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DOES ANY OF THESE DESCRIBE YOU?

You're suffering from severe headaches
You have pain in your muscles and joints
You have chronic back pains
You sit for long hours
You want to improve your health and lifestyle
You don't want to rely on surgery and medications to relieve your pain

If you say yes to any of these, then

chiropractic care may be for you

OUR LATEST LABORATORY TESTS

DISCOVERING THE CAUSE OF YOUR PROBLEMS WITH THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE CAN OFFER

Laboratory Testing Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is the process of using a needle to draw blood from the vein. The blood drawn can be used for several reasons such as testing, transfusion, donation, or for treating certain medical conditions.
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Laboratory Testing EKG

Electrocardiogram

Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that records the electrical activities of your heart. It's a non-invasive and painless method to quickly determine if your heart is healthy or not.
Laboratory Testing - blood test equipment

Drug Test

A drug test uses urine, blood, or other types of biological samples to detect the presence of illegal or prescription drugs in the body.

The Top 10 Most Common Laboratory Tests and What They Are Used For

Let's take a closer look at some common lab tests in Tampa Bay.

Complete Blood Count

CBC blood test is present in most of the routine tests panels. It is usually ordered to calculate the number of red blood cells (RBC; these cells carry the oxygen), white blood cells (WBC; these blood cells fight infections), and platelets (responsible for blood clotting). However, there are many markers evaluated by these routine tests, in addition to the most commonly mentioned above.

Anemia is a disease commonly diagnosed with the help of a complete blood count test. A low RBC level means a body does not get enough oxygen to function. Low levels of platelets may cause long-time bleeding and blood loss.

Abnormal levels of blood cells may be caused not only by mild health conditions but also lead to serious health issues (like stomach ulcers).

Basic Metabolic Panel

A basic metabolic panel (BMP) checks for levels of 8 compounds in the blood:

  • calcium
  • glucose
  • sodium
  • potassium
  • bicarbonate
  • chloride
  • blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
  • creatinine

This test may require you to fast for at least 8 hours before your blood is drawn, depending on your doctor's instructions and what the test is measuring.

Abnormal results may indicate:

  • kidney disease
  • diabetes
  • hormone imbalances

Your doctor will perform follow-up tests to confirm a diagnosis.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel

A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a blood test with 14 different measurements. It is often used to assess liver and kidney function and nutrient levels.

Since it includes multiple measurements, the CMP offers a wide look at different functions of the body. As a result, it may be prescribed in a number of situations, including to help diagnose and keep track of conditions like diabetes and kidney and liver disease.

Lipid Panel

The lipid panel measures the level of specific fat molecules called lipids in the blood. As a panel test, it measures multiple substances, including several types of cholesterol-containing molecules.

The lipid panel is used in children and adults to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Thyroid Panel

A thyroid panel test uses a blood sample to assess the functioning of the thyroid gland and can also help diagnose and keep track of the treatment of thyroid disorders.

The thyroid test is a panel that includes several measurements so your doctor can understand how well your thyroid gland is working.

Cardiac Biomarkers

A cardiac enzyme marker test is a blood test to measure specific biological markers (biomarkers) in your blood. High levels of cardiac enzymes can be a symptom of a heart attack or another heart problem. Cardiac enzymes are also called cardiac biomarkers.

Sexually Transmitted Infection Tests

STD tests are used to determine if you have been infected with an STD. Testing can help you get the treatment you need and may help prevent the spread of disease.

There are many different tests for each of the different STIs. There is not one test that will screen for all STIs. Some STIs are hard to test if you have no symptoms. Some STIs can be tested through simple blood work or a urine test; some can only be tested for through culturing body fluid from the penis, vagina, or open sore on the body. When you go in for testing, it is important to ask your healthcare provider which tests will be done and which will not. Sometimes, weeks or months need to pass to give your body enough time to develop antibodies that will show up in a test, indicating you have a particular STI.

