Periodicals - Pilots at 62 & 64 including TMT and excluding MPI in Greater Noida

The Cholesterol - LDL test measures the concentration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol plays an important role in your body. It carries cholesterol from your liver to other parts of the body where it's needed for things like building cell walls and making hormones. However, it is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because when present in excess in your blood, it can stick to your blood vessel walls leading to the formation of plaque, making them narrow and less flexible. When this happens, it's harder for the blood to flow, which can lead to heart problems, like heart attacks and strokes. By measuring LDL cholesterol levels, your doctor can assess your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and can recommend appropriate preventive or treatment strategies.

The Triglycerides test measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood and helps evaluate your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) that your body uses as a source of energy. When you consume more calories than your body needs, the excess calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells for later use. High triglyceride levels can contribute to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other related conditions. 

The Cholesterol - Total test measures the total amount of cholesterol (fats) in your blood. Cholesterol is mainly synthesized in the liver and partially in the intestines. It acts as a building block for cell membranes, is a precursor to vital hormones, and helps produce bile acids that help digest fats. Cholesterol is transported through the blood as lipoproteins: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). An optimal amount of these proteins is necessary for proper body functioning.

The Cholesterol - HDL test measures the concentration of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the blood. HDL cholesterol plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health, as it helps transport excess low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from the bloodstream back to the liver for excretion. This process prevents plaque buildup on the blood vessel walls, which can cause them to become narrow and less flexible. Higher HDL cholesterol levels are generally associated with a lower risk of heart problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. By measuring HDL cholesterol levels, your doctor can assess your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and recommend appropriate preventive or treatment strategies, including lifestyle modifications and medications.

The Very Low Density Lipoprotein test measures the concentration of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol in the blood. VLDL cholesterol plays a vital role in the body's metabolic processes. It is produced by the liver and is used to transport triglycerides, a type of fat, from the liver to various tissues throughout the body, where they are either utilized for energy or stored for later use. Though VLDL cholesterol is essential for the body's normal functioning, it is harmful if present in excess amounts. By measuring VLDL cholesterol levels, your doctor can assess your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and recommend appropriate preventive or treatment strategies.

The Total Cholesterol/HDL Cholesterol Ratio test measures the ratio of total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)/good cholesterol in your blood which is a significant indicator of cardiovascular health. This ratio is calculated by dividing the total cholesterol by the HDL number. A high ratio indicates a higher amount of 'bad' cholesterol relative to 'good' cholesterol, implying a higher risk of developing heart disease. Conversely, a lower ratio implies a higher amount of 'good' cholesterol relative to 'bad' cholesterol, indicating a lower risk.

An LDL/HDL Ratio test measures the ratio of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) to high-density lipoproteins (HDL) in your blood. These two types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout the body. LDL, often referred to as the 'bad' cholesterol, carries cholesterol to the cells that need it. However, if there is too much LDL cholesterol in the blood, it can combine with other substances and form plaque in the arteries, leading to cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, HDL, often referred to as the 'good' cholesterol, helps remove other forms of cholesterol, including LDL, from the bloodstream. It transports cholesterol back to the liver, where it is broken down and eliminated from the body, thus reducing the risk of cholesterol buildup and heart disease. The LDL/HDL ratio is a significant indicator of cardiovascular health. A high ratio indicates a higher amount of 'bad' cholesterol relative to 'good' cholesterol, implying a higher risk of developing heart disease. Conversely, a lower ratio implies a higher amount of 'good' cholesterol relative to 'bad' cholesterol, indicating a lower risk.

The Non HDL Cholesterol test looks for the “bad” cholesterol particles that are likely to contribute to heart problems. These bad particles include LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, VLDL (very-low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and remnants of other cholesterol-carrying molecules. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that circulates in your bloodstream and is essential for various bodily functions. However, too much of “bad” types of cholesterol can build up in your arteries and increase the risk of heart conditions. LDL and VLDL cholesterol particles are often referred to as the "bad" cholesterol because they can stick to the walls of your arteries and form plaque, narrowing the arteries and restricting blood flow to your heart. By measuring non-HDL cholesterol, your doctor can assess your risk of heart disease and determine if any interventions or lifestyle changes are needed to protect your heart.

