Immunoassay

What the laboratory says this test is for

About 10-30% of patients continue with lingering symptoms four or more weeks after COVID-19 infection, including those who had mild, or no symptoms termed as post-COVID conditions. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provided Interim Guidance for Assessment and Testing for Evaluating and Caring for Patients with Post-COVID Conditions. The CDC recommends laboratory testing be guided by the patient history, physical examination, and clinical findings. A basic panel of laboratory tests might be considered for patients with ongoing symptoms to assess for conditions that may respond to treatment, until more information and evidence is available for specific laboratory testing for post-COVID conditions. This panel is to be considered for persistent symptoms if basic testing such as Complete Blood Counts, Basic Metabolic Profile, and Liver Function Tests has been completed.

What the laboratory says this test is for

This test panel may be helpful in assessing androgen status and screening for hypogonadism in men. This immunoassay cannot accurately measure the low testosterone levels generally found in women, children, and men with hypogonadism [1].Testosterone circulates in 3 major forms: unbound (free), weakly bound to albumin, and tightly bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Free testosterone comprises 2% to 4% of total testosterone and is biologically active. Albumin-bound testosterone can dissociate from albumin in capillaries and become available to tissue. Thus, bioavailable testosterone refers to free testosterone plus albumin-bound testosterone. In this panel, free testosterone and bioavailable testosterone concentrations are calculated based on measurements of total T, SHBG, and albumin.In men, fasting total testosterone concentrations measured in the morning are recommended for screening for hypogonadism [2]. In patients with conditions affecting SHBG concentrations or when total testosterone levels are near the lower limit, free testosterone levels may be more sensitive than total testosterone levels for assessing androgen status. When the total testosterone level is low, or the total testosterone level is normal but free testosterone is low, the fasting total testosterone should be confirmed on another morning [2]. This test may also be used to monitor testosterone replacement therapy.Direct immunoassays cannot accurately quantify low concentrations of testosterone, especially concentrations under the lower limit of the normal range for men [1]. Chromatography/mass spectrometry is preferred for quantifying testosterone levels in children, women, or men with low testosterone levels [1]. Further studies are needed to elaborate the use of bioavailable testosterone concentrations.Note: Dietary supplements containing biotin may interfere with this assay. Please refer to the collection instructions for more information.The results of this test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings.References1. Rosner W, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2007;92(2):405-413.2. Bhasin S, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(5):1715-1744.

What the laboratory says this test is for

About 10-30% of patients continue with lingering symptoms four or more weeks after COVID-19 infection, including those who had mild, or no symptoms termed as post-COVID conditions. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provided Interim Guidance for Assessment and Testing for Evaluating and Caring for Patients with Post-COVID Conditions. The CDC recommends laboratory testing be guided by the patient history, physical examination, and clinical findings. A basic panel of laboratory tests might be considered for patients with ongoing symptoms to assess for conditions that may respond to treatment, until more information and evidence is available for specific laboratory testing for post-COVID conditions. This panel is to be considered for basic testing if no previous testing was performed.

What the laboratory says this test is for

This panel is designed for individuals diagnosed as having diabetes mellitus whose kidney disease has advanced to Stage 3/4 impairment. The panel affords the opportunity to assess electrolytes, phosphorus, serum creatinine/eGFR, hemoglobin, microalbumin, parathyroid hormone, calcium, and vitamin D. The grouping of these tests, readily identifiable as elements that adhere to guideline recommendations, is intended to facilitate the ready adherence to professional society clinical practice guidelines. Components of the testing related to the Management of CKD in diabetes, as outlined in the Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes 2013. These recommendations are in broad agreement with those published by the National Kidney Foundation and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.