Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) – Blood Tests for TB Infection What are they? Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) are whole-blood tests that can aid in diagnosing Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection How do they work? IGRAs measure a person’s immune reactivity to M. tuberculosis. White blood cells from most persons that have been infected with M. tuberculosis will release interferon-gamma (IFN-g) when mixed with antigens (substances that can produce an immune respon...

A blood test called  hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) test reveals your average blood sugar (glucose) level over the previous two to three months. Your blood contains glucose, a form of sugar that is obtained from the food you eat. Glucose provides energy to your cells. The hormone insulin aids in the uptake of glucose by your cells. If you have diabetes, your body either produces insufficient insulin or your cells don't properly utilize it. Because of the inability of glucose to enter your cells,...

  A CA-125 test is a blood test that quantifies your body's levels of the protein CA-125, also known as cancer antigen 125. CA-125 is a form of biomarker, or a substance in your blood that could be an indication of a disorder or disease. Ovarian cancer may be indicated by a high CA-125 level. Your ovaries are a pair of reproductive glands that make hormones, store, and release eggs.   This test is also used by doctors to identify ovarian cancer early in high-risk patients. This m...

Why is my arm bruised after a blood draw? #sahabatpramita, have you ever had a similar experience? What is the reason for this? Is it dangerous? What can be done to deal with the bruise? Bruising after a blood draw happens when there is the blood vessels beneath the skin are torn, causing a small amount of blood to leak and fill the tissue beneath the skin's surface. There are several factors that can increase the likelihood of bruising after a blood draw, including: Bending the elbow or...

Fasting prior to a blood test is often required to get an accurate test result. You will most likely need to fast for the following blood tests: Blood glucose test Triglyceride level test Cholesterol test Basic metabolic panel Renal function panel If someone does not fast prior to their blood test, the protein, vitamin, fat, carbohydrate, and mineral in the food or drink they consume may skew the accuracy of their blood test results.   For example, the fasting blood gluc...