Seven Common Pathology Tests

An Overview of Seven Common Pathology Tests

Most of us will undergo pathology testing throughout our lifetime for a range of health conditions or simply a general check-up.

It is important to maintain regular pathology records so we can track any changes in our bodies.

Below are seven of the most common pathology tests you or your doctor can request as part of the service you receive from Doctors on Demand.

Full Blood Count

A full blood count test provides a good overall picture of your health and is performed on a single blood sample.

It measures:

• Red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout your body

• • Can determine if you may have low iron stores

• White blood cells which fight infection and are your immune response to bacterial and viral infections, inflammation and allergies

• Platelets which are involved with blood clotting

• • Can determine if you may bleed excessively or may bruise too easily

This blood test can also screen for many other disorders and diseases.

COVID-19

A COVID-19 test can be conducted with a nasal or throat swab to determine the presence of the coronavirus COVID-19.

Cholesterol (lipid profile)

A lipid profile provides a snapshot of your high and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This blood test can determine your risk of developing cardiovascular disease as well as monitoring treatment effectiveness for conditions which can cause blood vessel blockages.

Liver Function

A liver function test provides a snapshot of how well your liver is functioning. As an organ that plays a critical role in detoxifying your body among other metabolic functions, an impaired liver can cause several unpleasant symptoms. A blood sample can determine if there is damage or disease present in the liver by measuring elements in the blood produced by liver cells or released by damaged liver cells.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Check

An STI check can be requested to determine the presence of a range of sexually transmitted infections. Your doctor will determine the appropriate STI check for you, and this could include a blood test, a swab of a sore or a urine sample. There are more than 20 known STIs and some are asymptomatic, so it is important to get regular STI checks if you are sexually active.

Fertility

A fertility test can be conducted for both males and females, testing hormones responsible for reproduction through a blood test for women and a semen sample for men. A hormone imbalance could lead to impaired fertility.

Thyroid Function

A thyroid function test provides a snapshot of how well your thyroid gland is functioning. This blood test can determine if symptoms such as weight loss or gain, dry skin, heat or cold intolerance, increased heart rate, anxiety or swollen thyroid glands are due to a thyroid hormone imbalance.