What is a magnesium blood test? A magnesium blood test measures the amount of magnesium in your blood. Magnesium is a type of electrolyte. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that are responsible for many important functions and processes in your body. Your body needs magnesium to help your muscles, nerves, and heart work properly. Magnesium also helps control blood […]
Magnesium Blood Test Read More »
What are Lyme disease tests? Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria carried by ticks. Lyme disease tests look for signs of infection in your blood or cerebrospinal fluid. You can get Lyme disease if an infected tick bites you. Ticks can bite you anywhere on your body, but they usually bite in hard-to-see parts of your
Lyme Disease Tests Read More »
What is a luteinizing hormone (LH) levels test? This test measures the level of luteinizing hormone (LH) in your blood. LH is made by your pituitary gland, a small gland located underneath the brain. LH plays an important role in sexual development and functioning. In women, LH helps control the menstrual cycle. It also triggers the release of
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Levels Test Read More »
What are lung function tests? Lung function tests, also known as pulmonary function tests, or PFTs, are a group of tests that check to see if your lungs are working right. The tests look for how much: air your lungs can hold you move air in and out of your lungs the lungs move oxygen
Lung Function Tests Read More »
What are lung cancer tumor marker tests? Lung cancer tumour markers are substances produced by tumour cells. Normal cells can turn into tumour cells due to a genetic mutation, a change in the normal function of genes. Genes are the basic units of heredity passed down from your mother and father. Some genetic mutations can be
Lung Cancer Tumor Markers Read More »
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
Lipoprotein (a) Blood Test Read More »
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