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Medical tests
… of immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies , in your blood. Antibodies are substances made by the body's immune … an autoimmune disease . If your immune system makes low levels of antibodies, you may have a greater chance of … This type of antibody is also found in saliva, tears, and blood. About 10% to 15% of the antibodies present in the …
Medical tests
… Test Overview A rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test measures the amount of the RF antibody present in the blood. Normally, antibodies are produced by the immune … amount of light blocked by the blood sample is measured. As levels of RF increase, more clumping occurs. This causes a …
Medical tests
… anesthetics. Have asthma. Have bleeding problems or take blood-thinning medicines. Have arthritis that is bothering … your joint. The dye may make your infection worse. Have diabetes or take metformin (such as Glucophage) for your … from being exposed to any radiation, including the low levels of radiation used for this test. But the risk of …
Medical tests
… Test Overview An iron test checks the amount of iron in the blood. Iron (Fe) is a mineral needed for hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Iron is also needed for … during breastfeeding, or at times when there are low levels of iron in the body (such as after bleeding). The …
Medical tests
… Test Overview A cold agglutinins blood test is done to check for conditions that cause the … the immune system in response to infection. They cause red blood cells to clump together (agglutinate) at low temperatures. Healthy people generally have low levels of cold agglutinins in their blood. But lymphoma or …
Medical tests
… checks the level of this male hormone (androgen) in the blood. Testosterone affects sexual features and development. … muscle mass, fat distribution, the vascular system, energy levels, genital tissues, and sexual functioning. Most of the testosterone in the blood is bound to a protein called sex hormone binding …
Medical tests
… help nerves work, make muscles squeeze together, help blood clot, and help the heart to work. Almost all of the … in the body is stored in bone. The rest is found in the blood. Normally the level of calcium in the blood is carefully controlled. When blood calcium levels get low ( hypocalcemia ), the bones release calcium …
Medical tests
… measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. PSA is released into the blood by the prostate , which is part of the male … or sexual activity (ejaculation) may also briefly raise PSA levels. Why It Is Done The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) …
Medical tests
… located. A PET scan is often used to evaluate cancer, check blood flow, or see how organs are working. Why It Is Done … Before you have a PET scan, tell your doctor if: You have diabetes. If you take medicine to control diabetes, you may need to take less than your normal dose. …
Medical tests
… problem. Most erection problems are caused by a mix of blood vessel, nerve, or psychological issues. To find the … for any problems. Order blood tests to check hormone levels. Other tests that may be done as part of the … nerves of the penis. Problems such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes may cause nerve damage. Surgery, injury, or …