Is it possible to periodically take some tests to be sure that you are not sick with anything, or to “catch” terrible disease on early stage When does it respond well to treatment?

Olga Alexandrova, a therapist of the highest category, answers:

- The test results allow not only to diagnose existing diseases and changes in the body, but also to prevent them. Despite the eloquence of many laboratory indicators, only a doctor can make a diagnosis, since changes in some indicators may not occur against the background pathological processes, and due to the impact external factors, for example, taking certain medications or intense physical activity.

Heart attack, heart failure, atherosclerosis

Diseases of the cardiovascular system

Must take: general and biochemical analysis blood.

How often: 2 times a year.

Important indicators:

The most important is the level of cholesterol in the blood. High level cholesterol indicates the risk of developing atherosclerosis and coronary disease hearts.

The norm for total cholesterol is 3.61-5.21 mmol/l.

The level of “bad” low-density cholesterol (LDL) is from 2.250 to 4.820 mmol/l.

Level of "good" cholesterol with high density(HDL) - from 0.71 to 1.71 mmol/l.

Also important:

ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) - an increase in these indicators indicates problems with muscle cells heart, the occurrence of myocardial infarction.

The ALT norm in women is up to 31 U/l, in men - up to 41 U/l.

The AST norm in women is up to 31 U/l), in men - up to 35-41 U/l.

C-reactive protein - indicator inflammatory process or tissue necrosis.

The norm for everyone is less than 5 mg/l.

Thrombosis

Must take: coagulogram. It gives an idea of the coagulability and viscosity of blood, the possibility of blood clots or bleeding.

How often: 1 time per year.

Important indicators:

APTT - the period of time during which a blood clot forms - 27-49 seconds.

Thrombosed index - the ratio of plasma clotting time and control plasma clotting time - 95-105%.

Fibrinogen is the first factor of the blood coagulation system - 2.0-4.0 g/l, or 5.8-11.6 µmol/l.

Platelets - 200-400 x 109/l.

Diabetes

You must take a blood sugar test from a finger prick (taken strictly on an empty stomach).

How often: 2 times a year.

Important indicator:

Blood glucose level: normal - 3.3-5.5 mmol/l.

You must take a blood test for glycated hemoglobin.

The norm is less than 6%.

6,0-6,5% - increased risk development diabetes mellitus and its complications, according to WHO.

Oncology

There are several types of tests that can detect cancer at an early stage.

After 40 years of age, tests must be taken once every 2 years.

Colorectal cancer

You must take a stool test for occult blood.

The presence of blood indicates hidden bleeding from the lower sections gastrointestinal tract which may indicate the presence of a tumor.

Cervical cancer

You must take: a cytological smear from the cervix, which is taken during a gynecological examination. Shows precancerous changes in the mucous membrane of the cervix - CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia).

Leukemia (blood cancer)

Must submit: general analysis blood.

With leukemia, the number of lymphocytes changes (it can be higher or lower, but it is never normal. The level of platelets falls (can be 4-5 times lower than the lower limit of normal). ESR in leukemia increases significantly.

Ulcer, colitis, etc. diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Must pass: coprogram.

How often: 1 time every 2 years.

Allows you to identify diseases of the intestines, biliary system, and pancreas.

To diagnose Helicobacter pylori infection, which causes gastritis and stomach ulcers, a urease breath test is used (one of the metabolic products of the Helicobacter pylori bacterium is urease).

Endocrine diseases

Must take: blood test for hormones thyroid gland.

How often: once a year or after severe stress.

Important indicator:

The hormone TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is the main regulator of the thyroid gland, which is produced by the pituitary gland.

The norm is 0.4-4.0 mU/l. Increased level Blood TSH may indicate hypothyroidism - a disease of the thyroid gland (insufficient amounts of hormones are produced). Reduced level TSH is called thyrotoxicosis and is characterized by an excess of thyroid hormones in the body, which can lead to dysfunction nervous system, as well as disrupt the functioning of the cells responsible for the correct rhythm of the heart.

Hepatitis

You must take a blood test from a vein to check for antibodies.

How often: once a year or after operations, questionable sexual relations.

The presence of hepatitis can be indirectly judged by the presence of bilirubin in a urine test. Normally it shouldn't be there.

Nephritis, pyelonephritis and other diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract

You must take a general urine test.

How often: 2 times a year.

Important indicator- protein concentration. It should be below 0.140 g/l.

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Answers Olga Alexandrova, therapist of the highest category:

The test results allow not only to diagnose existing diseases and changes in the body, but also to prevent them. Despite the eloquence of many laboratory indicators, only a doctor can make a diagnosis, since changes in some indicators may occur not against the background of pathological processes, but due to the influence of external factors, for example, taking certain medications or intense physical activity.

Heart attack, heart failure, atherosclerosis

Diseases of the cardiovascular system

Must pass: general and biochemical blood test.

How often: 2 times per year.

Important indicators:

The most important- cholesterol level in the blood. High cholesterol levels indicate a risk of developing atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

The norm for total cholesterol is 3.61-5.21 mmol/l.

The level of “bad” low-density cholesterol (LDL) is from 2.250 to 4.820 mmol/l.

The level of “good” high-density cholesterol (HDL) is from 0.71 to 1.71 mmol/l.

Also important:

ALT(alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) - an increase in these indicators indicates problems with the muscle cells of the heart and the occurrence of myocardial infarction.

The ALT norm in women is up to 31 U/l, in men - up to 41 U/l.

Norm AST in women - up to 31 U/l), in men - up to 35-41 U/l.

C-reactive protein- an indicator of inflammation or tissue necrosis.

The norm for everyone is less than 5 mg/l.

Thrombosis

Must pass: coagulogram. It gives an idea of the coagulability and viscosity of blood, the possibility of blood clots or bleeding.

How often: 1 time per year.

Important indicators:

APTT- the period of time during which a blood clot forms is 27-49 seconds.

Thrombosed index- the ratio of plasma clotting time and control plasma clotting time is 95-105%.

Fibrinogen- first factor of the blood coagulation system - 2.0-4.0 g/l, or 5.8-11.6 µmol/l.

Platelets- 200-400 x 109/l.

Diabetes

Must pass: blood sugar test from a finger prick (taken strictly on an empty stomach).

How often: 2 times per year.

Important indicator:

Blood glucose level: norm - 3.3-5.5 mmol/l.

Must pass: blood test for glycated hemoglobin.

The norm is less than 6%.

6.0-6.5% - increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus and its complications, according to WHO.

Oncology

There are several types of tests that can detect cancer at an early stage.

After 40 years of age, tests must be taken once every 2 years.

Colorectal cancer

Must pass: fecal occult blood test.

The presence of blood indicates hidden bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract, which may indicate the presence of a tumor.

Cervical cancer

Must pass: a cytological smear from the cervix, which is taken during a gynecological examination. Shows precancerous changes in the mucous membrane of the cervix - CIN (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia).

Leukemia (blood cancer)

Must pass: general blood analysis.

Ulcer, colitis, etc. diseases of the gastrointestinal tract

Need to pass: coprogram.

How often: 1 time every 2 years.

Allows you to identify diseases of the intestines, biliary system, and pancreas.

To diagnose Helicobacter pylori infection, which causes gastritis and stomach ulcers, a urease breath test is used (one of the metabolic products of the Helicobacter pylori bacterium is urease).

Endocrine diseases

Must pass: blood test for thyroid hormones.

How often: 1 time per year or after severe stress.

Important indicator: TSH hormone (thyroid-stimulating hormone) is the main regulator of the thyroid gland, which is produced by the pituitary gland.

The norm is 0.4-4.0 mU/l. An elevated blood TSH level may indicate hypothyroidism, a disease of the thyroid gland (insufficient amounts of hormones are produced). A low level of TSH is called thyrotoxicosis and is characterized by an excess of thyroid hormones in the body, which can lead to disruption of the nervous system, as well as disrupt the functioning of cells responsible for the correct rhythm of the heart.

Hepatitis

Must pass: blood test from a vein to check for antibodies.

How often: 1 time per year or after operations, questionable sexual relations.

The presence of hepatitis can be indirectly judged by the presence of bilirubin in a urine test. Normally it shouldn't be there.

Nephritis, pyelonephritis, etc. Diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract

Must pass: General urine test.

How often: 2 times per year.

An important indicator is protein concentration. It should be below 0.140 g/l.

Hormones are biological active substances which are produced by various glands endocrine system, after which they enter the blood. They influence the functioning of the entire organism, largely determining the physical and mental health person. Hormone tests help to significantly clarify clinical picture disease and prevent its development.

Of course, not every pathology requires urgent such tests, especially since the human body produces dozens of types of hormones, each of which has its own “sphere of influence.”

Hormonal tests: when and why are they prescribed?

Hormone levels are most often determined in the blood, less often in the urine. Hormone tests may be prescribed, for example, in the following cases:

disturbances in the development of certain organs;
pregnancy diagnosis;
infertility;
pregnancy with threat of miscarriage;
kidney dysfunction;
metabolic disorders;
problems with hair, nails and skin;
depression and other mental problems;
tumor diseases.

A referral for analysis can be given by a pediatrician, therapist, endocrinologist, gynecologist, gastroenterologist, or psychiatrist.

Preparing for hormone tests

What rules should be followed when donating blood to analyze hormone levels so that the results are as accurate as possible? It is necessary to refrain from eating for 7-12 hours before blood collection. During the day before the study, alcohol, coffee, physical exercise, stress, sexual contacts. The possibility of taking medications during this period should be discussed with your doctor. When studying hormonal status, it is important for women to know which day of the cycle they should take tests. Thus, blood is donated for follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormones and prolactin on days 3–5 of the cycle, for testosterone on days 8–10, and for progesterone and estradiol on days 21–22.

If you donate daily urine, you should strictly adhere to the collection scheme and observe the storage conditions.

General principles of conducting and interpreting analysis

Blood for research is taken from a vein in the morning on an empty stomach. The study period is usually 1–2 days. The obtained result is compared by the doctor with the hormone concentration standards developed taking into account the patient’s gender, age and other factors. The patient himself can study these norms.

Laboratory diagnostic methods

Only a specialist (endocrinologist, gynecologist, therapist, gastroenterologist, etc.) can decide which tests need to be taken for hormones based on the results of the examination. Moreover, the number of tests is commensurate with the number of hormones, and there are more than 100 of them in the body. In the article we will consider only the most common types of studies.

Assessment of somatotropic function of the pituitary gland necessary for people who have gigantism, acromegaly (enlarged skull, hands and feet) or dwarfism. The normal level of somatotropic hormone in the blood is 0.2–13 mU/l, somatomedin-C is 220–996 ng/ml at the age of 14–16 years, 66–166 ng/ml after 80 years.

Pathologies of the pituitary-adrenal system manifest themselves in disruption of the body's homeostasis: increased blood clotting, increased carbohydrate synthesis, decreased protein and mineral metabolism. To diagnose such pathological conditions It is necessary to determine the content of the following hormones in the body:

Adrenocorticotropic hormone is responsible for skin pigmentation and the breakdown of fats; the norm is less than 22 pmol/l in the first half of the day and no more than 6 pmol/l in the second.
Cortisol regulates metabolism, the norm is 250–720 nmol/l in the first half of the day and 50–250 nmol/l in the second (the difference in concentration should be at least 100 nmol/l).
Free cortisol - given if you suspect the presence of Itsenko-Cushing's disease. The amount of hormone in urine is 138–524 nmol/day.

These tests are often prescribed by endocrinologists for obesity or underweight; they are taken to determine whether there are serious hormonal imbalances and which ones.

Thyroid dysfunction manifested by increased irritability, changes in body weight, increased blood pressure, fraught gynecological diseases and infertility. What tests should be taken for thyroid hormones if at least several of the above symptoms are detected? First of all, we are talking about studying the levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH), which regulate metabolic processes, mental activity, as well as cardiovascular, sexual and digestive systems. Normal indicators hormones look like this:

Total T3 – 1.1–3.15 pmol/l, free – 2.6–5.7 pmol/l.
Total T4 – 60–140 nmol/l, free – 100–120 nmol/l.
TSH – 0.2–4.2 mIU/l.
Antibodies to thyroglobulin – up to 115 IU/ml.
Antibodies to thyroid peroxidase – 35 IU/ml.
T-Uptake – 0.32–0.48 units.
Thyroglobulin – up to 55 ng/ml.
Antibodies to microsomal antigen of thyrocytes – less than 1.0 U/l.
Autoantibodies to thyroid-stimulating hormone receptors – 0–0.99 IU/l.

Failures in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism lead to osteoporosis or increased bone mineralization. Parathyroid hormone promotes calcium absorption in the intestinal tract, as well as reabsorption in the kidneys. The content of parathyroid hormone in the blood of an adult is 8–24 ng/l. Calcitonin promotes calcium deposition in bones, slowing its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and increasing excretion in the kidneys. The normal level of calcitonin in the blood is 5.5–28 pmol/l. It is recommended to donate blood for tests of this type at the onset of menopause, since women during this period are most susceptible to osteoporosis.

