What is a lipoprotein (a) blood test? A lipoprotein (a) test measures the level of lipoprotein (a) in your blood. Lipoproteins are substances made of protein and fat that carry cholesterol through your bloodstream. There are two main types of cholesterol: High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or “good” cholesterol Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol. Lipoprotein (a) is a […]
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What is a lipase test? Lipase is a type of protein made by your pancreas, an organ located near your stomach. Lipase helps your body digest fats. It’s normal to have a small amount of lipase in your blood. But, a high level of lipase can mean you have pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, or
What are Legionella tests? Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause a severe form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease. Legionella tests look for these bacteria in urine, sputum, or blood. Legionnaires’ disease got its name in 1976 after a group of people attending an American Legion convention became ill with pneumonia. Legionella bacteria can also
What is a laparoscopy? A laparoscopy is a type of surgery that checks for problems in the abdomen or a woman’s reproductive system. Laparoscopic surgery uses a thin tube called a laparoscope. It is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision. An incision is a small cut made through the skin during surgery. The tube has
What is a lactic acid test? This test measures the level of lactic acid, also known as lactate, in your blood. Lactic acid is a substance made by muscle tissue and by red blood cells, which carry oxygen from your lungs to other parts of your body. Normally, the level of lactic acid in the
What is a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test? This test measures the level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), also known as lactic acid dehydrogenase, in your blood or sometimes in other body fluids. LDH is a type of protein, known as an enzyme. LDH plays an important role in making your body’s energy. It is found in
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What is a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzymes test? This test measures the level of the different lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzymes in the blood. LDH, also known as lactic acid dehydrogenase, is a type of protein, known as an enzyme. LDH plays an important role in making your body’s energy. It is found in almost all
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What is a fecal occult blood test? A faecal occult blood test (FOBT) looks at a sample of your stool (faeces) to check for blood. Occult blood means that you can’t see it with the naked eye. Blood in the stool means there is likely some kind of bleeding in the digestive tract. It may be
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What is a flu (influenza) test? Influenza, known as the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by a virus. The flu virus usually spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing. You can also get the flu by touching a surface that has the flu virus on it, and then touching your own nose or eyes. The flu
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What is a kidney stone analysis? Kidney stones are small, pebble-like substances made from chemicals in your urine. They are formed in the kidneys when high levels of certain substances, such as minerals or salts, get into the urine. A kidney stone analysis is a test that figures out what a kidney stone is made of.
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