AUT Ramboll Pathology Package

The Rheumatoid Factor - Quantitative test detects and measures the concentration of rheumatoid factor (RF), an antibody produced by the immune system, in your blood. Increased levels of rheumatoid factor can be detected in the blood in certain autoimmune conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. However, an RF test is not very specific as a rheumatoid factor can also be found in the body in diseases other than RA, such as Sjögren’s syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). RF may also be produced in the body during persistent bacterial and viral infections. Hence, clinical evaluation and other diagnostic tests are crucial for a comprehensive assessment and accurate diagnosis.

Diabetic screening includes two set of tests - Glycosylated Hemoglobin test and Glucose - Fasting blood test. 

Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test measures the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin in blood which reflects the average blood glucose over a period of past two to three months (8 - 12 weeks).

Hemoglobin is a protein found in Red Blood Cells and is responsible for transporting oxygen. There are different types of hemoglobin among which Hemoglobin A is predominant. With the elevation of blood sugar levels, some glucose binds spontaneously to Hemoglobin A (this binding is called Glycosylation or Glycation) and remains bound for the complete lifetime of the RBC, which is normally 120 days. Higher the level of glucose in the blood, the greater the amount of it binding to Hemoglobin A. Hemoglobin A1c is the dominant form of Glycated Hemoglobin. As RBCs die and get replaced, Hemoglobin A1c is cleared and gets slowly replaced with non-glycosylated hemoglobin. Measurement of HbA1c level over a period of time gives an indication of the level of glucose in the blood over that specific period of time. This not only helps in the diagnosis of Diabetes but also is useful for monitoring the effectiveness of measures taken to reduce blood sugar levels.

Glucose - Fasting Blood Test is done to measure the levels of glucose in blood during the period of fasting.

Glucose is the main source of energy for the body. Carbohydrates consumed in the diet are broken down in the body to form glucose, which is absorbed by the intestines and transported by the blood to various organs. The cells of these organs utilize the glucose to produce energy when required, and the excess is stored either as glycogen in the liver for short-term storage or in fat tissues as triglycerides for long-term storage. The uptake, utilization, and storage of glucose after it has been absorbed in the intestine is facilitated by a hormone called insulin. This hormone is secreted by the pancreas. Insulin influences the transport of glucose to the organs like heart, brain, working muscles, etc. It also directs the storage of excess glucose. These actions of insulin reduces sugar levels in the blood.

After a meal, sugar levels increase in blood, and insulin is secreted in response to reduce the sudden increase in sugar levels until it becomes normal. If in this process glucose levels fall too low in blood, another pancreatic hormone called glucagon is released. This hormone, directs the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose and releases it into the blood. Both these hormones, insulin and glucagon, create a feedback mechanism to keep blood glucose levels within the normal range. Any imbalance in their activity causes an excess or shortage of blood sugar.

Glucose - Fasting blood Test helps to determine if the body is able to utilize or store glucose efficiently. High levels of sugar in blood indicate diabetes or resistance to insulin. Type 1 Diabetes is caused when insulin is not produced or produced in very little quantity. Type 2 Diabetes is caused when insulin is produced but is not being effectively utilized by the body. In both these cases, blood sugar levels rise, while cells remain deprived of nutrition.

For healthy living, vitamins play a very important role. However, any deficiency or increased presence of these vitamins are not good for health. The deficiency of vitamins can be due to not taking proper diet while excess can be due to excessive supplementation. 

Vitamins are classified as Water soluble and Fat-soluble vitamins.

Fat-soluble vitamins include: Vitamin A, K, D (25-OH), and E

Water-soluble vitamins include Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine), B-2 (Riboflavin), B-3 (Niacin), B-5 (Pantothenic acid), B-6 (Pyridoxine), B-7 (Biotin), B-9 (Folate), B-12 (Cobalamin), and  Vitamin C. 

The most common vitamins which are found deficient include Vitamin D (25-OH), Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B9. 

Vitamin D (25-OH) helps our body absorb calcium and phosphorus, and maintain strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D (25-OH) test measures the level of Vitamin D (25-OH) in the blood which is a useful indicator of osteoporosis (bone weakness), rickets (bone malformation), and osteomalacia.

Vitamin B12 is also called Cobalamin. It is a water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the formation of normal red blood cells, repair of tissues, DNA synthesis, and genetic material in cells. It is not produced in the body and has to be taken in the diet. The diet sources which includes Vitamin B12 are red meat, fish, milk, poultry, yogurt, eggs, fortified cereals, bread, and other grain products. It can also be taken in the form of Vitamin B12 tablets or multivitamin pills. Low levels of Vitamin B12 results in macrocytic anemia (size of red blood cells larger than normal).

Vitamin B9 along with Vitamin B12 and iron plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells. It plays an important role in the functioning of nerves and cell replication in the body. In pregnant ladies, it is required for proper development of fetus spinal cord. Low levels of Vitamin B9 can lead to anemia. 

The Peripheral Smear Examination test is performed to check the characteristics of blood cells including:

1. Red blood cells (RBCs)
2. White blood cells (WBCs)
3. Platelets

By placing the blood sample on a specifically treated slide, these blood components are analyzed under a microscope for their shape, size, and number. Any irregularity in these cells indicates blood disorders or abnormality, the presence of parasites in the blood, etc. This test is also a beneficial tool in monitoring a blood disease or deciding whether a certain medication or therapy is working effectively or not.

HBsAg test detects the presence or absence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) in the blood.

Hepatitis B virus is one of the five main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E and is the causative agent of Hepatitis B (infection in the liver). Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) is present on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). HBsAg is present in the blood of patients with viral hepatitis B (with or without clinical symptoms).

HBsAg is the first marker appearing in the blood at 6 to 16 weeks following exposure to HBV. In most cases after an acute infection, this virus clears up on its own in 1 to 2 months after the onset of symptoms. But in some people, the virus does not go away and results in chronic infection which over the years may lead to liver damage (scarring or cirrhosis) or liver cancer. Persistence of HBsAg for more than 6 months indicates the development of either a chronic carrier state or chronic HBV infection.

A Lipid Profile test assesses the level of specific fat molecules called lipids in the blood and helps determine the risk of heart ailments. This test 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 lead to potential heart ailments, making their monitoring crucial.