Chronic Liver Disease Screening Panel

The HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin) test precisely measures the percentage of sugar-coated or glycated hemoglobin in your blood. The test results represent the proportion of hemoglobin in your blood that has been glycated. 

Hemoglobin, a vital protein found in red blood cells, is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Hemoglobin A is the most abundant form of hemoglobin, and when blood sugar levels increase, a higher proportion of hemoglobin A becomes glycated. As red blood cells have a lifespan of approximately 120 days, the sugar molecules remain attached to the hemoglobin for the duration of the cell's life. Consequently, the HbA1c (Glycosylated Hemoglobin) test offers insight into your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.

The CBC (Complete Blood Count) test measures the number of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. Each of these blood cells performs essential functions–RBCs carry oxygen from your lungs to the various body parts, WBCs help fight infections and other diseases, and platelets help your blood to clot. Therefore, determining their levels can provide significant health information. A CBC test also determines the hemoglobin level, a protein in RBC that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of your body. Evaluating all these components together can provide important information about your overall health.

The Hepatitis B (Core) Total Antibody test identifies total antibodies (IgM and IgG) against the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). It is a key marker for determining whether an individual has ever been infected with the virus, regardless of whether the infection is currently active. By detecting the presence of anti-HBc, doctors can assess the progression of the infection and make informed decisions about treatment and monitoring. This test is crucial for understanding the history of hepatitis B in an individual, which can help prevent future liver damage and transmission of the virus.

The Lipid Profile assesses the level of specific fat molecules called lipids in the blood and helps determine the risk of heart ailments. This profile determines the amount of different types of lipids, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Lipids play a pivotal role in the functioning of the body. They are crucial components of the cell membranes and hormones, provide cushioning, and are a storehouse of energy. Any alterations in the lipid levels may increase the risk of potential heart ailments, making their monitoring crucial.

The PT INR (Prothrombin Time with INR) test measures the Prothrombin Time (PT) and reports it as the International Normalized Ratio (INR). The PT measures how long it takes for blood to clot. Specifically, it assesses the factors in the blood that help initiate the clotting process. The INR is a standardized interpretation of the PT results. It is calculated to ensure consistency in interpreting PT values across different laboratories and testing methods. It is particularly important when monitoring patients on anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin. The INR helps adjust medication dosages to maintain blood clotting within a therapeutic range.

An Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA) by IFA - End Point Titer test checks for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in your blood. These antibodies, different from typical ones that fight off invaders in the body, can attach to structures inside the body’s own cell nuclei. If ANAs are present in the blood, it may suggest that your immune system is overly sensitive, causing inflammation against your own tissues and possibly indicating autoimmune diseases. 

The Immunoglobulin G test measures the concentration of IgG antibodies present in the serum. These antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to specific pathogens or infections. Elevated levels of IgG can indicate recent or chronic infections, while lower levels may suggest an impaired immune response or deficiency. This test is crucial for assessing an individual’s immune status and provides valuable information for doctors to make informed clinical decisions regarding diagnosis, treatment strategies, and ongoing management of various health conditions.

The LFT (Liver Function Test) helps determine the health of the liver by measuring various key markers in the blood, such as bilirubin, enzymes, and proteins. These components help assess inflammation, infection, diseases, etc., of the liver and monitor the damage due to liver-related issues.

The Serum Iron Studies Comprehensive package measures the level of iron in the body. It comprises a series of blood tests, including serum iron test that helps to evaluate iron level, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) test that helps to assess the ability of the body to transport iron in the blood, unsaturated iron binding capacity (UIBC) test that reflects binding of iron with transferrin, which is the main protein that binds with iron, transferrin saturation test that checks how many places on the transferrin that can hold iron are doing so, and ferritin test that detects ferritin protein in the blood and helps determine how much iron is stored in your body.

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test determines the status of current hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection or past HCV infection that has been resolved. This test, therefore, helps your doctor to guide an appropriate treatment plan. HCV causes liver inflammation and is classified into acute hepatitis infection and chronic hepatitis infection.

• Acute hepatitis C: This occurs in the first six months after exposure to the hepatitis C virus. In the early stage of the infection, acute hepatitis C is mild and may cause no symptoms. For this reason, most people do not know they have this infection.
• Chronic hepatitis C: If your body is unable to fight off the virus, you can develop a chronic hepatitis C infection. Progression from acute to chronic hepatitis C is common, occurring in about 75-85% of patients. Detecting chronic hepatitis C at the early stage is important to prevent future complications, such as liver failure, and initiate effective treatment.

The Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Antibody test is used for screening for anti-HCV antibodies. A reactive result needs to be confirmed by other more specific NAT/ nucleic acid tests before final diagnosis.

The Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test detects HBsAg, a protein on the surface of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), in the blood. It is an important screening test for HBV infection. A reactive result needs follow-up with additional tests, such as anti-HBs and total anti-HBc antibodies, and can be confirmed with HBV DNA testing by PCR. This test helps identify individuals who may need medical treatment and supports measures to prevent the spread of hepatitis B. The test uses automated chemiluminescence immunoassay (CMIA/CLIA) technology, which may vary slightly across laboratories.