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Showing posts from August, 2025

Fertility Hormonal Profile Test

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1. Objective : The objective of the test was to measure the levels of key reproductive hormones in the blood to assess fertility status, diagnose reproductive disorders, and guide treatment for infertility. 2. Principle : The test was based on immunoassay techniques (such as ELISA or chemiluminescence), in which specific antibodies bound to targeted hormones like FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone. The intensity of the color or light emitted during the reaction was directly proportional to the concentration of each hormone in the sample. 3. Materials: • Patient’s fasting blood sample (serum) • Hormonal assay kits for each hormone (FSH, LH, Prolactin, Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, TSH if required) • Micropipettes and sterile tips • Centrifuge • Test tubes and racks • Incubator/water bath • Microplate reader or chemiluminescence analyzer • PPE (gloves, lab coat, mask) 4. Procedure (Microscopic) : 1. The patient’s blood sample was collected ...

Lipid Profile Test

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1. Objective: The objective of the test was to measure the concentration of different lipids in the patient’s blood, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and VLDL cholesterol, to assess cardiovascular health and lipid metabolism. 2. Principle : The test was based on enzymatic colorimetric methods in which specific enzymes reacted with lipid components to produce a colored complex. The intensity of the color, measured spectrophotometrically, was directly proportional to the lipid concentration in the sample. 3. Materials : • Patient’s serum sample • Cholesterol reagent kit • Triglyceride reagent kit • HDL cholesterol precipitating reagent • Spectrophotometer • Micropipettes and tips • Test tubes • Centrifuge • Incubator or water bath • Personal protective equipment (PPE) 4. Procedure (Microscopic) : 1. The patient’s fasting blood sample was collected and allowed to clot. 2. The sample was centrifuged to separate the serum. 3. For tota...

Coombs Test (Direct and Indirect Antiglobul) test

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1. Objective Direct Coombs Test (DCT): The objective was to detect antibodies or complement proteins already bound to the patient's red blood cells, indicating in vivo sensitization. Indirect Coombs Test (ICT): The objective was to detect free antibodies present in the patient’s serum that could bind to red blood cells, usually used for blood compatibility testing. 2. Principle DCT : The test was based on adding Coombs reagent (antihuman globulin) to washed red blood cells. If antibodies or complement were already bound to the cells, the reagent caused agglutination. ICT : The test worked by mixing the patient’s serum with donor red cells, incubating to allow antibody binding, then washing and adding Coombs reagent to detect bound antibodies via agglutination. 3. Materials - Patient's blood sample (for serum and RBCs) - Coombs reagent (Antihuman globulin) - Red blood cells (from patient for DCT; from donor for ICT) - Test tubes - Centrifuge - Normal saline - Microsc...

Genotype Test (Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Method)

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1. Objective : The objective of the genotype test was to determine the genetic type of hemoglobin present in an individual, especially to identify conditions like sickle cell disease (SS, AS) or thalassemia. 2. Principle : The test was based on the principle of electrophoresis, where different types of hemoglobin (e.g., HbA, HbS, HbC, HbF) migrated at different rates on an electrophoretic medium due to differences in their charge and structure. 3. Materials : • EDTA blood sample • Hemolysing reagent • Electrophoresis apparatus (agarose or cellulose acetate gel) • Power supply • Buffer solution (alkaline pH) • Staining dye • Sample applicator • Capillary tubes or pipettes • Filter paper, gloves, and PPE 4. Procedure : 1. A venous blood sample was collected in an EDTA tube. 2. Red blood cells were lysed to release hemoglobin. 3. The hemolysate was applied to the electrophoresis gel strip. 4. Electrophoresis was carried out at alkaline pH using an electric current. 5. After se...

Complete Blood Count (CBC) test

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1. Objective The objective of the Complete Blood Count (CBC) test was to evaluate the overall health and detect a variety of disorders, such as anemia, infection, inflammation, and blood cancers, by measuring different components of blood. 2. Principle The test was based on the automated or manual quantification of blood cells (RBCs, WBCs, platelets) and the measurement of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red cell indices using electrical impedance, light scattering, or microscopy. 3. Materials EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood sample Automated hematology analyzer Microscope (for manual differential) Hemocytometer (if manual counting required) Glass slides, cover slips, Wright’s or Giemsa stain Gloves and PPE 4. Procedure (Automated method) 1. A venous blood sample was collected in an EDTA tube. 2. The sample was loaded into the hematology analyzer. 3. The analyzer performed measurements using methods like impedance and flow cytometry. 4. A peripheral blood smear was prepared and ...