Coagulation Panel

Coagulation tests measure your blood’s clotting ability and how long it takes to clot. Testing can help your doctor evaluate your risk of excessive bleeding or developing clots (thrombosis) in your blood vessels.

Coagulation tests are like most blood tests. Side effects and risks are minimal. A medical professional will take a blood sample and send it to a lab for testing and analysis.

If your doctor thinks you have a clotting problem, they may recommend one or more coagulation tests. These tests measure various proteins and their function.

Conditions that cause coagulation problems include:

  • liver disease
  • thrombophilia (excessive clotting)
  • hemophilia (inability to clot normally)

Coagulation tests help monitor people who take medications that affect clotting ability. Coagulation tests are also sometimes recommended before surgery.

DHEA-sulfate Serum Test

Healthcare providers use DHEAS tests to measure steroid hormone levels that your body converts into estrogen and androgens (testosterone). A high test result may indicate an adrenal tumor or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), while a low test result may indicate Addison’s disease. You’ll need additional tests for an accurate diagnosis.

C-reactive protein test

A C-reactive protein (CRP) test measures the level of C-reactive protein in your blood. The liver releases CRP into your bloodstream in response to inflammation. Healthcare providers use this test to diagnose and monitor several causes of inflammation, such as infections and certain autoimmune conditions.

What Lab Tests Should I Get Every Year?

Want to monitor your health but aren’t sure where to start? Feeling tired, overwhelmed, or just not as healthy as you need to be? These basic blood tests will give you and your healthcare provider a good idea of where you stand with your overall health and where you can improve. Even if you feel you are healthy, these tests will let you see under the hood and ensure everything is running well.

Blood Test to Check Cholesterol Levels

A cholesterol test gives you and your healthcare provider important information about your risk of developing heart disease. If your test results show you have high cholesterol, you can take the necessary steps to lower it. This may lower your risk of developing heart problems. A cholesterol test measures:

LDL levels. Also called the "bad" cholesterol, LDL is the primary source of artery blockages.

HDL levels. Known as the "good" cholesterol, HDL helps get rid of "bad" cholesterol.

Total cholesterol. The combined amount of LDL and HDL cholesterol in the blood.

Triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a kind of fat found in the blood. Research shows that high levels of triglycerides may increase the risk of developing heart disease, especially in women.

VLDL levels. Very low-density lipoprotein is another type of "bad" cholesterol. High VLDL levels have been related to plaque buildup in the arteries. VLDL isn't usually included in a routine cholesterol test because it's hard to measure. About half of VLDL is triglycerides, so the VLDL level can be estimated as a percentage of the triglyceride level.

Blood Sugar Test to Check for Diabetes

A blood glucose test can be used to determine the amount of glucose in the blood. It may be used to help diagnose diabetes or to help those with diabetes check their blood glucose and insulin levels.

Blood glucose tests provide instant results and let you know:

  • if your blood glucose levels are high or low
  • if your diet or exercise routine needs to change
  • how your diabetes treatment is working
  • if your overall treatment goals for diabetes are manageable

If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes, your healthcare provider may also order a blood glucose test. They may also be looking to see if you have diabetes or prediabetes, a medical condition where your blood glucose levels are higher than normal.

If your results show higher-than-normal blood glucose levels, you may have or are at risk for developing diabetes. High blood glucose levels may also be a sign of:

  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Pancreas disorders
  • Stress from surgery, very severe illness, or trauma

If you have diabetes, lower-than-normal glucose levels may be caused by the following:

  • Side effects from certain diabetes medications
  • Not eating enough, especially after taking diabetes medication
  • Being more physically active than normal

If you do not have diabetes, low blood glucose levels may mean:

  • Liver problems
  • Kidney disease
  • Underactive adrenal, pituitary, or thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
  • Alcohol use disorder (AUD)

If your glucose results are abnormal, it doesn't always mean you have a condition that requires treatment. Certain medicines and stress can affect the glucose levels in the blood.

