Comprehensive Guide to Common Medical Tests and Procedures

Posted on Sep 26, 2024 in Biology

Hematological Tests

Significance and Interpretation

Hematological tests evaluate various blood conditions and components, aiding in diagnosing inflammation, anemia, infection, hemophilia, blood-clotting disorders, leukemia, and chemotherapy response. These tests utilize blood or blood components. Common examples include:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Counts white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets to diagnose anemia, blood cancers, inflammatory diseases, and infections.
  • Platelet Count: Monitors clotting or bleeding disorders.
  • Prothrombin Time/Partial Thromboplastin Time: Evaluates blood disorders and monitors therapies.
  • International Normalized Ratio (INR): Monitors anticoagulation and blood disorders like anemia.

Renal Function Tests (RFT)

RFTs assess kidney function by measuring blood levels of minerals, electrolytes, proteins, and glucose. Kidney malfunction can lead to waste accumulation and fluid imbalances. Common causes of kidney disease include diabetes and hypertension.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Stages (KDIGO)

  • Stage 1: GFR > 90 ml/min/1.73 m²
  • Stage 2: GFR 60-89 ml/min/1.73 m²
  • Stage 3a: GFR 45-59 ml/min/1.73 m²
  • Stage 3b: GFR 30-44 ml/min/1.73 m²
  • Stage 4: GFR 15-29 ml/min/1.73 m²
  • Stage 5: GFR < 15 ml/min/1.73 m² (End-Stage Renal Disease)

Drug Interaction and Distribution

Drug Interaction: A reaction between two or more drugs, or a drug and food/beverage/supplement.

Drug Distribution: Disbursement of an unmetabolized drug through the body’s blood and tissues.

Pharmacy Practices

FIFO (First-In, First-Out): A good pharmacy practice (GPP).

Schedule H1 Drug List: Includes Ethambutol hydrochloride, Ethionamide, Isoniazid, Levofloxacin, and Moxifloxacin.

Cardiac Disorder Tests

Various tests diagnose heart disease, including:

  1. Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Measures heart’s electrical activity.
  2. Echocardiogram: Ultrasound imaging of the heart.
  3. Stress Test: Evaluates heart’s response to exercise.
  4. Cardiac Catheterization: Diagnoses coronary artery blockages.
  5. Holter Monitor: Records heart’s electrical activity over 24-48 hours.
  6. Cardiac MRI: Detailed images of the heart using magnetic fields and radio waves.
  7. CT Scan: Detailed images of heart and blood vessels using X-rays.

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)

PFTs evaluate lung function and diagnose respiratory conditions:

  1. Spirometry: Measures air inhaled and exhaled.
  2. Lung Volume Measurements: Measures air volume in lungs.
  3. Diffusion Capacity: Measures oxygen transfer from lungs to blood.
  4. Exercise Testing: Measures lung function during activity.

National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) Guidelines

NQAS aims to improve public hospital reliability. It considers requirements for public health facilities and international best practices.

Organizational Structure

  1. State Quality Assurance Committee (SQAC): State-level policy and guidance.
  2. District Quality Assurance Committee (DQAC): District-level implementation and monitoring.

Focus Areas: Service provision, patient rights, infection control, quality management, handwashing facilities, postpartum care, oxytocin administration, and availability of curtains.

Insecticide Poisoning

Insecticides are substances used to destroy insects. Examples include:

  • Organochlorine insecticides (e.g., Chlordane, Heptachlor, DDT)
  • Organophosphorus
  • Carbamate

Clinical Manifestations

  • Abnormal sensation in tongue, lips, face
  • Dizziness and tremor
  • Convulsions

Antidotes

  • Atropine
  • Pralidoxime

Types of Poisoning

Poisoning occurs from various substances:

  • Household products
  • Pesticides
  • Plants
  • Metals (e.g., lead, mercury)
  1. Ingestion Poisoning: Swallowing a toxic substance.
  2. Inhalation Poisoning: Breathing in toxic fumes or gases.

Clinical Manifestations of Poisoning

Clinical manifestations vary depending on the substance, amount, age, health, and individual sensitivity. They are the observable signs and symptoms of poisoning.