Stool White Blood Cells (WBC) Test

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1. Objective : The objective of this test was to detect the presence of white blood cells (WBCs) in the stool sample, which indicated inflammation or infection in the gastrointestinal tract. 2. Principle : The test was based on the principle that WBCs migrate to the site of infection or inflammation in the intestine. Their presence in stool suggested an invasive bacterial infection (e.g., Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter) or inflammatory bowel disease. 3. Materials Used : Fresh stool sample Glass slides and coverslips Methylene blue or Gram stain Applicator sticks Microscope Dropper and saline 4. Procedure (Microscopic) : 1. A small amount of stool was placed on a glass slide. 2. A drop of saline or methylene blue was added and mixed gently. 3. A coverslip was placed on the mixture. 4. The slide was examined under a microscope under low and high power. 5. The presence and number of WBCs were recorded. 5. Result : Positive: WBCs were observed, indicating inflammation or i...

Urine Albumin to Creatinine Ratio Test

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Kidneys act like filters for human blood. When they start to become damaged, one of the first signs is that small amounts of protein, called albumin, leak into your urine.  A simple urine test, called the uACR test (urine albumin to creatinine ratio), can help detect early signs of kidney damage, especially for people with diabetes or high blood pressure. It’s quick, painless, and could make all the difference. Read more here Read Also: PCV, Hematocrit Timing in Blood Tests

Reducing Substances in Stool Test

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1. Objective The objective of this test was to detect the presence of reducing sugars (e.g., glucose, lactose, galactose, fructose) in the stool, which indicated possible carbohydrate malabsorption, particularly in infants and young children. Backup page   2. Principle The test was based on the principle that reducing sugars could donate electrons to other molecules. In this procedure, reducing sugars present in the stool reduced copper(II) sulfate in an alkaline solution (Benedict’s reagent) to cuprous oxide, forming a color change. This color shift was used to estimate the presence and quantity of reducing substances. 3. Materials • Fresh stool sample • Benedict’s reagent • Test tubes • Water bath • Pipettes or droppers • Test tube holder and rack • Gloves and lab coat 4. Procedure (Microscopic) • A small amount of fresh stool was emulsified in distilled water. • About 5 ml of Benedict’s reagent was added to the test tube containing the stool solution. • The test tube...

Sickle Cell Test

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1. Objective The objective of the Sickle Cell Test was to detect the presence of Hemoglobin S (HbS), which caused sickle cell disease or sickle cell trait. The test aimed to screen or diagnose individuals who inherited the mutated beta-globin gene. 2. Principle The principle of the test was based on the fact that Hemoglobin S polymerized under low oxygen tension, causing red blood cells to become crescent or sickle-shaped. These abnormally shaped cells were detected microscopically (sickling test), through solubility tests, or by electrophoresis to differentiate hemoglobin types. 3. Materials • Anticoagulated blood sample (EDTA) • Sodium metabisulfite (for sickling test) • Microscope and glass slides • Hemoglobin electrophoresis equipment (for confirmatory test) • Solubility test reagent kit (for rapid screening) • Coverslips • Test tubes and pipettes • Gloves and safety equipment 4. Procedure (Microscopic Sickling Test) 1. A drop of the patient’s blood was placed on a clea...

‎𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀

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‎𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝘽𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙏𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙨 𝘼𝙧𝙚 𝙀𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡 — Here’s Why Time Plays a Critical Role ‎🧠 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮: ‎Your body works in biological rhythms, especially circadian rhythm — a 24-hour internal clock that affects hormones, enzymes, metabolism, and more. Some substances in your blood rise and fall naturally during the day. ‎That’s why the timing of a blood test can affect accuracy, interpretation, and diagnosis. ‎🔹 𝟭. 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 (𝗚𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗼𝘀𝗲, 𝗟𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲, 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗻) ‎Timing: Morning after 8–12 hours of fasting ‎Why: Eating before the test can raise sugar and cholesterol levels ‎Post-meal blood sugar doesn’t reflect baseline body levels ‎Morning fasting is standard for consistency and comparison ‎🧪𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱: ‎Fasting Blood Glucose ‎HbA1c (less affected, but often combined) ‎Lipid Profile ‎Insulin ‎🔹 2. 𝗛𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 (𝗖𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗹, 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗲, 𝗧𝗦𝗛) ‎Timing: E...

Hematocrit (Hct) Test , Packed Cell Volume

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1. Objective The objective of the test was to determine the percentage of red blood cells (RBCs) in a given volume of blood, which helped assess anemia, polycythemia, and hydration status. 2. Principle The principle of the hematocrit test was based on the separation of blood components by centrifugation. When anticoagulated blood was centrifuged, red blood cells settled at the bottom, plasma remained at the top, and a thin buffy coat of white blood cells and platelets appeared in between. The packed cell volume (PCV) was measured as a percentage of the total blood volume. 3. Materials • Capillary tubes (heparinized or plain) • Anticoagulated blood (EDTA) • Microhematocrit centrifuge • Clay sealant • Ruler or hematocrit reader • Gloves • Disinfectant • Lancet (if using finger prick) 4. Procedure (Microscopic Method) 1. Capillary tubes were filled up to 75% with well-mixed anticoagulated blood. 2. One end of each tube was sealed with clay. 3. The tubes were placed in the micr...

