Home
Discover BRAC
BRAC Network
Services
CampaignsForever FundContact
Start FundraisingSign UpLogin
Free Health Library

Everyday Health Guide

Explore health conditions, symptoms, first aid, medical tests and family wellness.

1,600 health information entriesAdvanced Search ↓No login required
Browse Categories

Diagnostics & Lab Reports

Browse alphabetically or find an entry using Search.

Clear Filters / Back
Advanced Search — Refine Results
Reset All

8 entries found.

Echocardiogram (Echo)Diagnostics & Lab Reports · Imaging
Test Purpose & Procedure

Uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart (echocardiogram) to check its size, shape, and pumping function. No fasting or special preparation is needed. A gel is applied to the chest, and a transducer (a device that sends and receives sound waves) is moved over the skin.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE imaging test. It does not use radiation.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Discuss the results with your cardiologist to check for heart valve issues, heart failure, or structural abnormalities.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Electrocardiogram (ECG / EKG)Diagnostics & Lab Reports · Cardiac
Test Purpose & Procedure

Records the electrical signals of the heart (electrocardiogram) to detect irregular heartbeats or heart damage. No fasting is required. Small sticky patches (electrodes) are placed on the chest, arms, and legs.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE routine test. It is painless and carries no risk.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the ECG shows abnormalities like arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or signs of a previous heart attack, consult your cardiologist.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)Diagnostics & Lab Reports · Neurological
Test Purpose & Procedure

Measures electrical activity in the brain (electroencephalogram) to diagnose seizures or sleep disorders. You may be asked to wash your hair the night before and avoid caffeine. Small sensors are attached to the scalp.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE routine test. It does not send electricity into the body.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Discuss the results with your neurologist to evaluate conditions like epilepsy or sleep disorders.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Electrolyte Panel (Urine)Diagnostics & Lab Reports · Urine Test
Test Purpose & Procedure

Measures electrolytes (minerals like sodium and potassium) excreted in the urine to help determine the cause of abnormal blood electrolyte levels or kidney issues. A 24-hour urine collection is usually required.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE non-invasive test.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If results are abnormal, consult your doctor to evaluate kidney function, dehydration, or adrenal gland disorders.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Endoscopy (Upper GI)Diagnostics & Lab Reports · Procedure
Test Purpose & Procedure

Uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. Fasting for 6–8 hours is strictly required. Mild sedation is usually given.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE procedure when performed by a specialist. CAUTION: You will need someone to drive you home due to sedation.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Discuss the findings with your gastroenterologist to diagnose ulcers, acid reflux, or other digestive issues.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)Diagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure

Measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), which indicates inflammation in the body. No fasting is usually required. A standard blood draw is performed.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE routine test.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If the rate is elevated, consult your doctor to identify the underlying cause of inflammation, such as infection or autoimmune disease.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Erythropoietin (EPO) TestDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure

Measures EPO (a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells). Fasting is usually not required. A standard blood draw is performed.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE routine test.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If levels are abnormal, consult your doctor to investigate causes of anemia or polycythemia (too many red blood cells).

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

Estradiol (E2) TestDiagnostics & Lab Reports · Blood Test
Test Purpose & Procedure

Measures estradiol (the primary form of estrogen in the body, important for reproductive health and bone strength). For women, it is often tested on specific days of the menstrual cycle. A standard blood draw is performed.

Safety & Precautions

SAFE routine test.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult your doctor to evaluate irregular periods, fertility issues, or symptoms of menopause.

My Reading Checklist

These boxes track reading only; they do not represent treatment steps or medical clearance. Checklist selections are not sent to our server.

If this page helped you, consider supporting BRAC with a small donation as little as ₹10 INR or $1 USD.

DONATE NOW

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. It is not a diagnosis or a replacement for care from a qualified professional. This is not legal or medical advice. Consult a professional for specific needs. BRAC® is not liable for errors or consequences arising from the use of this content. Unauthorized commercial use is prohibited. For corrections or permissions, email info@brac.in.