2 stands for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. It is a gene that makes a protein found on the surface of all breast cells. It is involved in normal cell growth. Genes are the basic units of heredity, passed down from your mother and father. In certain cancers, especially breast
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