HealthKey Labs

  Electrolytes are substances that help regulate a number of important physiological processes in the human body. They play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, muscle and nerve function, and blood pressure. In order to assess the levels of these essential substances in the body, a pathology lab may perform an electrolyte blood test. An electrolyte blood test measures the levels of ions such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate in the bloodstream. These ions have a significant impact on various bodily functions and a change in their levels can lead to serious health problems. For example, high levels of potassium can cause heart problems, while low levels of sodium can lead to dehydration and confusion. The electrolyte blood test is commonly ordered as part of a routine medical check-up or when a patient experiences symptoms such as muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat, and confusion. In some cases, the test may also be used to monitor the effectivene...

Kidney function tests are a group of tests that check how well the kidneys are working. The kidneys are important organs that perform several crucial functions in the body, such as filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood, regulating the balance of electrolytes, producing hormones that regulate red blood cell production and control blood pressure, and more. Regular kidney function tests help detect problems early on and monitor the effectiveness of any treatment. Kidney function tests typically involve measuring the levels of certain substances in the blood and urine that are indicative of how well the kidneys are functioning. Some of the most common tests include creatinine tests, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) tests, uric acid tests, and urine creatinine tests. In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI may also be performed to provide a more comprehensive picture of the kidneys' structure and function. Anatomy and physiology of the kidneys  The anatom...

  Cholesterol is a type of fat that's found in your blood. It's important for the normal functioning of your body, but having high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. In this blog post, we'll provide a brief overview of cholesterol, discuss why it's important to know your cholesterol levels, and provide some tips on how to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Brief Overview of Cholesterol: Cholesterol is a type of lipid that is produced naturally by the liver and can also be found in certain foods, such as meat, eggs, and dairy products. There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) . LDL is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease. HDL, on the other hand, is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps to remove excess cholesterol from your blood. Importance of Knowing Yo...

  Testosterone is a hormone that is primarily produced in the testes of men and the ovaries of women, although both genders produce small amounts of the hormone in their adrenal glands. Testosterone plays a crucial role in many functions within the human body, including muscle growth, bone density, and sexual function. While often associated with men, testosterone is also essential for women's health, playing a role in maintaining bone density and regulating mood. Despite the important role that testosterone plays in the body, many people are not aware of the potential risks associated with low testosterone levels. In men, low testosterone levels can lead to a condition known as hypogonadism, which can cause a range of symptoms including fatigue, decreased muscle mass, and low libido. Women with low testosterone levels may experience similar symptoms, as well as irregular menstrual cycles and vaginal dryness. For these reasons, testing testosterone levels can be an essential pa...

  Serum Creatinine: A Vital Indicator of Kidney Function Serum creatinine is a waste product produced by the muscles in the body, and it is an important indicator of kidney function. It is commonly used in medical labs to diagnose and monitor a range of kidney-related conditions and diseases. In this blog, we will explore the importance of serum creatinine testing, how it is performed, what the results indicate, and much more. Why Serum Creatinine Testing is Important The kidneys are essential organs that play a critical role in removing waste and excess fluids from the body. Serum creatinine levels in the blood are a good indicator of how well the kidneys are functioning. Elevated creatinine levels may indicate kidney disease or failure, muscle damage, or dehydration, among other conditions. Serum creatinine testing is important for individuals who have a family history of kidney disease, have high blood pressure or diabetes, or have a history of kidney injury or surgery. ...