Thyroid Function Test

Thyroid blood tests are used to determine if your thyroid gland is functioning properly by measuring the number of thyroid hormones in your blood. The tests measure the levels of different hormones, such as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4), and triiodothyronine (T3). Other tests on the thyroid include antibodies related to thyroid tissue. They are performed by withdrawing blood from a vein in your arm. These tests help diagnose thyroid diseases.

TSH, T4, and T3 levels can all be tested in the blood. Your healthcare provider will probably test TSH first, then T3 and T4 if TSH is not normal. Tests can also be used to measure antibodies to diagnose autoimmune thyroid disease.

A high TSH might mean:

  • hypothyroidism
  • that you are receiving too little thyroid hormone medicine for hypothyroidism treatment
  • there might be an issue with your pituitary gland

A low TSH might mean:

  • hyperthyroidism
  • you are taking too much thyroid hormone medication for hypothyroidism treatment

Your healthcare provider will be aware of your circumstances and can discuss the results with you.

Liver Function Test

Liver function tests are used to help diagnose and monitor liver disease or damage. The tests measure the levels of enzymes and proteins in your blood.

Liver function tests are helpful in:

  • Diagnosing liver diseases, such as hepatitis
  • Monitoring treatment of liver disease
  • Checking how badly a liver has been damaged or scarred by disease, such as cirrhosis
  • Monitoring side effects of certain medicines

If one or more of your liver function test results are not normal, it may mean your liver is damaged or not functioning properly. Liver damage can be caused by several different conditions, including:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C
  • Alcohol use disorder (AUD), which includes alcoholism
  • Liver cancer
  • Diabetes

If you have questions about your test results, talk to your healthcare provider.

Colon Cancer Screening

Colon cancer screening can detect polyps and early cancers in the large intestine. This screening can find problems that can be treated before cancer develops or spreads. Regular screenings may reduce the risk of death and complications caused by colorectal cancer.

There are many ways to screen for colon cancer.

Stool test:

  • The polyps in the colon and small cancers can cause small amounts of bleeding that can't be seen with the naked eye. But blood can often be found in stool.
  • This method checks your stool for blood.
  • The most common test is the fecal occult blood test (FOBT). The fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and stool DNA test (sDNA) are two other tests.

Sigmoidoscopy:

  • Uses a tiny flexible scope to view the lower part of your colon. Since the test only looks at the last one-third of the large intestine (colon), it may miss some cancers that are located higher in the large intestine.
  • A sigmoidoscopy and stool test may be used altogether.
  • Colonoscopy:

    • Similar to a sigmoidoscopy, but the entire colon can be seen.
    • Your healthcare provider will give you the steps for cleansing your bowel. This is called bowel preparation.
    • During a colonoscopy, you will receive medicine to make you relaxed.
    • Sometimes, CT scans are performed as an alternative to a regular colonoscopy. This is known as a virtual colonoscopy.

    Other tests:

    • Capsule endoscopy involves swallowing a pill-sized camera that takes a video inside your intestines. This method is being studied, so it is not recommended for standard screening at this time.

Pap Smear (For Women)

A Pap smear is used to detect abnormal cells on the cervix that are cancerous or potentially cancerous. This test is conducted by taking a sample of the cells from the surface of the cervix during a pelvic exam with a swab or small brush.

A Pap smear is used as a screening test for cervical cancer. Health conditions, such as infections, inflammation, and other types of cancer, may also be detected with this test.

During the procedure, your healthcare provider:

  • Inserts a speculum into the vagina. You may feel slight pressure. This metal or plastic tool keeps your vagina open so your healthcare provider can see your cervix.
  • Use a small brush or spatula to scrape cells from your cervix.

It is not painful, but you’ll probably feel some discomfort.

Your healthcare provider will put the cell sample in a liquid substance in a tube or jar and send it to a laboratory. A pathologist examines the cell samples under a microscope to search for abnormal cells that may indicate cancer or HPV.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test (For Men)

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is made by the prostate gland. High PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, a noncancerous condition like prostatitis, or an enlarged prostate gland.