The Urobilinogen test measures the amount of urobilinogen present in the urine. Urobilinogen is a substance formed from the breakdown of bilirubin, a by-product of old red blood cells processed by the liver. This test plays a key role in assessing liver function and detecting liver diseases.

Under normal circumstances, the liver converts bilirubin into urobilinogen. Some of this urobilinogen is reabsorbed into the blood, excreted by the kidneys, and then eliminated from the body through urine. However, when liver function is impaired, the amount of urobilinogen in the urine can change. Hence, the Urobilinogen test serves as an important indicator of abnormalities such as liver disease or blockage of the bile ducts.

The Nitrite test measures the presence of nitrites in the urine sample. Nitrites are chemicals formed by the conversion of nitrates by certain bacteria. Under normal conditions, urine does not contain nitrites. However, when bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) are present, they convert nitrates (which are normally found in the urine) into nitrites. Thus, the presence of nitrites in urine is an indication of a bacterial infection, making the Nitrite test a key tool in diagnosing UTIs.

The urine colour test primarily measures the concentration and colour of urine to provide insights into an individual’s  overall health. It assesses hydration status, with clear to light yellow urine indicating good hydration and darker shades suggesting dehydration. It can also detect urinary tract infections (UTIs) through unusual colours like cloudy or reddish urine, signaling the presence of blood or pus. Abnormal urine colours, such as dark brown or amber, may indicate liver conditions like hepatitis or cirrhosis, while pink, red, or brown urine can reveal the presence of blood, signaling kidney issues, trauma, or potential malignancies. The test can reflect dietary influences and supplement intake, with certain foods and vitamins causing colour changes. It can also highlight metabolic disorders, such as porphyria, which may cause purple urine. Additionally, medication effects and potential exposure to toxins can be inferred from changes in urine colour, making this test a comprehensive indicator of overall health and potential underlying conditions.

The urine Specific Gravity test measures the concentration of solutes in the urine, reflecting the kidneys' ability to concentrate or dilute the urine in response to varying hydration levels. By comparing the density of urine to that of water, the test provides insights into the balance of fluids and substances like salts, waste products, and other solutes. This test is important because it helps diagnose and monitor various medical conditions, including dehydration, kidney disease, diabetes insipidus, and other disorders affecting kidney function, enabling timely and appropriate medical interventions.

The urine yeast test measures the presence of yeast cells in the urine sample. The presence of yeast cells can indicate an infection or an imbalance in the urinary tract's natural microbial environment. Yeast is a type of fungus that naturally resides in small amounts on the skin, in the mouth, and in the intestines. However, when it overgrows, it can cause infections, such as yeast infections in the urinary tract which require medical attention. Therefore this test is crucial for identifying fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida species, and plays a vital role in guiding appropriate treatment strategies.

The Bilirubin test measures the levels of bilirubin present in the urine. Bilirubin is a by-product of the breakdown of old red blood cells, processed by the liver. This test is crucial in assessing liver function and detecting liver diseases.

Normally, the liver converts bilirubin into a form that can be excreted into bile and eventually eliminated from the body. When liver function is impaired, the amount of bilirubin in the urine can change, serving as an important indicator of abnormalities such as liver disease or bile duct blockage.

The Bilirubin (Total, Direct and Indirect) test measures the level of three forms of bilirubin such as total bilirubin, direct (conjugated bilirubin), and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin in the blood. Total bilirubin represents the sum of direct and indirect bilirubin. Direct bilirubin is the water-soluble form of bilirubin that has been processed by the liver via a conjugation process with glucuronic acid and is ready to be excreted into the bile ducts and ultimately into the intestines. Indirect bilirubin is the water-insoluble form of bilirubin that has not yet been processed by the liver and is bound to albumin in the blood. It is formed in the spleen and liver during the breakdown of hemoglobin from old or damaged red blood cells and cannot be excreted directly by the liver. Instead, it is transported to the liver, where it undergoes conjugation to become direct bilirubin. 

