Latest content about Tests

AST Blood Test: Normal Levels (& What High Levels Means)

Updated in 12-21-2023

The AST blood test, also known as the TGO test, is requested to assess liver function. High AST levels can indicate pancreatitis, hepatitis and cirrhosis, for example. Learn how to understand the TGO-AST test.

Homocysteine: What Test Results Mean (High & Low Levels)

Updated in 12-21-2023

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is found in food like red meat and seafood. High levels of homocysteine are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. Learn more about when this test is ordered, and what high or low levels mean.

Testosterone Test: Free & Total (What Normal Levels Are)

Updated in 12-21-2023

Testosterone tests (which include total testosterone and free testosterone) are often ordered to assess conditions in both men and women, including menstrual cycle changes, early-onset puberty, erectile dysfunction or infertility. Learn more about the difference between free and total testosterone and the normal levels.

D-Dimer Test: Why It's Order & Why High Levels Mean

Updated in 12-21-2023

D-dimer is a by-product of fibrin breakdown. Fibrin is a protein that is involved in the coagulation process, and both fibrin and D-dimer can increase with inflammation in the body, thrombosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Learn more about D-dimer, why it is ordered, and what high levels mean.

Waist to Hip Ratio: How to Calculate & Normal Ranges

Updated in 12-20-2023

A waist to hip ratio is a calculation that is used to evaluate the risk for cardiovascular diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure. Learn more about how a WHR is calculated, what results mean and what to do if your result is high.

EAG Blood Test: Reference Ranges & Normal Levels

Updated in 12-20-2023

An estimated average glucose (EAG) is the average amount of glucose in the blood over a 2 to 3 month period. It is calculated based on the amount of glycosylated hemoglobin in the blood. Learn more about what EAG is used for, what results mean and what normal levels are.

MCV Blood Test: Normal Levels, High or Low MCV & Anemia

Updated in 12-18-2023

The MCV or mean corpuscular volume refers to the size of the red blood cells. It is usually a part of the complete blood count. Learn about what the normal level is, what high or low levels mean, and how it is used to diagnose anemia.

HOMA-IR & HOMA-BETA: Normal Levels & What Results Mean

Updated in 12-15-2023

The HOMA-IR and HOMA-BETA tests are used to assess insulin resistance and pancreas functioning. They can be beneficial for determining a diabetes diagnosis or assessing a risk for other conditions, like cardiovascular disease or metabolic syndrome. Learn more about what normal levels and what high or low levels mean.

Albumin Blood Test: High and Low Levels (& What Results Mean)

Updated in 12-15-2023

The albumin blood test is usually ordered by the doctor to investigate for possible kidney or liver problems. It can also help to assess general nutritional status. Learn more about what high and low levels mean, why this test is ordered and what normal levels are.

Troponin: Normal Levels, What Results Mean & Uses

Updated in 12-15-2023

Troponin is a type of protein that is released into the blood when there is damage to the heart. The troponin test is often used to confirm a possible heart attack, alongside other heart tests. Learn more about what a normal troponin level .

Mammogram: What It’s For, How It’s Done & 5 Common Doubts

Updated in 12-15-2023

A mammogram is a test that is used to evaluate and detect changes to breast tissue. It can be ordered as routine screening or if there is suspicious finding noted during a physical breast exam. Learn more about how mammograms are done, who .

Eosinophils: Reference Ranges (& What High or Low Levels Mean)

Updated in 12-15-2023

Eosinophils are a type of defense cell in the blood that can increase due to allergies, infections, medications or inflammatory diseases. Results should always be interpreted by the ordering physician to determine an underlying cause. Learn.

Pap Smear: What Is, How it Works & Results

Updated in 12-15-2023

A pap smear is a gynecological exam that detects cervical changes and illnesses, like inflammation, HPV and cancer. It is recommended for all women who are sexuallu active. Learn more about the pap smear, how it's performed, and how to interpret the results.

Estradiol Test: Uses, Preparation & Reference Ranges

Updated in 12-15-2023

An estradiol test looks at the levels of this hormone circulating in the blood. It is used to evaluate the functioning of ovaries in women, and the testes in men, especially in cases of infertility. Learn more about what this test is used for and what high or low levels mean.

Urine Culture: What It Tests, How to Do, & Results

Updated in 12-15-2023

A urine culture test is generally used to diagnose a UTI. This test sects the quantity and type of bacteria present in the urine, as well as the best antibiotics for treatment. Learn more about how to collect a urine specimen for this test, what results mean, and other urine tests available.