Lab tests
What each test measures, how to prepare and what results mean.
52 lab tests
2D EchocardiographyCardiacAn ultrasound of the heart showing its pumping, valves and structure.Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH)HormonesEstimates a woman ovarian egg reserve and helps in fertility planning.Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)ImmunologyScreens for autoimmune diseases such as lupus.Audiometry (Hearing Test)ENTMeasures hearing at different pitches; used in ENT practice and for workers exposed to noise.Beta hCG Pregnancy TestHormonesThe most sensitive blood test to confirm pregnancy.Blood Culture and SensitivityMicrobiologyGrows bacteria from blood to confirm bloodstream infection and guide antibiotics.C-Reactive Protein (CRP)BiochemistryCRP is a protein made by the liver that rises quickly with inflammation or infection.CBNAAT / TrueNat (TB PCR)MicrobiologyA rapid molecular test that detects TB and rifampicin resistance in about two hours; free under the national programme.Chest X-rayImagingA quick imaging test of the lungs, heart and chest wall.Complete Blood Count (CBC)HaematologyThe CBC is the most common blood test, giving a picture of red cells, white cells and platelets.Comprehensive Eye ExaminationEyeChecks vision, eye pressure and the retina.COVID-19 RT-PCRInfectionThe standard test to detect the SARS-CoV-2 virus.CT ScanImagingDetailed cross-sectional X-ray images of the body; a brain CT is the first test in suspected stroke.Dengue Test (NS1, IgM, IgG)InfectionDetects dengue infection; NS1 works best in the first 5 days of fever, antibodies after that.Electrocardiogram (ECG)CardiacA quick, painless recording of the heart electrical activity.Electroencephalogram (EEG)NeurologyRecords the brain electrical activity using small scalp electrodes.Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)HaematologyESR is a simple, non-specific test that shows whether there is inflammation in the body.Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)DiabetesMeasures blood glucose after an overnight fast and is a basic screening test for diabetes.HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin)DiabetesHbA1c shows your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months and is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)InfectionScreens for hepatitis B infection; done routinely in pregnancy and before surgery.HIV TestInfectionScreens for HIV infection; testing is confidential and free at government ICTC centres.HPV DNA TestScreeningDetects high-risk HPV types that cause cervical cancer; recommended as the primary screening test from age 30.Iron StudiesHaematologyMeasures iron stores to confirm iron deficiency.Kidney Function Test (KFT)BiochemistryBlood tests that check how well the kidneys filter waste.Lipid ProfileBiochemistryMeasures cholesterol and triglycerides to assess heart disease risk.Liver Function Test (LFT)BiochemistryA group of blood tests that show how well the liver is working and whether it is inflamed.Malaria TestInfectionDetects malaria parasites by rapid antigen test or blood smear.MammographyImagingA low-dose breast X-ray that can find breast cancer before a lump can be felt.Mantoux TestInfectionA small injection under the skin to check exposure to TB bacteria; read after 48-72 hours.MRI ScanImagingUses magnets and radio waves, without radiation, to make detailed images of the brain, spine and joints.Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)DiabetesThe OGTT checks how your body handles a measured glucose drink, and is used to diagnose diabetes in pregnancy.Pap SmearScreeningA screening test that detects early cell changes in the cervix before they become cancer.Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)ScreeningA blood test used to evaluate prostate enlargement or prostate cancer in men.Pulmonary Function Test (Spirometry)RespiratoryMeasures how much and how fast you can breathe out, to diagnose asthma and COPD.Rheumatoid Factor (RA Factor)ImmunologyDetects an antibody found in many people with rheumatoid arthritis.Serum CalciumBiochemistryMeasures calcium in blood, important for bones, nerves and muscles.Serum ElectrolytesBiochemistryMeasures key salts in blood that control fluid balance, nerves and muscles.Serum Uric AcidBiochemistryMeasures uric acid, which can cause gout and kidney stones when high.Sputum AFB SmearMicrobiologyExamines coughed-up sputum under a microscope for TB bacteria.Stool Routine ExaminationClinical PathologyExamines stool for worms, eggs, blood and signs of infection.Thyroid Profile (T3, T4, TSH)HormonesMeasures thyroid hormones to check if the thyroid is underactive or overactive.Treadmill Test (TMT)CardiacAn ECG recorded while walking on a treadmill to check for blocked heart arteries.Troponin TestCardiacDetects heart muscle damage and is key to diagnosing a heart attack.TSH TestHormonesTSH alone is the best single screening test for thyroid problems.Ultrasound AbdomenImagingA safe, radiation-free scan of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas and pelvis.Upper GI EndoscopyProcedureA thin camera passed through the mouth to view the food pipe, stomach and duodenum.Urine Culture and SensitivityMicrobiologyGrows bacteria from urine to confirm infection and find which antibiotic will work.Urine Routine and MicroscopyClinical PathologyA basic urine test that screens for infection, sugar, protein and blood.Vitamin B12 TestVitaminsMeasures vitamin B12, which is often low in vegetarians and people taking metformin.Vitamin D Test (25-OH Vitamin D)VitaminsMeasures vitamin D level, which is low in a large share of Indians.Widal TestInfectionAn antibody test for typhoid; it has limited accuracy and blood culture is preferred.X-ray (Bones and Joints)ImagingUses a small dose of radiation to image bones and joints.