What is a free light chains test? Light chains are proteins made by plasma cells, a type of white blood cell. Plasma cells also make immunoglobulins (antibodies). Immunoglobulins help protect the body against illness and infections. Immunoglobulins are formed when light chains link up with heavy chains, another type of protein. When light chains link […]
What is food allergy testing? A food allergy is a condition that causes your immune system to treat a normally harmless type of food as if was a dangerous virus, bacteria, or other infectious agents. The immune system response to a food allergy ranges from mild rashes to abdominal pain to a life-threatening complication called anaphylactic shock. Food allergies are more common in children
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What is a follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels test? This test measures the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in your blood. FSH is made by your pituitary gland, a small gland located underneath the brain. FSH plays an important role in sexual development and functioning. In women, FSH helps control the menstrual cycle and stimulates the growth of eggs in
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What is fluoroscopy? Fluoroscopy is a type of x-ray that shows organs, tissues, or other internal structures moving in real-time. Standard x-rays are like still photographs. Fluoroscopy is like a movie. It shows body systems in action. These include the cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels), digestive, and reproductive systems. The procedure can help your health care provider
What is a ferritin blood test? A ferritin blood test measures the level of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside your cells. You need iron to make healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. Iron is also important for healthy muscles,
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What is a Gram stain? A Gram stain is a test that checks for bacteria at the site of a suspected infection or in certain body fluids, such as blood or urine. These sites include the throat, lungs, and genitals, and in skin wounds. There are two main categories of bacterial infections: Gram-positive and Gram-negative. The categories
What is an estrogen test? An estrogen test measures the level of estrogens in the blood or urine. Estrogen can also be measured in saliva using the at-home test kit. Estrogens are a group of hormones that play a key role in the development of female physical features and reproductive functions, including the growth of breasts and
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What is an epithelial cells in urine test? Epithelial cells are a type of cell that lines the surfaces of your body. They are found on your skin, blood vessels, urinary tract, and organs. An epithelial cells in urine test looks at urine under a microscope to see if the number of your epithelial cells
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What are electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies? Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies are tests that measure the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. Nerves send out electrical signals to make your muscles react in certain ways. As your muscles react, they give off these signals, which can then be measured. An EMG test looks
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What is an electrolyte panel? Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help control the amount of fluids and the balance of acids and bases in your body. They also help control muscle and nerve activity, heart rhythm, and other important functions. An electrolyte panel, also known as a serum electrolyte test, is a blood test that measures levels