Why Are Regular Laboratory Tests Important?

Regular laboratory testing allows chronic diseases and conditions to be monitored, helps predict the worsening of symptoms, enables earlier treatment, and supports the prevention of complications. It is important that the interpretation of laboratory test results is always entrusted to your treating physician.

How Should You Prepare for Laboratory Testing?

Most laboratory tests require fasting, therefore blood sampling is recommended in the early morning hours. Unless otherwise instructed, you may eat dinner as usual the evening before, but on the morning of the test only water should be consumed. Drinking plenty of water makes blood collection easier, so unless a urine test is required, you may drink water even immediately before the examination. However, alcohol, coffee, and soft drinks must be avoided before sampling, as they may affect the test results.

Comprehensive Laboratory Testing

The comprehensive laboratory package is an extensive health screening that measures numerous important parameters and helps assess the body's overall functioning in detail. The purpose of the examination is to identify early signs of diseases, even before noticeable symptoms appear. The results provide physicians with information about the condition of the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, metabolism, hormonal balance, and immune system, among other health indicators. Laboratory testing may reveal the following conditions:

• Cholesterol disorders
• Kidney function problems
• Inflammatory conditions
• Anemia
• Liver function disorders

The comprehensive laboratory package is recommended as an annual screening or whenever unusual symptoms occur.

What Symptoms Indicate the Need for Comprehensive Laboratory Testing?

• Fatigue
• Weight changes
• Excessive thirst
• Digestive problems

Female and Male Tumor Marker Package

The male and female tumor marker package includes blood tests that may assist in detecting various types of cancer. However, it is important to note that tumor marker tests alone are not sufficient for diagnosing cancer, and additional examinations such as imaging procedures or histological analysis are also required.

The tumor markers included in the package may indicate the following:

• AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) – liver and germ cell tumors
  What may elevated levels indicate?
  Liver cancer, germ cell tumors (such as testicular or ovarian tumors), liver cirrhosis, or acute hepatitis.
• CA 125 – ovarian tumors
  What may elevated levels indicate?
  One of the most important markers of ovarian cancer. Elevated levels may also occur in gynecological conditions such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
• CA 15-3 – breast cancer
  What may elevated levels indicate?
  A marker associated mainly with advanced breast cancer, although not elevated in every patient.
• CA 19-9 – pancreas and liver
  What may elevated levels indicate?
  Pancreatic cancer and other gastrointestinal tumors, but also certain benign conditions.
• CA 72-4 – stomach
  What may elevated levels indicate?
  A marker associated with stomach cancer and other digestive system tumors.
• CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) – colon and lung
  What may elevated levels indicate?
  Various cancers including colorectal, lung, pancreatic, and breast cancer, as well as inflammatory bowel diseases.
• PSA (prostate-specific antigen)
  What may elevated levels indicate?
  The most important marker for prostate cancer, although it may also increase in benign prostate enlargement or prostatitis.

It is important to know that tumor marker tests do not diagnose cancer. Instead, they indicate an increased risk of cancer or may help monitor recurrence in previously diagnosed patients. Additional examinations are required to confirm a diagnosis.

Thyroid Laboratory Package

The purpose of thyroid laboratory testing is to evaluate thyroid gland function, as this endocrine organ plays a crucial role in hormonal balance and metabolism.

• TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
  TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and regulates thyroid function while stimulating the production of thyroid hormones (FT3, FT4).
  What may its level indicate?
  High TSH may indicate hypothyroidism.
  Low TSH may indicate hyperthyroidism.
• FT3 (free triiodothyronine)
  FT3 is the most active thyroid hormone in free form and regulates metabolism, cell function, and growth.
  What may its level indicate?
  Elevated FT3 may indicate hyperthyroidism.
  Reduced FT3 may indicate hypothyroidism.
• FT4 (free thyroxine)
  FT4 is the free form of thyroxine produced by the thyroid gland and serves as the precursor of FT3.
  What may its level indicate?
  Elevated FT4 may indicate hyperthyroidism.
  Reduced FT4 may indicate hypothyroidism.
• Anti-TPO (thyroid peroxidase antibody)
  Anti-TPO is an autoantibody against an enzyme involved in thyroid hormone production.
  What may its level indicate?
  Elevated Anti-TPO levels may indicate autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease.
• TRAK (TSH receptor antibody)
  TRAK is an autoantibody that stimulates thyroid receptors and may lead to overactive thyroid function.
  What may its level indicate?
  High TRAK levels are commonly associated with Graves’ disease.

Thyroid examinations help identify improper thyroid function and may indicate the following conditions:

Hypothyroidism: The thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.

What Are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Cold intolerance
• Depression
• Dry skin

Hyperthyroidism: The thyroid gland produces excessive amounts of hormones.

What Are the Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?

• Weight loss
• Rapid heartbeat
• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Excessive sweating

Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases

• Hashimoto’s disease (autoimmune hypothyroidism)
• Graves’ disease (autoimmune hyperthyroidism), in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland

Female Hormone Package

The purpose of female hormone laboratory testing is to assess hormonal balance, which plays an essential role in the menstrual cycle, fertility, and many other aspects of women’s health.

• FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)
• LH (luteinizing hormone)
• Estradiol
• Testosterone
• Prolactin
• Progesterone

Hormonal examinations may help identify the following conditions:

• Menstrual disorders
• Fertility problems
• PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

There is a strong connection between PCOS and insulin resistance, as women with PCOS often struggle with insulin resistance as well.

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in the treatment of insulin resistance, as dietary changes may help stabilize blood sugar levels, improve hormonal balance, and reduce PCOS symptoms. Therefore, if you suffer from PCOS, consulting a dietitian is recommended to create a personalized nutrition plan that supports insulin resistance management, symptom relief, and long-term health preservation.