Diagnostic laboratory services are the foundation of precision medicine in the ever-evolving field of healthcare. Giving our patients the best treatment possible is our primary goal at Limuru Cottage Hospital. One of the main pillars of this dedication is our extensive diagnostic lab capabilities.
In the rest of this article, we carefully review each diagnostic laboratory service that Limuru Cottage Hospital provides, putting an emphasis on their applications, worth, and contributions to healthcare. Read on.
Table of Contents
Our Diagnostic Laboratory Services
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
One of the basic diagnostic techniques offered at the Limuru Cottage Hospital Diagnostic Laboratory that gives you a comprehensive picture of the makeup of your blood is a complete blood count, or CBC. All blood types are listed, including platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells. With this understanding, it is much simpler to diagnose several illnesses, including anaemia, infections, and blood anomalies.
Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) are two indicators of red blood cell haemoglobin content and size. The use of white blood cell differentials aids in the diagnosis of immune system illnesses and infections by allowing the differentiation of various kinds of white blood cells. CBC gives medical professionals a comprehensive understanding of the components of blood, which serves as the foundation for diagnosis and allows them to properly tailor treatment regimens.
Urinalysis
The colour, clarity, pH, protein content, glucose levels, and presence or absence of blood or other objects are among the several aspects of urine that are examined during a urinalysis in our Diagnostic Laboratory. In addition to providing valuable information on your general health, this versatile test may be used to diagnose conditions including diabetes and kidney issues.
Urine sediment may be examined under a microscope to reveal red and white blood cells, crystals, and casts. These results provide insights into specific kidney and urinary tract conditions. In addition to helping treat conditions affecting the urine system, urinalysis offers a non-invasive view of renal and metabolic health.
Blood Sugar Test
In order to identify and manage diabetes, a blood sugar test is frequently required to track glucose levels. With the help of this blood glucose test, individuals may take control of their health, manage their diabetes, and make informed lifestyle decisions.
Provided Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood sugar during fasting, and blood sugar after meals are all examined in the test to give a complete picture of blood sugar control throughout time. Early detection and precise blood sugar monitoring are essential for preventing diabetes-related issues and enhancing the general quality of life.
Cholesterol Test
Given that excessive cholesterol can exacerbate heart disease, the cholesterol test is a crucial tool for assessing cardiovascular health. It detects your blood cholesterol and serves as a warning system for possible risks, guiding you toward choices that are heart-healthy. The cholesterol profile provides a comprehensive understanding of lipid metabolism and includes tests for triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). People who undergo cholesterol testing are better prepared to prevent cardiovascular issues and have the knowledge necessary to actively manage their heart health.
HIV Test
An HIV test is used to detect the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the blood. Early diagnosis is essential to starting the right course of therapy and preventative measures. Limuru Cottage Hospital’s Diagnostic Laboratory’s approach to HIV and AIDS is the provision of care and support. The various methods of HIV testing we employ provide several windows for detection to guarantee accurate results at different stages of infection. The first step in early treatment and prevention is HIV testing, which is also a critical part of the global effort against AIDS.
Malaria Test
The malaria test can identify the malaria parasite in the blood, which allows for immediate diagnosis and treatment of malaria. Our Diagnostic Laboratory uses a variety of malaria screening techniques, such as molecular testing to identify particular malaria species and microscopic examination of blood smears. When malaria is present in a region, testing for the illness is essential because it enables early detection and treatment, both of which are vital for reducing the disease’s mortality rate.
Blood Pressure Measurement
A vital component of preventative medicine is blood pressure monitoring. Serious health problems, including heart disease and stroke, are more common in those with uncontrolled hypertension. To assess the condition of your cardiovascular system, medical professionals in our diagnostic laboratory take an accurate reading of your blood pressure. The force of blood on artery walls during and between heartbeats is measured during diastolic and systolic blood pressure monitoring methods. By creating the opportunity to identify and treat hypertension, blood pressure monitoring reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Temperature Measurement
A thermometer is among the most vital tools in the diagnosis of diseases. A thermometer reading of an elevated core body temperature may indicate a medical condition that necessitates additional testing in order to make a diagnosis. Doctors in our Diagnostic Laboratory can use your ears, forehead, or both to take your body temperature. There may be other diagnostic indicators in fever trends and patterns. The presence of a fever is the only way to distinguish between a number of diseases and ailments.
Weight Measurement
Weight is an easy-to-use but useful indicator to monitor health and well-being. Changes in weight, particularly ones that cause an inexplicable increase or loss of weight, may provide important details on overall health. Tracking changes in weight over time can provide information about eating habits, metabolic health, and underlying medical conditions. Gaining awareness of our weight enables us to respond quickly to unhealthful weight fluctuations, which is essential for assessing general health.
