An HSV blood test looks for herpes antibodies, not the virus itself. Learn when HSV IgG testing is useful, how to prepare, how to interpret HSV-1 and HSV-2 results, and when confirmation is needed.
A syphilis blood test looks for antibodies related to Treponema pallidum infection. Learn what RPR, VDRL, EIA, CIA, and TPPA results mean, how to prepare, when to test, and what to do after reactive or discordant results.
A hepatitis C blood test can screen for past exposure and confirm current infection. Learn the difference between HCV antibody and RNA tests, when to test, how to prepare, what results mean, and what to ask about cost.
A celiac panel is a group of blood tests that looks for antibodies linked to celiac disease. Learn what tTG-IgA, total IgA, EMA, DGP, and related results can mean, how to prepare, and what to do next.
The CCP antibodies blood test helps evaluate suspected rheumatoid arthritis. Learn what anti-CCP measures, how to prepare, what positive or negative results mean, and what to ask next.
A CRP blood test measures C-reactive protein, a nonspecific marker of inflammation. Learn why it is ordered, how to prepare, what high CRP may mean, and how CRP differs from hs-CRP.
An LDH blood test measures lactate dehydrogenase, an enzyme released when cells are damaged. Learn why it’s ordered, how to prepare, what high or low results can mean, and how to interpret LDH with other tests.
The CO2 or bicarbonate blood test is usually part of a metabolic or electrolyte panel. Learn what it measures, normal ranges, high and low results, preparation, limitations, and cost considerations.
A potassium blood test checks an important electrolyte involved in nerve, muscle, kidney, and heart function. Learn why it is ordered, how to prepare, and what high or low results may mean.
A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, or uACR, is a urine test used with blood kidney tests to look for early kidney damage. Learn what it measures, how to prepare, what results mean, and what to ask next.