Hepatitis B Profile Test

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1. Objective : The objective of the Hepatitis B profile test was to detect and evaluate infection status, immune response, and chronicity of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in a patient. 2. Principle : The test was based on ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) or rapid immunochromatographic methods, which detected HBV antigens and antibodies using specific binding and visual color development. 3. Materials : Patient’s blood sample (serum or plasma) HBV profile test kit (ELISA or rapid strip) Micropipette and tips Test tubes and reagents Incubator (for ELISA) ELISA reader (if applicable) Gloves and protective gear 4. Proceduer 1. Blood was collected aseptically and serum was separated. 2. Test strips or ELISA wells were prepared with required reagents. 3. Serum was added to each test zone (e.g., HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBe, anti-HBc). 4. The test was incubated (e.g., 15–30 mins for rapid tests or 1–2 hours for ELISA). 5. Color development or band formation was observed. 6....

Stool Culture Test

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  1. Objective : The objective of the stool culture test was to isolate and identify pathogenic bacteria in a patient's fecal sample, particularly those causing gastrointestinal infections. 2. Principle: The test was based on the cultivation of stool specimens on selective and differential media to promote the growth of enteric pathogens while inhibiting normal flora. Biochemical and serological methods were then used to identify specific organisms. 3. Materials: • Fresh stool sample • Sterile stool collection container • Inoculating loop • Culture media: MacConkey agar, XLD agar, SS agar, Selenite F broth • Incubator (35–37°C) • Biochemical test kits (TSI, SIM, Citrate, Urease, etc.) • Gram staining reagents • PPE (gloves, mask, lab coat) READ ALSO: Bleeding Time (BT) Test Urine Test General Macroscopic chemical 4. Procedure (Microbiological): 1. The stool sample was collected in a sterile container and transported promptly to the lab. 2. Using an inoculating loop, a p...

Urine Test (General/Macroscopic, Chemical, and Microscopic Examination)

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Urine Test (General/Macroscopic, Chemical, and Microscopic Examination)  1. Objective: The objective of the urine test was to assess the physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics of a urine sample to aid in the diagnosis of renal, metabolic, and systemic conditions. 2. Principle : The test was based on the analysis of urine through three components: • Physical examination for color, clarity, and volume • Chemical examination using reagent strips to detect substances like glucose, protein, ketones, etc. • Microscopic examination of centrifuged urine sediment to detect cells, crystals, and microorganisms 3. Materials : • Fresh urine sample in a sterile container • Urine reagent strip (dipstick) • Centrifuge and test tubes • Microscope and slides with cover slips • Glass rod or pipette • Gloves READ ALSO: Bleeding Time (BT) Test 4. Procedure: A. Physical Examination: 1. The color, clarity, and odor of the urine were noted. 2. The volume was measured i...

Differences between clotting and bleeding time

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Clotting Time vs Bleeding Time Clotting Time - Measures : Time it takes for blood to clot in a test tube. - Assesses : Coagulation cascade function. - Tests : Intrinsic and extrinsic clotting pathways. - Examples : Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT). Bleeding Time - Measures : Time it takes for bleeding to stop after a standardized cut or puncture wound. - Assesses : Platelet function and primary hemostasis. - Tests : Ability of platelets to form a platelet plug. Read Also: Bleeding Time (BT) Test Key Differences - Mechanism : Clotting time evaluates coagulation factors, while bleeding time assesses platelet function and vascular response. - Method : Clotting time is measured in vitro (in a test tube), while bleeding time is measured in vivo (in the body). Both tests provide valuable information about hemostasis and can help diagnose bleeding disorders. © Mr Adedeji Adeyanju via WhatsApp 

Bleeding Time (BT) Test

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1. Objective : The objective of the Bleeding Time (BT) test was to evaluate the time taken for small blood vessels to stop bleeding after a standardized skin puncture, thus assessing platelet function and vascular integrity. 2. Principle : The test was based on the principle that bleeding time reflects platelet plug formation at the site of vascular injury. Any defect in platelet number, function, or vessel wall integrity prolonged the bleeding time. 3. Materials : Sterile lancet or bleeding time device Stopwatch Filter paper (Whatman No. 1) Sphygmomanometer Alcohol swab Ruler Cotton and adhesive bandage 4. Procedure (Duke’s Method or Ivy’s Method): (Ivy’s Method – more standard): 1. The patient’s forearm was cleaned and a blood pressure cuff was inflated to 40 mmHg. 2. A standardized incision (usually 5 mm long, 1 mm deep) was made on the volar surface using a lancet. 3. The stopwatch was started immediately. 4. Every 30 seconds, the blood was gently blotted with filter pa...