The PSA test is the primary method of screening for prostate cancer. PSA screening can help catch the disease early when treatment may be more effective and potentially cause fewer side effects. A PSA test may be done with a digital rectal exam (DRE), in which a physician carefully inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to examine the prostate for irregularities.

There is no specific normal or abnormal level for PSA in the blood. Generally, the higher your PSA level, the more likely you have cancer. But it is possible to have a high PSA without prostate cancer or a low PSA with prostate cancer.

HIV Test

Human immunodeficiency virus can be transmitted through contact with certain infected body fluids. If ignored, HIV can progressively destroy the body’s ability to fight severe infections and cancers.

HIV tests use blood, oral fluid, or urine samples to detect the presence of HIV, antigens, and/or antibodies produced by the body in response to an HIV infection.

HIV tests detect HIV genetic material, antigens, and/or antibodies. If these substances are detected, the test shows a positive result for HIV.

There are 3 types of HIV tests:

Antibody test: The body produces antibodies after an HIV infection. It can take several weeks to produce antibodies, so HIV antibody testing can only detect HIV from 3-12 weeks after infection.

Antigen/antibody test: Foreign substances that activate an immune response, antigens appear before the body produces antibodies. So antigen/antibody testing can detect an HIV infection earlier than antibody tests, within 2-4 weeks of becoming infected.

HIV viral load test: In addition to detecting an HIV infection, viral load testing can detect the amount of the virus in the blood. Although this type of test can detect an HIV infection earlier compared to other HIV tests, it’s costly and is typically only used when someone has symptoms or possible exposure to HIV.

Blood Pressure Test

A blood pressure test checks whether your blood pressure is healthy or high or low.

Blood pressure is the strength with which your blood pushes on the walls of your arteries as it's pumped around your body.

Low blood pressure (hypotension) is not usually an issue, although it can cause dizziness and fainting in some.

High blood pressure (hypertension) can increase your risk of developing severe problems, such as heart attacks and strokes if it's not treated.

This quick test is the only way to determine your blood pressure – and it could save your life.

How to Prepare for Laboratory Testing

Laboratory tests help diagnose or screen for a specific disease or condition. Screening helps diagnose diseases before symptoms occur. Other tests are used to monitor a disease or determine the effectiveness of treatment. Laboratory tests may also provide more general information about your organs and body systems.

Preparing for a Blood Test

When preparation is needed, a common pre-test instruction is too fast. Because what you consume can affect the test results, your healthcare provider may tell you to avoid eating or drinking anything except water for several hours before testing. How long you need to fast depends on the blood test prescribed.

It’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider before making any lifestyle changes or changes in the medicines you take before blood testing.

Preparing for a Glucose Test

Fasting blood sugar (FBS): For fasting blood sugar tests, don't eat or drink anything other than water for at least 8 hours before the sample is taken.

If you suffer from diabetes, you may need to wait until you have had your blood tested before taking your daily dose of insulin or diabetes medicine.

Random blood sugar (RBS): No special preparation is needed before a random blood sugar test.

Preparing for Urine Test

The test requires little preparation. Usually, you just need to urinate into a plastic container and return the urine sample to the technician or doctor.

A technician may accompany you to make sure that you are giving the sample correctly. The technician should explain the reason for this supervision.

It is important to note that certain medicines and supplements can cause false-positive test results.

Let your healthcare provider know if you are taking any:

  • prescription medications
  • over-the-counter medicines
  • herbal remedies
  • supplements

Preparing for a Drug Test

Be sure to let the testing professional know if you are taking any prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or supplements because these substances may affect the test results. Also, avoid foods with poppy seeds, which can show up as opiates in a drug test.

Preparing for an Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)

No special preparations are needed for a standard electrocardiogram. Let your healthcare provider know about any medications and supplements you take. These can often affect the electrocardiogram test results.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

ABOUT LABORATORY TESTING

WHAT ARE LABORATORY TESting?

