Lab testing is a valuable tool that healthcare professionals use to diagnose and manage various medical conditions. Lab testing involves analyzing samples of blood, urine, tissue, or other bodily fluids to detect and measure various substances in the body.
Lab testing can help healthcare professionals identify the underlying causes of various symptoms or diseases, monitor the efficacy or safety of certain medications or therapies, or screen for certain risk factors or conditions.
In this article, we will discuss when lab testing is most effective and mention some of the laboratory tests available at an urgent care center near you.
When is Lab Testing Most Effective?
Lab testing is most effective when it is conducted by a professional medical expert using quality testing materials. This is why it is important to always see a qualified medical professional when you are ill or have concerns about your health. When determining which doctor to see for lab testing, ask about the variety of lab services they offer and which laboratory they work with to test their samples.
Some labs offer fast results, while some take several days or weeks. If you are ill, you want results as quickly as possible. That’s why at Cornerstone Urgent Care Center, we offer prompt and highly accurate lab testing to get patients in and out of our clinic with answers and solutions to their health issues.
Blood Sugar Test
A fingerstick glucose test is a quick test used to measure the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This test involves pricking the finger with a small needle and placing a drop of blood onto a test strip, which is then inserted into a handheld device to read the glucose level. This type of test can be performed by trained medical professionals to get accurate results, which are important for monitoring a patient’s health, or by the patient themselves using a small device available for home use.
Flu Test
A flu test is used to diagnose influenza, a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The flu can lead to serious complications, especially in individuals with chronic diseases, infants, and the elderly. This test involves swabbing the back of the throat or nose to collect a sample, which is then tested for the presence of the influenza virus, and identify the type of flu virus the patient contracted.
Mono Screening
A mononucleosis screening test is used to diagnose mononucleosis, a highly contagious viral illness caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This test involves drawing blood and testing for the presence of specific antibodies to the virus.
Occult Blood Test
An occult blood test is used to screen for the presence of blood in the stool, which is not visible to the naked eye. Blood in the stool could indicate serious gastrointestinal conditions such as gastrointestinal bleeding or colon cancer. This test involves collecting a stool sample and testing it for the presence of blood.
Pregnancy Test
A pregnancy test is used to determine if a woman is pregnant. The test checks for the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced in the urine or blood during pregnancy. Testing the blood yields more accurate results and can confirm pregnancy even in the early stages.
Strep Throat Screening
A strep throat screening test is used to diagnose strep throat, a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes. It involves swabbing the back of the throat to collect a sample, which is then tested for the presence of the bacteria that causes strep throat.
Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a test used to evaluate the health of the urinary system and detect a wide range of conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney problems, and diabetes. For the test, a urine sample is collected and analyzed for the presence of various substances, such as glucose, protein, and bacteria.
Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP)
A complete metabolic panel (CMP) is a blood test that measures various components in the blood. It is used to assess your chemical balance and metabolic health and help detect certain conditions such as electrolyte imbalance, kidney disease, and liver inflammation.
Lab Testing Services in Rochester, NY
Cornerstone Urgent Care Center offers a range of laboratory testing services at our walk-in clinic at 2968 Chili Avenue. We use these tests to evaluate your health and plan your treatment. Our in-house diagnostic team ensures we stay true to our promise of providing you with a timely diagnosis and treatment. For any questions, call us today at (585) 207-0088. You can also check in before your arrival for faster processing.
