Lab Tests

Question 1

When would you do a Blood Glucose Test?

Answer 1

• Symptoms of Diabetes/Pre-Diabetes
• Symptoms related to HYPOglycaemia

Question 2

What are normal results of a Blood Glucose Test?

Answer 2

• Normal = 3.9-5.5mmol/L
• Pre-Diabetes = 5.6-6.9mmol/L
• Diabetes = Fasting 7+mmol/L
• Diabetes = Normal 11.1+mmol/L

Question 3

What do high levels of a Blood Glucose Test mean?

Answer 3

• Diabetes = Fasting 7+mmol/L
• Diabetes = Normal 11.1+mmol/L

Other cause = Cushings + Pancreatitis + Hyperthyroidism

Question 4

What do low levels of a Blood Glucose Test mean?

Answer 4

**Common in ppl w T1 Diabetes
- Liver Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Hypothyroidism

Question 5

What does a Calcium Blood Test indicate?

Answer 5

• Near all Ca is in bones
• Muscle + Nerves = need Ca
• Urine excretes Ca

Too Much = Tired+Weak+Thirsty+Constipated

Too Little = Numbness near mouth, hands, feet + Muscle Spasms

Question 6

What does a Lipid/Cholesterol Test indicate?

Answer 6

• Dr may use to assess risk of heart disease + stroke
• Need to fast 8-12 hrs prior
• HDL = GOOD
• LDL = BAD

Question 7

Who would need a Lipid/Cholesterol Test?

Answer 7

Those w Hypertension+Diabetes+Heart Disease+Stroke+Kidney Disease

Question 8

What is the C-Reactive Protein blood test used for?

Answer 8

• Checks for inflammation
• CRP = protein made in liver –> Levels increase after inflammation or infection

Question 9

What is a D-Dimer test used for?

Answer 9

• Checks for blood clotting
• D-dimer = protein which breaks down clots
• Used to tule out PE + DVT

Question 10

What is an Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test used for?

Answer 10

• Similar to CRP = Checks for inflammation or infection
• Inflammation = causes RBC (Erythrocytes) to stick to one another –> CLumps = heavier than blood –> fall to bottom of tube