Common Tests Ordered Using Gold Top Tubes in Medical Laboratories: A Comprehensive Guide

Summary

• Gold Top tubes are commonly used in medical laboratories in the United States for various Diagnostic Tests.
• Common tests ordered using Gold Top tubes include comprehensive metabolic panels, liver function tests, and lipid panels.
• These tests help healthcare professionals assess a patient's general health, liver function, and cholesterol levels.

Introduction

Medical laboratories play a crucial role in healthcare by providing diagnostic information that helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions about patient care. One common type of tube used for blood collection in these laboratories is the Gold Top tube. This article will explore the common tests that are typically ordered using Gold Top tubes in a medical laboratory in the United States.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, also known as a CMP, is a blood test that measures the levels of various substances in the blood. It provides information about a patient's general health and can help healthcare professionals diagnose and monitor conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease. The following tests are included in a CMP:

1. Glucose: The level of sugar in the blood.
2. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine: Indicators of kidney function.
3. Sodium, potassium, and chloride: Electrolytes that help regulate fluid balance in the body.
4. Calcium and albumin: Measures of bone health and protein levels in the body.
5. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP): Indicators of liver function.

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Liver function tests, also known as LFTs, are a group of blood tests that measure the levels of enzymes and other substances produced by the liver. These tests can help healthcare professionals assess the health of the liver and diagnose conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease. The following tests are commonly included in an LFT panel:

1. AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase): Enzymes that are released into the blood when the liver is damaged.
2. ALP (alkaline phosphatase) and bilirubin: Measures of liver function and bile production.
3. Albumin and total protein: Measures of protein levels in the blood.

Lipid Panel

A lipid panel is a blood test that measures the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. A lipid panel typically includes the following tests:

1. Total cholesterol: The total amount of cholesterol in the blood.
2. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: "Good" cholesterol that helps remove "bad" cholesterol from the blood.
3. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: "Bad" cholesterol that can build up in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.
4. Triglycerides: Another type of fat in the blood that can increase the risk of heart disease.

Conclusion

Gold Top tubes are commonly used in medical laboratories in the United States to collect blood for Diagnostic Tests. Common tests ordered using Gold Top tubes include comprehensive metabolic panels, liver function tests, and lipid panels. These tests provide valuable information about a patient's general health, liver function, and cholesterol levels, helping healthcare professionals make informed decisions about patient care.

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