Ultrasound & Lab Tests

A kidney ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic exam. It is used to

assess the size, shape, and location of the kidneys. It can also be used to evaluate blood flow to the kidneys.

Ultrasound may be safely used during pregnancy because it does not emit radiation.

Your doctor will provide you more instructions on how to prepare for this screening. But, usually, it is recommended to drink a minimum of 24 oz of clear water at least one hour before your appointment and try not to empty the bladder before the procedure.

A thyroid ultrasound can be used to examine possible thyroid abnormalities like cysts, nodules, tumor etc.

Before the test, make sure to remove necklaces and other accessories that can block your throat.

As with any ultrasound screening, the procedure is painless and fairly quick.

A pelvic ultrasound produces images to assess organs and structures within the female pelvis. It provides the visualization of the female pelvic organs and structures, including the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

The pelvic ultrasound could be performed in 2 different ways for a female. A transabdominal, through the abdomen, using the conductive gel or transvaginal. The doctor will determine which type of ultrasound is required depending on what needs to be assessed.

For a male pelvis, ultrasound is usually requested by a doctor to assess the bladder, prostate gland, and the surrounding areas.

Ultrasound can be used to examine the blood flow to areas around the breasts.  Often, doctors request a breast ultrasound to be taken along with mammography.

The difference between the two procedures is that breast ultrasound does not use radiation, and therefore poses no risk to pregnant women.

Your doctor might perform a breast ultrasound if a suspicious lump discovered in your breast area. An ultrasound will help your doctor determine if the lump is a fluid-filled cyst or a tumor. The doctor will also be able to determine the location and size of the lump.

CBC is how this test is most known. It is the most common blood test performed, and measures the numbers and types of cells in the blood, including red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. With this blood test, you will have an overview of your general health status, screen for disorders, and evaluate nutritional status.

CBC can help evaluate symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, and bruising, and can help diagnose conditions such as anemia, leukemia, malaria, and infection.

You can eat and drink before the test if your blood sample is only being tested for CBC. If your blood sample will be used for additional tests, then you may need to fast for a period before the test. Your doctor will provide you with the necessary guidance.

This test measures levels of glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, carbon dioxide, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine, which can help understand blood sugar level, electrolyte, and fluid balance as well as kidney function.

The Basic Metabolic Panel is requested by doctors to observe the consequences of certain medications that you are taking. It can help diagnose certain conditions or can be part of a routine health screening. You may need to fast for up to 12 hours before this test.

The thyroid panel is requested by a doctor if the patient might have signs and symptoms suggesting hypo- or hyperthyroidism.

Usually, no special preparation is needed for this blood test but, it is important to consider that certain medications can interfere with the tests included in the panel. Make sure to tell your health practitioner about any drugs that you are taking.

Enzyme markers are a series of blood tests that analyze specific enzyme activity in the body. It is requested because some inherited diseases or conditions can cause these enzymes to stop working or be less efficient. Your doctor might want to monitor the rise or fall of enzyme levels to aid in the diagnosis of a variety of conditions.

No fasting or special preparation is necessary. But, make sure to tell your doctor before the test about any prescription and OTC medications and supplements you might be taking.

This test is used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.

A lipid panel is a blood test that measures fat and fatty substances used as a source of energy in the body.  This group of tests is used to evaluate cardiac risk, and it includes cholesterol, lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels.

The total lipid profile testing requires 12-hour fast (no food or drinks except for water)

Vitamin lab tests measure blood or urine levels of various vitamins and are helpful in diagnosing vitamin deficiencies or an excess or overabundance of particular vitamins.

These are some of our most popular vitamin and mineral tests:

• Vitamin B12 Test
• Comprehensive Vitamin Panel
• Comprehensive Mineral Panel
• Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy