Diagnostic Tests

1. Overview: What this test reveals and why it is important Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is an antibody class primarily involved in type I (immediate) hypersensitivity reactions and defence against parasitic infections. Total IgE measures the overall concentration of this antibody in blood, while specific IgE tests quantify reactivity to individual allergens. Elevated total IgE indicates an atopic predisposition (allergic asthma, eczema, rhinitis) or, in certain regions, helminthic

1. Overview: What this test reveals and why it is important Morning cortisol measures the concentration of cortisol in blood collected between 7:00 am and 9:00 am, when levels are naturally at their peak. Cortisol is the primary glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex, regulated by the hypothalamic‑pituitary‑adrenal (HPA) axis. It governs stress response, glucose metabolism, immune modulation, blood pressure, and circadian rhythm. A morning sample provides the m

1. Overview: What this test reveals and why it is important HbA1c reflects your average blood glucose levels over the preceding 2–3 months. Glucose attaches irreversibly to haemoglobin; the percentage of haemoglobin that is glycated correlates directly with mean glycaemia. It is the cornerstone test for diagnosing diabetes, assessing glycaemic control, and predicting long‑term complication risk. Unlike fingerstick glucose or fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c does not require fast

1. Overview: What this test reveals and why it is important ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube over one hour. It is a non‑specific marker of inflammation. When inflammation is present, certain proteins (fibrinogen, immunoglobulins) cause red cells to clump and fall faster. The test helps detect, monitor, and follow the activity of inflammatory conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. It does not diagnose a spec