diagnostic exams

Some exams are advised to be done before the marriage, by the couple, with the purpose of evaluating the health conditions, preparing them for the constitution of the family and their future children. Genetic counseling can be recommended when a woman is over 35, if there is a family history of intellectual disabilities, or if the marriage is between cousins, and is intended to check for potential risk to pregnancy

Carcinoembryonic antigen or CEA is a protein produced early in fetal life and during rapid multiplication of the cells of the digestive system, mainly, and can then be used as a marker of colorectal cancer. However, people without any gastrointestinal changes or smokers may have increased concentrations of this protein, so other tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis of the tumor

Amniocentesis is an examination that can be done during pregnancy and in which a sample of the amniotic fluid is withdrawn from the inside of the uterus. Generally, this fluid contains cells from the fetus and the substances released by the baby during development, which can then be evaluated in the laboratory

The DNA test is done with the purpose of analyzing the genetic material of the person, identifying possible changes in the DNA and checking the probability of the development of some diseases. In addition, the DNA test used in paternity testing, can be done with any biological material, such as saliva, hair strands or saliva

Retinal mapping, also known as fundus examination or funduscopy, is an examination in which the ophthalmologist can observe the nerves, blood vessels and tissue of the eye responsible for capturing the images, and can detect changes and allow indication of the treatment . Thus, the mapping is indicated to identify changes caused by: Eye diseases such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, tumor, inflammation, lack of blood flow or drug intoxication, for example; Systemic diseases that cause eye damage , by altering the nerves and vessels of the eyes, such as diabetes, arterial hypertension, rheumatic

The pap smear is done in the doctor's office quickly and simply, and it is not necessary to use anesthesia or any other type of medication. This procedure does not hurt, it can only cause a slight discomfort the moment the doctor scrapes the cervix. The pap smear, which is used to diagnose vaginal inflammation, sexually transmitted diseases such as HPV, and to identify the presence of cervical cancer, should be performed once a year by women who have started sexually, especially are between 25 and 59 years old

Fasting for a blood test is very important and should be respected when necessary because food or water intake may interfere with the results of some tests, especially when it is necessary to evaluate the amount of a substance that can be altered by the food, such as cholesterol or sugar, for example

The toxicological test is a laboratory test that aims to verify if the person has been or has been exposed to any type of toxic substance or drug in the last 90 or 180 days, being this examination mandatory from 2016 for issuing or renewing the driver's license of the categories C, D and E and must be carried out in laboratories authorized by DETRAN

The ASLO test, also called ASO, AEO or antistreptolysin O, aims to identify the presence of a toxin released by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes , streptolysin O. If infection with this bacteria is not identified and treated with antibiotics, the person may develop some complications, such as glomerulonephritis and rheumatic fever, for example

Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and salivary glands, which acts on the digestion of starch and glycogen contained in food. Serum amylase test is usually used to help diagnose pancreatic diseases such as acute pancreatitis, for example, or other problems that may alter the functioning of this organ, and are usually required together with the dosage of Lipase

The coombs test is a type of blood test that evaluates the presence of specific antibodies that attack red blood cells, causing them to be destroyed and may lead to the onset of a type of anemia known as hemolytic. There are two main types of this exam, which include: Direct Coombs test : directly evaluates red blood cells, checking for antibodies to the red blood cell, and whether these antibodies are derived from the person's own immune system or received by transfusion

Triglyceride is the smallest particle of fat circulating in the blood and has storage function and energy supply in case of prolonged fasting or inadequate diet, for example, being considered a good indicator of the metabolism of fats. Triglycerides can be produced in the liver or purchased through foods such as breads, cakes, milks and cheeses

Aspartate aminotransferase, AST or TGO, is a blood test called for investigating lesions that compromise the normal functioning of the liver, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, for example. AST is an enzyme present in the liver and is usually elevated when liver damage is more chronic, as it is located more internally in the liver cell

The Schiller's test is a diagnostic test that consists of coloring the inner region of the vagina and cervix with an iodized solution in order to observe the integrity of the epithelium of this region. It is usually done during colposcopy, and in some cities, for cervical cancer screening. When the Schiller test is positive, it means that the solution could not cover the whole area and there is some change, giving a pathological result

Urinalysis is used to diagnose problems affecting the renal and urinary system. There are three main types: urinalysis, urinalysis, urinalysis, and uroculture, which are usually done in a clinical laboratory and none of them need fasting. Urinalysis type 1 is the most common because it is a good general indication of health, but there are other parameters that should also be taken into consideration

Thyroglobulin is a tumor marker widely used to evaluate the development of thyroid cancer, especially during its treatment, helping the doctor to adapt the form of treatment and / or doses, according to the results. Although not all types of thyroid cancer produce thyroglobulin, the most common types produce and therefore the levels of this marker are usually increased in the blood in the presence of cancer

Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates the mammary glands to produce breast milk during pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Therefore, high blood prolactin may be a sign of pregnancy and a pregnancy test may be indicated. Out of pregnancy, prolactin is also responsible for regulating other hormones by participating in ovulation and menstruation

The adrenocorticotrophic hormone, also known as corticotrophin and by the acronym ACTH is produced by the pituitary gland and is especially used to evaluate problems related to the pituitary and adrenal glands. Thus, the ACTH dosage is useful for identifying situations such as Cushing's Syndrome, Addison's Disease, Ectopic Secretion Syndrome, Lung and Thyroid Cancer, and Adrenal Gland Insufficiency, for example

To prepare for myocardial scintigraphy, also called myocardial perfusion scintigraphy or myocardial scintigraphy with mibi, it is advisable to avoid some foods such as coffee and banana, and high blood pressure medications 1 or 2 days before the procedure. While fasting is not necessary, some doctors may indicate that they have not eaten since midnight the day before, just to ensure that bowel activity does not interfere with the test result

Fructosamine is a blood test that allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment in cases of diabetes, especially when recent changes in the treatment plan have been made, either in the medicines used or in the change of lifestyle, such as diet or exercise. This test is usually used to evaluate glucose levels in the last 2 or 3 weeks but is only done when it is not possible to monitor diabetes with the glycated hemoglobin test and therefore many people with diabetes may never need it take the fructosamine test