Getting tested with the Bilirubin (Total, Direct and Indirect) test provides valuable information into various aspects of liver function, bile duct health, and the body’s ability to break down and eliminate bilirubin.

This further contains

• Bilirubin Total
• Bilirubin Direct
• Bilirubin Indirect

Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) is an enzyme found in various organs, with the highest concentration in the liver. Usually, this enzyme is present in low levels in the blood. However, when there is liver damage or disease, GGT is released into the bloodstream, causing an increase in GGT levels. In addition to the liver, GGT can also be elevated in conditions affecting the bile ducts or the pancreas. It is usually, the first liver enzyme to rise in the blood when there is any damage or obstruction in the bile duct, making it one of the most sensitive liver enzyme tests for detecting bile duct problems.

An SGPT test measures the amount of ALT or SGPT enzyme in your blood. ALT is most abundantly found in the liver but is also present in smaller amounts in other organs like the kidneys, heart, and muscles. Its primary function is to convert food into energy. It also speeds up chemical reactions in the body. These chemical reactions include the production of bile and substances that help your blood clot, break down food and toxins, and fight off an infection.

Elevated levels of ALT in the blood may indicate liver damage or injury. When the liver cells are damaged, they release ALT into the bloodstream, causing an increase in ALT levels. Therefore, the SGPT/ALT test is primarily used to assess the liver's health and to detect liver-related problems such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or other liver disorders.

An Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test measures the quantity of ALP enzyme present throughout the body. The main sources of this enzyme are the liver and bones. It exists in different forms depending on where it originates, such as liver ALP, bone ALP, and intestinal ALP. In the liver, it is found on the edges of the cells that join together to form bile ducts. 

ALP levels can be increased during pregnancy as it is found in the placenta of pregnant women. It is also higher in children because their bones are in the growth phase. ALP is often high during growth spurts (a short period when an individual experiences quick physical growth in height and body weight).

An SGOT test measures the levels of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), also known as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), an enzyme produced by the liver. SGOT is present in most body cells, most abundantly in the liver and heart. The primary function of this enzyme is to convert food into glycogen (a form of glucose), which is stored in the cells, primarily the liver. The body uses this glycogen to generate energy for various body functions.

The Protein Total, Serum test measures the amount of proteins in the body. Proteins are known as the building blocks of all cells and tissues. They play a crucial role in the growth and development of most of your organs and in making enzymes and hormones. There are two types of proteins found in the body, namely albumin and globulin. About 60% of the total protein is made up of albumin, which is produced by the liver. It helps to carry small molecules such as hormones, minerals, and medicines throughout the body. It also serves as a source of amino acids for tissue metabolism. On the other hand, globulin is a group of proteins that are made by the liver and the immune system. They play an important role in liver functioning, blood clotting, and fighting off infections.

This further contains

• Albumin/Globulin Ratio, Serum
• Globulin, Serum
• Serum Albumin
• Protein Total

There are five types of WBCs: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. A Differential Leukocyte Count test measures the percentage of each type of WBC in the blood. Leukocytes or WBCs are produced in the bone marrow and defend the body against infections and diseases. Each type of WBC plays a unique role to protect against infections and is present in different numbers.

This further contains

• Differential Neutrophil Count
• Differential Lymphocyte Count
• Differential Monocyte Count
• Differential Eosinophil Count
• Differential Basophil Count

The Total Leukocyte Count test measures the numbers of all types of leukocytes, namely neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil, in your blood. Leukocytes or WBCs are an essential part of our immune system. These cells are produced in the bone marrow and defend the body against infections and diseases. Each type of WBC plays a unique role to protect against infections and is present in different numbers.