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Pathology
Following your first or subsequent visit to the urologist, you may be asked for a blood or urine test, below are a few common tests prescribed the urologist.
:: Blood tests :: Urinanalysis :: Biopsy :: Vaginal Swab
Blood Tests
Some of the more common blood tests are...
FBC- Full Blood Count
Alt. names- Complete Haemogram, FBE- Full Blood Examination.
The haemoglobin level is checked and the different blood cells are looked at in detail
under the microscope. Various forms of anaemia are picked up as are viral infections like glandular fever. People on treatment for cancers and some medications require regular FBC's.
UEC's. Urea, Electrolytes and Creatinine. This test is a measure of kidney function.
We see an elevated serum urea or creatinine with dehydration or if the kidney function is impaired. The electrolytes are the various salts in the bloodstream... things like sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate. The potassium level is of particular importance in people on diuretics or fluid tablets. Frequently the level falls in these patients and oral potassium supplements are required. Calcium in blood may be assessed to determine the
problems with the parathyroid glands or kidneys, certain types of
cancers
LFT's. Liver function tests. The levels of several liver enzymes rise markedly when
the liver is damaged by infections like hepatitis, or by toxins like alcohol and certain drugs. Likewise, in a jaundiced patient where bile secretion from the liver is blocked, an elevated bilirubin level is seen. We also measure the protein and albumin levels; with chronic illnesses the albumin tends to gradually fall to quite low levels.
Cholesterol, triglyceride and other blood lipid levels. There is now no doubt at all that
a high blood cholesterol level is an important risk factor for coronary artery disease. HDL-cholesterol seems to be protective and we like to see a higher level of this lipid. LDL-cholesterol appears a major factor in the development of coronary artery disease and
we like to see a low level. Various ratios of HDL, LDL and total cholesterol are also used
and may be more accurate predictors of coronary artery disease. Recent research
suggests that an elevated triglyceride level is also significant and has to be taken into account.
Hormone Analysis
Blood tests to check the levels of certain hormones might be prescribed to determine the cause of
- Impotence and Infertility
- Uro-gynaecological cases
Tumour Markers
A tumour marker is a chemical that is produced by tumour cells and can be measured in
the blood or other body fluids. It may be used to detect the presence of a tumour and subsequently to monitor the progress of the disease and response to treatment. An ideal tumour marker (which remains to be discovered) would have a cut-off point where there would be no false positives or negatives. Recent technological advances have allowed the evaluation of a large number of chemicals as potential tumour markers. In gynaecology there are three tumour markers of proven value – Ca125, HCG and alpha-fetoprotein.
Urinanalysis
A urinalysis is an analysis of the urine. A doctor does a series of physical, microscopic,
and chemical tests on a sample of urine. The tests can screen for kidney disease and infections of the urinary tract. It can also help diagnose diseases that produce abnormal breakdown products called metabolites that are passed from the body in the urine.
Urine culture
Urine culture help identify organisms that cause infection that may be present in urine.
The culture may be ordered
- when symptoms indicate the possibility of a urinary tract infection, such as pain
and burning when urinating and frequent urge to urinate.
- Patients who have a catheter inserted for an extended period of time, even if they
do not show overt symptoms of an infection, since there is a risk of bacteria being introduced via the catheter.
- Pregnant women without any symptoms may be screened for bacteria in their
urine, which could harm the baby.
If you have Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), antibiotic susceptibility testing is usually done to determine the resistance of bacteria (germs).
A clean catch or mid stream sample of urine should be used for urinanalysis.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from a particular
part of the body so that it can be prepared and examined under a microscope. More advanced tests may also be done on this tissue sample, such as cultures for viruses or
other germs. Commonly, biopsies are used to check for cancer, but many other uses exist. Abnormal cells can be identified and treatment can be decided according to the results.
Sometimes during surgery, a surgeon will request examination of a frozen section of
tissue. Sections of frozen tissue are cut, stained and examined within a few minutes at the time of the operation.
Genital Swab
Alt. names- Cervical Swab, Low Vaginal Swab (LVS), High Vaginal Swab (HVS), Swab of urethral discharge and/or urethral sampling using fine wire swab. Smears will be transported to the laboratory in a suitable container.
Indication:
For identification of Infection with Trichomonas, Gardnerella, Candida sp. and pathogenic bacteria.
Investigation of mucopurulent cervicitis, vaginal discharge , urethral discharge, pelvic inflammatory disease , endometritis, postpartum fever, perinatal infection and a routine during ante natal check up.
Discuss the results of the tests with your doctor.
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