The body of any person produces both male and female hormones. Their correct balance ensures the stability of the reproductive system, normal secondary sexual characteristics, even mental condition. The production of certain sex hormones may be disrupted due to age, bad habits, heredity, endocrine diseases.

Reproductive system dysfunctions, conditioned hormonal imbalances, lead to masculine and female infertility, and also provoke miscarriages in pregnant women. If there are such problems, they donate blood to analyze female hormones, such as:

Macroprolactin is the norm for men: 44.5–375 µIU/ml, for women: 59–619 µIU/ml.
Prolactin - the norm is 40 to 600 mU/l.
Pituitary gonadotropic hormones and prolactin - before menopause the ratio is 1.
Follicle-stimulating hormone: its content in the follicular phase is normally 4-10 U/l, during the ovulation period - 10-25 U/l, during the luteal phase - 2-8 U/l.
Estrogens (the norm in the follicular phase is 5–53 pg/ml, during the ovulation period – 90–299 pg/ml and 11–116 pg/ml during the luteal phase) and progestins.
Luteinizing hormone - the norm in the follicular phase is 1-20 U/l, during the ovulation period - 26-94 U/l, during the luteal phase -0.61-16.3 U/l.
Estradiol – the norm in the follicular phase is 68–1269 nmol/l, during the ovulation period – 131–1655 nmol/l, during the luteal phase – 91–861 nmol/l.
Progesterone is the norm in the follicular phase - 0.3-0.7 µg/l, ovulation period - 0.7-1.6 µg/l, during the luteal phase 4.7-8.0 µg/l.

Assessing androgen function produced for infertility, obesity, high cholesterol, hair loss, juvenile acne, decreased potency. So:

Testosterone - normal levels in men are 12–33, in women – 0.31–3.78 nmol/l (hereinafter in the list, the first indicator is the norm for men, the second for women).
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate – 10–20 and 3.5–10 mg/day.
Sex hormone binding globulin is –13–71 and 28–112 nmol/l.
17-hydroxyprogesterone – 0.3–2.0 and 0.07–2.9 ng/ml.
17-ketosteroids: 10.0–25.0 and 7–20 mg/day.
Dihydrotestosterone – 250–990 and 24–450 ng/l.
Free testosterone – 5.5–42 and 4.1 pg/ml.
Androstenedione – 75–205 and 85–275 ng/100 ml.
Androstenediol glucuronide – 3.4–22 and 0.5–5.4 ng/ml.
Anti-Mullerian hormone – 1.3–14.8 and 1.0–10.6 ng/ml.
Inhibin B – 147–364 and 40–100 pg/ml.

Diagnosis of diabetes and assessment of endocrine pancreatic function necessary for abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, excess weight, dry mouth, skin itching, swelling. Below are the names and standard indicators of pancreatic hormones:

C-peptide – 0.78-1.89 ng/ml.
Insulin – 3.0–25.0 µU/ml.
Insulin resistance assessment index (HOMA-IR) – less than 2.77.
Proinsulin – 0.5–3.2 pmol/l.

Pregnancy monitoring carried out in order to prevent developmental pathologies and fetal death. IN antenatal clinic When registering, they tell you in detail what hormone tests need to be carried out and why you should donate blood for hormone analysis during pregnancy. In general, the following are investigated:

Chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) - its concentration depends on the stage of pregnancy: from 25–200 mU/ml at 1–2 weeks to 21,000–300,000 mU/ml at 7–11 weeks.
Free b-hCG – from 25–300 mU/ml at 1–2 weeks of pregnancy to 10,000–60,000 mU/ml at 26–37 weeks.
Free estriol (E3) – from 0.6–2.5 nmol/l at 6–7 weeks to 35.0–111.0 nmol/l at 39–40 weeks.
Pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) - the test is done from the 7th to the 14th week, the norm is from 0.17–1.54 mU/ml at 8–9 weeks to 1.47–8.54 honey/ml at 13–14 weeks.
Placental lactogen - from 0.05–1.7 mg/l at 10–14 weeks to 4.4–11.7 mg/l at 38 weeks.
Prenatal screening for trisomy 1st trimester (PRISCA-1) and 2nd trimester of pregnancy (PRISCA-2).

