Internal Medicine Tests and Diagnosis

At PACE Hospitals, our team combines medical history review, physical examination, and cutting-edge technology to accurately identify conditions, ensuring personalized and effective treatment plans for optimal patient care.

Blood tests

Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC measures the number of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets in the blood. It helps diagnose conditions like anemia, infections, blood cancers (such as leukemia), and other immune system-related disorders. Any abnormal results could indicate underlying conditions that can be due to infections or bone marrow abnormalities. 

Blood Chemistry Panel: Blood chemistry tests measure various substances in the blood, including glucose, electrolytes, and kidney function markers. It can help diagnose diabetes, kidney diseases, electrolyte imbalances, and liver conditions. Abnormal levels of glucose may indicate diabetes, while abnormal kidney function markers may point to renal disease.

Liver Function Tests (LFT): LFTs measure enzymes, proteins, and substances in the blood that reflect liver health. These tests are used to diagnose liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease. High liver enzyme levels indicate liver inflammation or damage.

Thyroid Function Tests: These tests measure levels of thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). They are important for diagnosing thyroid disorders like underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's disease or Graves' disease.

Lipid Profile: A lipid profile tests for cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks, stroke, and atherosclerosis, while low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease.

Hemoglobin A1c: This test measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. It is primarily used to diagnose and monitor diabetes. Elevated levels indicate poor blood sugar control and an increased risk of diabetic complications, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, or kidney damage.

Tumor Markers: Tumor markers are substances found in the blood, urine, or body tissues that may indicate the presence of cancer. Elevated levels of specific tumor markers, such as PSA (prostate-specific antigen) for prostate cancer or CA-125 for ovarian cancer, can assist in the detection and monitoring of certain cancers. These markers are also useful in evaluating how well a treatment is working and in detecting possible recurrence. However, tumor marker levels alone are not definitive for diagnosis and must be interpreted alongside other clinical findings and diagnostic tests.

Urine Tests

Urinalysis: Urinalysis is a simple test that examines the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of urine. It helps diagnose a variety of conditions, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney disease, diabetes, and bladder disorders. Abnormal findings like protein, glucose, or blood in the urine can suggest kidney disease, diabetes, or infections.

Urine Culture: A urine culture identifies bacterial infections in the urinary tract. It helps diagnose UTIs by finding bacteria and figuring out which antibiotics will work best for treatment. It is particularly helpful for diagnosing repeated infections or spotting resistant bacterial strains.

24-hour Urine Protein Test: This measures the amount of protein in urine over a full 24-hour period. It is used to diagnose kidney diseases, where the kidneys are unable to properly filter proteins. Elevated protein levels in urine may suggest renal impairment since the kidneys normally prevent excessive amounts of protein from being eliminated in the urine. This test checks how well the kidneys are working and measures the seriousness of kidney disease.

Imaging Tests

X-ray: X-rays are used to capture images of the inside of the body, especially bones and joints. In general medicine, X-rays help diagnose fractures, infections (like pneumonia), lung diseases (e.g., tuberculosis), and heart enlargement. They can also detect issues like arthritis, tumors, or foreign objects in the body.

Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of soft tissues and organs, such as the liver, kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions like gallstones, liver diseases, kidney problems, and abdominal tumors. It is also used to monitor fetal development during pregnancy.

Computed Tomography (CT scan): CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images of the body, allowing for a clearer view of organs and tissues. In general medicine, computed tomography is used to diagnose internal bleeding, malignancies, infections, fractures, and strokes. They are useful for imaging the brain, chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues and the brain. It is valuable for diagnosing neurological conditions (like brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, and stroke), musculoskeletal issues and heart diseases. MRI is also used to detect tumors, infections, and internal bleeding in organs.

Chest X-ray: This is a quick imaging test that helps visualise the lungs, heart, and chest structures. It plays an important role in diagnosing respiratory and cardiac conditions such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, chronic lung diseases, pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs), and heart enlargement. Any changes like opacities, fluid levels, or abnormal lung patterns help physicians identify infections, tumors, or structural abnormalities and guide further management.

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart. It is used to diagnose numerous heart diseases, including irregular heartbeats, heart attacks, and heart failure. By examining the heart's rhythm and electrical impulses, an ECG can find out issues like abnormal heartbeats, signs of a past heart attack, or structural heart problems.

Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs): PFTs are a set of tests that determine how well the lungs function. They monitor lung volume, airflow, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose respiratory conditions like asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary fibrosis. Abnormal PFT results can indicate reduced lung function and help guide treatment plans for lung diseases.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram employs ultrasound waves to obtain images of the heart's structure and function. It is commonly utilised to detect cardiac diseases such as valvular heart disease, heart failure, congenital heart defects, and pericardial disease. An echocardiogram provides detailed information about the heart's size, pumping ability, and blood flow, which helps doctors evaluate the heart's overall health and detect any abnormalities.

Endoscopy

• Upper GI Endoscopy: Upper GI endoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine. It supports in the diagnosis of gastritis, GERD, peptic ulcers, and upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. This also allows for the identification of tumors, infections, and inflammation, as well as the possibility of biopsy for an exact diagnosis.
  
• Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is a procedure that involves inserting a flexible camera through the rectum to look at the colon and large intestine. Doctors use it to diagnose colorectal cancer, polyps, IBD, and ongoing diarrhea or bleeding. It also enables biopsies and polyp removal, which aids in the early discovery and treatment of dangerous disorders. 
  

Culture and Sensitivity Tests

A culture test involves taking a sample from the patient (such as blood, urine, sputum, stool, or pus) and placing it in a special medium that allows microorganisms to grow. If an infection is present, the specific organism causing the disease can be identified. This helps doctors confirm conditions such as urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, bloodstream infections, or gastrointestinal infections.

Once the organism is identified, a sensitivity test is performed. In this step, the microorganism is exposed to different antibiotics to see which medicines can effectively kill or stop its growth. This helps doctors choose the right antibiotic, rather than using trial-and-error treatment.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a diagnostic procedure where a small tissue sample is collected from an organ or lesion and examined under a microscope. It is regarded as an essential test for cancer, persistent infections, and inflammatory or autoimmune disorders. Doctors may distinguish between benign and malignant disorders, assess illness severity, and plan effective treatment techniques.

B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test

The BNP test measures the level of a hormone released by the heart when it is under stress or strain, particularly due to increased pressure. Elevated BNP levels are generally associated with heart failure and help in both diagnosis and severity assessment. This test is useful in patients presenting with shortness of breath, as it helps distinguish whether the cause is heart-related or respiratory conditions, which enables timely and accurate management.

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