BLOOD TEST: Mirror of Health (III)
ASMA. It is requested when you suspect a disease that drives the body to produce antibodies against smooth muscle, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Thyroglobulin antibodies. The tests can identify problems in the thyroid gland (located in the neck and in charge of metabolism).
Platelet associated antibodies. It is ordered when someone has low blood cell counts.
Antibodies against parietal cells. The doctor may use this test as an aid in the diagnosis of pernicious anemia (occurs when red blood cells are very large, but are not well developed and there is an adequate amount thereof) and iron deficiency and disorders thyroid gland.
Respiratory syncytial virus antibodies. To diagnose bronchiolitis (infectious disease that affects the bronchi during the first 12 months of age).
Antithyroid microsomal antibodies. Performed to confirm the cause of thyroid problems and autoimmune diseases such as pernicious anemia, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus (inflammatory disorder that can affect many body systems, such as skin, joints and internal organs), multiple sclerosis (damage to the brain and spinal cord, causing weakness and muscle stiffness, fatigue and impaired memory) and myasthenia gravis (generates repetitive seizures and progressive muscle weakness and fatigue), among others.
Serum herpes simplex antibodies. Detects if the immune system (the one who defends us from infection) has been in contact with the herpes virus.
Anti-DNase B. It is used most frequently to confirm streptococcal infection (a type of bacteria).
Prostate-specific antigen. Evaluates the levels of PSA, if high indicates that the patient has prostate cancer.
Histocompatibility antigens. It takes practice to know if there is compatibility between donor and when required donor graft tissue and organ transplantation.
Antithrombin III. It is indicated when there are repeated episodes of accumulation of blood clots in order to detect its cause.
Apolipoprotein B100. Is performed to identify the factors that cause hyperlipidemia (elevated fats in the blood).
ASO. Shows the presence of antibodies against streptococci and if the immune system is producing defenses against itself.
AST. It uses it to check the evolution of liver disease.
CSF oligoclonal bands. Confirms the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
Beta-carotene. Measured levels of vitamin A when it is suspected that this nutrient deficiency.
Bilirubin. Identifies whether the patient has a liver disease.
BUN or blood urea nitrogen. Is primarily used to assess kidney function, but can also reveal if you have liver disease or dehydration.
credit to: Karina Vasquez Galarza