Laboratory tests are medical devices and procedures intended for checking samples of blood, urine, body tissues, or other substances taken from the body. Physicians need laboratory tests to help in diagnosing diseases, planning for treatments, evaluating the patient's response to those treatments, and monitoring diseases.

HOW ARE LABORATORY TESTing ANALYZED?

Once the sample has been collected from your body, it will then be sent to a laboratory. Tests will be performed on the samples to see if they contain various substances and how much. The presence, absence, or amount of an analyte (the substance being analyzed) your sample has will help determine your condition.

Your physician will sometimes compare your results to results from previous tests. Laboratory tests are usually part of a regular checkup to look for changes in your health.

WHAT DO LABoratory TESTing SHOW?

Your physician will analyze your lab test results to see if you fall within the normal range. Lab test values are given in range instead of a specific number because what is normal differs from person to person.

Some lab tests show if a particular substance is present or absent in your body. It may show an infectious organism or mutations to a gene that would explain your conditions or why you respond to therapies the way you do.

FACTORS AFFECTING LABORATORY TESTing RESULTS

  • Sex
  • Age
  • Race
  • Medical history
  • General health
  • What you eat and drink
  • Medications you take
  • How well you followed the pre-test instructions

Why Are Lab Tests Important?

Laboratory testing is an important part of a routine checkup. Routine blood work is ordered to look for changes in your health. They also help healthcare providers diagnose medical conditions, plan or evaluate treatments, and monitor diseases.

Are lab tests accurate?

Diagnostic tests include blood tests, urine tests, imaging tests, and special tests such as electrocardiograms and electroencephalograms. Each test you have has a different accuracy rate, and your healthcare provider can give you an idea of the reliability of the test. Often, the result itself includes a statement about the accuracy of the test.

How is a blood sample collected?

During venipuncture, a laboratory professional, known as a phlebotomist, will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm with a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be stored in a test tube or vial. You may feel a slight sting when the needle goes in or out.

How is a urine sample collected?

To collect a urine sample, label a sterile, screw-top container with your name, date of birth, and date. Wash your hands (and genitals) thoroughly, pee, and collect either a "first-catch" or a "midstream" sample of urine in the container – you will be informed which type to collect.

What does a routine blood test check for?

Routine blood tests check the blood for white blood cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. CBCs can detect if you have anemia, nutritional deficiencies, infection, cancer, and bone marrow problems. If these test results appear abnormal, your doctor may order more specific testing.

Can a blood test detect other specific conditions?

Some blood tests can help your healthcare provider determine how different organs in your body are functioning. Examples of organs whose malfunctions can be detected in a blood test include your thyroid, liver, or kidneys. Your healthcare provider can also use blood tests to detect markers of diseases and health conditions such as diabetes.

What is the difference between a screening test and a diagnostic test?

Screenings and diagnostic tests initially differ based on their intended users and whether they're symptomatic. Screening tests are intended for asymptomatic (showing no or disguised symptoms) people, whereas diagnostic tests are intended for those showing signs of needing a diagnosis.

Why do lab tests sometimes need repeating?

  • If a doctor asks you to repeat lab tests, it is usually because:

    • The test result was borderline or unclear – so the doctor wants another sample to monitor the situation or to re-check
    • The result is abnormal – and the doctor cannot interpret the result without further lab tests, so they will ask you to come in for more routine blood work.

    Please do not worry if the doctor has asked you for a repeat test; if there is a severe problem, the doctor will speak or request to see you directly.

Laboratory Testing materials

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BENEFITS OF laboratory testing

Better Sleep

Boost Immunity

Improved Mood

PAIN RELIEF

HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE

HOW WE CAN HELP

YOUR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY

At The Right Spinal Clinic, we understand the importance of quality lab test results. With our high clinical standards and advanced technologies, your results are guaranteed to be accurate all the time.
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