Malfunctions of the sympathoadrenal system should be sought if available panic attacks and others autonomic disorders. To do this, you need to donate blood for analysis and check which hormones from the list are outside the normal range:

Adrenaline (112–658 pg/ml).
Norepinephrine (less than 10 pg/ml).
Metanephrine (less than 320 mcg/day).
Dopamine (10–100 pg/ml).
Homovanillic acid (1.4–8.8 mg/day).
Normetanephrine (less than 390 mcg/day).
Vanillylmandelic acid (2.1–7.6 mg/day).
5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (3.0–15.0 mg/day).
Plasma histamine (less than 9.3 nmol/l).
Serum serotonin (40–80 mcg/l).

State of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which is responsible for maintaining circulating blood volume, allow us to evaluate hormones such as aldosterone (in blood) - 30–355 pg/ml and renin (in plasma) - 2.8–39.9 μIU/ml in the patient’s supine position and 4 .4–46.1 µIU/ml – standing.

Regulation of appetite and fat metabolism carried out using the hormone leptin, the concentration of which in the blood normally reaches 1.1–27.6 ng/ml in men and 0.5–13.8 ng/ml in women.

Assessment of the state of endocrine function of the gastrointestinal tract carried out by determining the level of gastrin (less than 10–125 pg/ml) and stimulated gastrin-17 (less than 2.5 pmol/l)

Grade hormonal regulation erythropoiesis(erythrocyte formation) is based on data on the amount of erythropoietin in the blood (5.6–28.9 IU/L in men and 8–30 IU/L in women).

The decision about what tests need to be taken for hormones should be made based on existing symptoms and preliminary diagnosis, as well as taking into account concomitant diseases.

Answer to the question " why get tested " is quite obvious and easy to explain. Usually a person goes to see a doctor when he feels unwell and the first signs of a disease. It is impossible to make a diagnosis based on an initial examination, so the doctor writes out directions for certain tests (urine, blood, feces, etc. ).

To detect the presence of a hidden disease in the body and maintain a normal state of health, it is necessary to undergo basic tests about once a year. However, many people neglect this simple rule and turn to a specialist when the disease begins to manifest itself “in all its glory.” Laboratory research allow you to make a correct diagnosis in a timely manner and begin effective treatment.

Even if a person does not experience any discomfort or malaise, it is necessary to periodically get tested in order to prevent costly treatment in the future. Laboratory studies provide the most accurate results, which allows us to study the state of the body at the cellular and molecular level.

When to get tested

If the question is why get tested , is quite obvious, many are interested in how often this needs to be done. experts recommend undergoing medical examinations at least once a year.

If a person experiences discomfort, weakness or other ailments, do not put off visiting a doctor and wait whole year or one and a half. It is necessary to contact a specialist as soon as possible and obtain a list of necessary studies. When chronic disease The frequency of testing is discussed with the attending physician. You may need to have some tests every six months or more often.

Each test prescribed by a doctor is carried out to obtain specific information and has certain advantages and disadvantages over other research methods. So, X-ray or ultrasonography allows you to assess the condition internal organs, while information about functional impairment remains unavailable.

Blood test for biochemistry provides the results necessary to study the functioning of the liver, kidneys, gallbladder and other organs, while it is impossible to detect the presence of infection in the body. To determine the infectious disease, it is necessary to conduct another study - serological blood test .

In order to study the state of the microflora and make a diagnosis of “dysbacteriosis”, it is necessary to submit feces for an appropriate analysis. Therefore, to determine various diseases need to go through different types of analyzes .

Is there a universal method for determining the disease?

Many diseases “sit” in the body and for a long time They don’t show themselves at all. The first symptoms of such ailments can be largely similar and manifest themselves in the same way: weakness, increased fatigue, drowsiness (or, conversely, insomnia).

Many attribute such phenomena to stress or vitamin deficiency. Even if a person feels absolutely healthy, periodically undergoing the simplest tests ( general urine analysis and blood, gynecological tests etc.) will allow you to identify a hidden disease and begin timely treatment.

Do tests always give correct results?

Does it happen that the study did not confirm the presence of a disease, but in fact the body suffers from an illness? Sometimes there are situations when tests for infection do not detect pathogens of the virus or antibodies to it in the blood. A similar phenomenon occurs in the case of the incubation (or latent) period of the disease.

This can also happen after taking antibiotics, which temporarily neutralize the symptoms of the disease. That is why it is very important to follow certain recommendations before conducting the study. In order for the analysis to help create a true picture of the disease, it is necessary to inform the doctor about the use medicines and follow all recommendations of a specialist. In some cases it may be necessary re-testing .