Immunology – Common Tests

ANA test – Antinuclear Antibody screens for several types of autoimmune disorders, including SLE (systemic Lupus erythematosis)

HIV test – screening test for AIDs virus

Hepatitis tests – testing for exposure or infection with Hepatitis virus A, B or C

Mono test – test for mononucleosis

RA test – screening test for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rubella test – testing for immunity to rubella

Microbiology

Culture – growth over several days of bacteria or fungus for the purpose of identification of the source of an infection

Smear/Gram Stain - preliminary evaluation of a sample looked at under a microscope for signs of infection

Sensitivity test - testing bacteria with antibiotics to determine which drug is most effective against the bacteria that is identified

Parasite Identification – examine samples such as stool to identify these microscopic organisms

Occult Blood– Fecal occult Blood tests for bleeding in the intestine or colon
Synonym: Hemocult
Occult or hidden blood is a screening test for colorectal cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The word colorectal refers to the colon, or large intestine, and the rectum, the end of the digestive system. The specimen is a small sample of feces that is placed into a small vial and sent back to the laboratory. The specimen is then chemically tested for the presence of blood.

In the past it was required that certain foods and medications had to be avoided for this test to be accurate. Also it was necessary to take 3 different samples. With the newest testing being offered at St. Charles laboratory, this is no longer necessary. The results are more accurate and also more sensitive to the presence of blood, meaning that it is easier to detect small amounts.

A positive fecal occult blood result may indicate bleeding in the colon or rectum and shows increased risk of colorectal cancer. Other tests also used for colorectal cancer screening are barium enema, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, and digital rectal examination.

The incidence of colorectal cancer in men and women is about equal. People over the age of 50, those who have a family history and patients who have previously had colorectal cancer are at higher risk of developing the disease. Most doctors recommend fecal occult blood screening every year for everyone over 50. Early detection of colorectal cancer greatly improves the odds of successful treatment.