Height Measurement
A child’s height has a big impact on how their body mass index (BMI) is calculated and how well their growth is assessed. It facilitates the evaluation of general health and nutrition. Knowing a child’s height makes it easier to monitor their progress and recognize developmental milestones. Self-assessment of height facilitates the quick detection of growth issues and guides the use of appropriate treatment plans.
Body Mass Index Calculation (BMI)
To determine your BMI, factors such as your weight and height are considered. To find out if you are underweight, overweight, or within a healthy weight range, we utilize this helpful tool. The BMI ranges and classifications used to group people according to their weight status provide information regarding potential health risks. In our diagnostic laboratory, we may determine a person’s current weight and any pertinent health risks by evaluating their BMI, which empowers them to make informed decisions.
Vision Test
During our vision tests, we look for any eye problems and assess visual acuity. It is necessary to identify visual issues early on in order to maintain good eye health. Vision exams can identify cataracts, refractive issues, and other eye illnesses by assessing visual acuity, colour vision, and peripheral vision. Vision tests’ contributions to healthcare include their use to treat and discover eye issues early on, therefore protecting visual health.
Hearing Tests
These evaluations look at auditory function and find issues with hearing, such as hearing loss. Early intervention can prevent hearing loss in the future. Comprehensive evaluations of hearing ability can be obtained using non-contact tympanometry, pure-tone testing, and speech testing. Individuals who have hearing tests live longer, healthier lives and may better handle the early stages of hearing loss.
Stool Test
In our diagnostic laboratory, samples of stool are used to examine the gastrointestinal tract for issues including bleeding, infections, and digestive disorders. The continuous evaluation and diagnosis of intestinal health depend on them as an essential tool. Stool tests identify the presence of pathogens, parasites, microbial flora, and faecal occult blood. Numerous gastrointestinal problems can be diagnosed with them. Stool testing can detect gastrointestinal issues early on, enabling timely monitoring and treatment.
Sputum Test
An examination of respiratory secretions, known as a sputum test, can identify lung problems, tuberculosis, and respiratory infections. In order to diagnose respiratory issues, sputum tests search for bacteria, viruses, or aberrant cells in sputum samples. Resolving respiratory infections appropriately requires sputum testing.
Throat Swab Test
In addition to strep throat, throat swab testing can also detect certain other bacterial and viral infections. By identifying the specific bacteria that cause throat infections, throat swab tests make it possible to create treatment strategies that are more effective. Tonsil tests using throat swabs offer an accurate tonsil diagnosis, facilitating prompt and effective treatment.
Blood Culture
Blood culture tests can identify bloodstream illnesses (bacteremia or fungemia) by identifying bacteria or fungi in the blood. In blood culture,” bacteria are cultivated in blood samples to check if they proliferate. This process helps identify the pathogens. Blood culture testing is used to identify the best antibiotic therapy for severe infections.
Urine Culture
Urine culture tests allow for the diagnosis of UTIs and the identification of the particular bacteria causing the infection. To determine which bacteria are causing UTIs and to monitor how they are responding to therapy, a urine culture can be performed. Urine cultures are essential for diagnosing, treating, and avoiding UTI-related issues.
Sputum Culture
Sputum culture testing offers the opportunity to identify the bacteria causing respiratory infections, which is crucial for developing effective treatment regimens. Sputum culture’s capacity to distinguish between bacterial, viral, and fungal illnesses enables precise diagnosis and individualized treatment plans. A sputum culture is required to identify the agents causing respiratory infections in order to maximize therapy.
Throat Swab Culture
By isolating and describing the microorganisms causing throat infections, tests employing throat swab cultures can identify the pathogens. The capacity to recognize specific bacterial strains by throat swab culture enables the selection of antibiotics. When a throat swab culture is used to precisely identify and treat throat infections, complications are less likely to occur.
Tissue Biopsy
Tissue biopsies include the removal of a small sample of tissue for microscopic examination. They are essential in the diagnosis of several diseases, including cancer. To perform tissue biopsies, a variety of techniques are employed, including needle and surgical biopsies; each technique was created specially to satisfy a patient’s diagnostic needs. Tissue samples are currently the primary means of identification for determining the optimal course of action for treating diseases affecting tissues, such as cancer.
Conclusion
The greatest levels of precision and empathy are present in the diagnostic laboratory services provided by Limuru Cottage Hospital. With each test, you may get a peek into your health and learn vital information that can help with diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Our commitment to comprehensive care encompasses not only these diagnostic methods but also a holistic approach to well-being.
Feel free to contact us with any specific questions you may have about our diagnostic laboratory services or if you would like further information. Providing you with pertinent information is part of our effort to make sure you take an active role in your health journey.
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