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
Why do I need to fast before my blood test? If your health care provider has told you to fast before a blood test, it means you should not eat or drink anything, except water, for several hours before your test. When you eat and drink normally, those foods and beverages are absorbed into your
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What is a group B strep test? Strep B, also known as group B strep (GBS), is a type of bacteria commonly found in the digestive tract, urinary tract, and genital area. It rarely causes symptoms or problems in adults but can be deadly to newborns. In women, GBS is mostly found in the vagina and rectum. So
What is a prothrombin time test with an INR (PT/INR)? A prothrombin time (PT) test measures how long it takes for a clot to form in a blood sample. An INR (international normalized ratio) is a type of calculation based on PT test results. Prothrombin is a protein made by the liver. It is one
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What is a PTEN genetic test? A PTEN genetic test looks for a change, known as a mutation, in a gene called PTEN. Genes are the basic units of heredity passed down from your mother and father. The PTEN gene helps stop the growth of tumours. It’s known as a tumour suppressor. A tumour suppressor gene is
What is a rash evaluation? A rash evaluation is a test to find out what is causing a rash. A rash, also known as dermatitis, is an area of skin that is red, irritated, and usually itchy. A skin rash may also be dry, scaly, and/or painful. Most rashes happen when your skin touches a substance