What are chickenpox and shingles tests? These tests check to see if you are or have ever been infected with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus causes chickenpox and shingles. When you are first infected with VZV, you get chickenpox. Once you get chickenpox, you can’t get it again. The virus remains in your nervous system but is dormant (inactive). […]
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What is a CD4 count? A CD4 count is a test that measures the number of CD4 cells in your blood. CD4 cells, also known as T cells, are white blood cells that fight infection and play an important role in your immune system. A CD4 count is used to check the health of the immune
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What is a cortisol test? Cortisol is a hormone that affects almost every organ and tissue in your body. It plays an important role in helping you to: Respond to stress Fight infection Regulate blood sugar Maintain blood pressure Regulate metabolism, the process of how your body uses food and energy Cortisol is made by your adrenal glands, two
What is a CEA test? CEA stands for carcinoembryonic antigen. It is a protein found in the tissues of a developing baby. CEA levels normally become very low or disappear after birth. Healthy adults should have very little or no CEA in their body. This test measures the amount of CEA in the blood, and
What is a creatine kinase (CK) test? This test measures the amount of creatine kinase (CK) in the blood. CK is a type of protein, known as an enzyme. It is mostly found in your skeletal muscles and heart, with lesser amounts in the brain. Skeletal muscles are the muscles attached to your skeleton. They
What is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis? Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colourless liquid found in your brain and spinal cord. The brain and spinal cord make up your central nervous system. Your central nervous system controls and coordinates everything you do including, muscle movement, organ function, and even complex thinking and planning. CSF
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What is a ceruloplasmin test? This test measures the amount of ceruloplasmin in your blood. Ceruloplasmin is a protein that is made in the liver. It stores and carries copper from the liver into the bloodstream and to the parts of your body that need it. Copper is a mineral that is found in several foods, including
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What is a fall risk assessment? Falls are common in adults 65 years of age and older. In the United States, about a third of older adults who live at home and about half of the people living in nursing homes fall at least once a year. There are many factors that increase the risk of
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What is a chloride blood test? A chloride blood test measures the amount of chloride in your blood. Chloride is a type of electrolyte. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help control the amount of fluids and the balance of acids and bases in your body. Chloride is often measured along with other electrolytes to diagnose or monitor conditions
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What is a cholesterol test? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in your blood and every cell of your body. You need some cholesterol to keep your cells and organs healthy. Your liver makes all the cholesterol your body needs. But you can also get cholesterol from the foods you eat, especially meat, eggs,
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