Laboratory  : Specialized Tests



  

 
THYROID FUNCTION TESTS :

A wide range of tests are available to evaluate hyroid function. The ones most frequently used are the tests related to the concentration and binding of thyroid
hormones in blood.
The serum T4 concentration and the serum T3 concentration are measured by Radio-lmmuno-Assay and are valuable parameters in the diagnosis of Thyroidal disorders. The concentration of Free T3 and Free T4 is also estimated using Radio-lmmuno-Assay and is useful in conditions where the concentration of Thyroid Binding Globulin fTBG) is altered, such as in Pregnancy,
Chronic liver disease, use of oral contraceptives and other sources of estrogen, large doses of glucocorticoid, Nephrosis etc.
The measurement of serum TSH is an important tool in the diagnosis of Hypothyroidism and diminished thyroid reserve. The latter state is a stage in the evolution of hypothyroidism (Sub-Clinical Hypothyroidism). TSH measurement affords the best means of distinguishing between untreated hypothyroidism of thyroidal origin (where the values are invariably high) from hypothyroidism of pituitary or hypothalamic origin where the values are usually low and always in the normal range.
 

TESTS RELATED TO FERTILITY, INFERTILITY, & OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY:
Endocrine defects account for about almost one third of the female causes of infertility and about only less than one percent of male causes.
The laboratory investigations outlined below are relevant to endocrine problems and consequently are very helpful in the evaluation of female and male endocrine defects.
Enclosed is a reprint of an article written by Dr. ldnani for the Bombay Hospital Journal's special issue on Infertility.

 

 

TUMOUR MARKERS :
Among the newer diagnostic techniques introduced in recent years, tumour markers occupy a relatively important place in the earlier detection and monitoring of malignant disease. The carcinoembryonic antigen is an abnormal constituent detected in the blood of patients with gastro-intestinal malignancies: the alpha-feto globulin has bejen found in patients with hepatomas: The Prostate Specific Antigen is diagnostically useful in Prostate carcinomas :and the CA-125 is also a useful marker in ovarianand cervical carcinomas.

THERAPEUTIC DRUGS, "DRUG METABOLITES, DRUGS OF ABUSE & ALCOHOL:
The importance of monitoring for therapeutic drugs with a narrow safety window cannot be
understated and physicians today have realized the value and advantage of these tests. Anti-epileptic drugs, anti-psychotic drugs, Theophylline, Digoxin and Lithium are some of the drugs that need to be monitored to avoid toxicity and gain maximum therapeutic benefit. A copy of an article on
Therapeutic drug monitoring published in Bio-M.ed is also attached for your perusal.

OTHER TESTS:
A Range of other hormones such as insulin, Gastrin, A.C.T.H. (Adreno-Cortico-Trophic-ormone), ParaThyroid Hormone, Human Growth Hormone and Cortisol are also assayed by the Radio-Immuno Assay method. The ease and rapid assay method coupled with high sensitivity make this method especially useful for Suppression and Stimulation tests. The Immune response is also quantified using Radio-Immuno-Assay, and is therapectically useful in cases of Sensitisations and Allergies.


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