Everyday Health Guide

Measures methemoglobin (an abnormal form of hemoglobin that cannot effectively release oxygen to body tissues). No fasting is required. A standard blood draw is performed.

Detects very small (micro) amounts of albumin (a protein) in the urine, which is an early sign of kidney damage, especially in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. A random or 24-hour urine sample is collected.

A rapid blood test that detects heterophile antibodies (proteins produced by the immune system in response to the Epstein-Barr virus). No fasting is required. A standard blood draw or finger prick is performed.

Measures myoglobin (a protein found in heart and skeletal muscles that is released into the blood when muscle tissue is damaged). No fasting is required. A standard blood draw is performed.

Measures the speed and strength of electrical signals traveling through nerves (nerve conduction) to diagnose nerve damage. Small electrode patches are placed on the skin, and mild electrical impulses are applied. No fasting is required.

Monitors the fetal (unborn baby's) heart rate in response to its own movements. It is a non-invasive test usually performed in the third trimester. Belts are placed around the mother's abdomen to track the heart rate and contractions. No fasting is required.

Measures blood osmolality (the concentration of dissolved particles, like sodium and glucose, in the blood) to check the body's water balance. Fasting may be required. A standard blood draw (venipuncture, drawing blood from a vein) is performed.

Measures urine osmolality (how well the kidneys concentrate waste in the urine) to evaluate kidney function and hydration status. A random or 24-hour urine sample is collected.

Measures osteocalcin (a protein produced by bone-forming cells, used as a marker to see how fast bone is being broken down and rebuilt). Fasting is usually required. A standard blood draw is performed.

Uses pulse oximetry (a non-invasive method using a small clip on the finger or earlobe) to measure the percentage of hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells) that is saturated with oxygen. No preparation is needed.

A screening procedure for cervical cancer that collects cells from the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). It is best done when you are not on your period. Avoid intercourse, douching, or vaginal medications for 2 days before the test.

Measures PTH (a hormone produced by the parathyroid glands in the neck that regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the body). Fasting may be required. A standard blood draw is performed.

Evaluates how well the blood clotting cascade (a series of steps that stop bleeding) is working. No fasting is required. A standard blood draw is performed.

A sterile needle is gently pricked into the skin of the forearm. The site is checked 24 to 48 hours later for an exaggerated inflammatory response (a red bump or pustule), which can indicate conditions like Behcet's disease.

Uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs in the lower abdomen, such as the uterus, ovaries, or bladder. For a transabdominal ultrasound, you may be asked to drink water and have a full bladder. A gel is applied, and a transducer (a device that sends and receives sound waves) is moved over the skin.

Measures phenylalanine (an amino acid found in protein) in the blood. High levels indicate phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder where the body cannot break down this amino acid. It is routinely done as a newborn screening via a heel prick.

Measures serum phosphorus (a mineral that works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth, and helps produce energy). Fasting may be required. A standard blood draw is performed.

Measures PlGF (a protein produced by the placenta during pregnancy). Low levels can indicate poor placental development and an increased risk of preeclampsia (a dangerous pregnancy condition involving high blood pressure). No fasting is required. A standard blood draw is performed.