10 Common Diagnostic Tests with Price in India (2024)
Feeling under the weather but unsure what's lurking beneath the surface? The world of medical tests can feel overwhelming, with strange acronyms and unfamiliar procedures. But fear not, fellow health detective! This guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate some of the most common diagnostic tests, empowering you to take charge of your health journey.
Ultrasound (USG) Whole Abdomen: Your Body's Inner Movie
Imagine a tiny window into your internal world. An ultrasound, particularly a USG whole abdomen, offers a glimpse into your abdominal organs like the liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and even your intestines. It uses sound waves to create real-time images, making it a painless and safe procedure.
Purpose: This test helps diagnose a variety of conditions, including:
Gallstones
Liver diseases
Kidney problems
Appendicitis
Abdominal cysts or tumors
Procedure: You'll lie comfortably on your back with a clear gel applied to your abdomen. The technician will gently glide a handheld device (transducer) over the gel, sending and receiving sound waves that create the images. The entire process usually takes around 30 minutes.
Cost: The price of a USG whole abdomen test in India can vary depending on the city and diagnostic center. It typically ranges from Rs. 600 to Rs. 1800.
Risks: An ultrasound is a safe and non-invasive procedure with minimal risks. There's no radiation involved, making it suitable for people of all ages, including pregnant women.
Results: The ultrasound images will be interpreted by a radiologist who will look for abnormalities in size, shape, or texture of the organs. The report will be shared with your doctor for further evaluation.
PCOD Mini Profile Test: Unveiling Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance affecting many women. The PCOD Mini Profile Test helps screen for this condition by measuring key hormones.
Purpose: This test measures:
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
Testosterone
Procedure: A simple blood draw is all it takes. A healthcare professional will collect a small blood sample from your arm.
Cost: The PCOD Mini Profile Test cost in India can range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000, depending on the lab.
Risks: Blood tests involve minimal risks. You might experience a slight prick at the needle insertion site, but it's usually a quick and painless procedure.
Results: The normal ranges for these hormones will vary depending on your age and menstrual cycle. Higher LH levels compared to FSH, along with elevated testosterone, can indicate PCOS. However, a definitive diagnosis might require further tests.
Immunity Tests: A Badge of Honor for Your Body's Defenses
Ever wondered how your body fights off infections? Immunity tests assess your body's ability to defend itself against various pathogens.
Purpose: Immunity tests can identify:
Past infections (e.g., Hepatitis B, Typhoid)
Current infections (e.g., HIV)
Immune deficiencies
Procedure: This can involve various tests depending on the specific immunity marker being assessed. Some tests might require blood draws, while others might involve skin prick tests.
Cost: The cost of immunity tests can vary depending on the specific test and the lab. It typically ranges from Rs. 300 to Rs. 2000.
Risks: Like blood tests, immunity tests involve minimal risks, with a slight prick or discomfort at the test site.
Results: Depending on the test, the results might be positive (indicating past or present infection) or negative (indicating no exposure). Abnormal results will be discussed by your doctor to determine the best course of action.
LH Test: Your Ovulation BFF (Best Friend Forever)
The Luteinizing Hormone (LH) test plays a crucial role in women's reproductive health. It helps pinpoint ovulation, the time when the egg is released from the ovary.
Purpose: The LH test helps:
Predict ovulation for conception planning
Diagnose ovulation disorders
Procedure: This test can be performed through a blood test, urine test, or home ovulation predictor kit.
Cost: The cost of an LH test varies depending on the type. Blood tests typically range from Rs. 300 to Rs. 500, while urine tests and home kits might be cheaper.
Risks:
*Similar to other blood tests, LH tests involve minimal risks with a slight prick at the needle insertion site. Urine tests and home kits are non-invasive.
Results: For blood tests, the LH level will surge just before ovulation. Urine tests and home kits typically show a positive result (indicating a surge in LH) a day or two before ovulation.
When to Worry: While normal LH levels can vary depending on the menstrual cycle, consistently high or low levels might indicate an underlying hormonal imbalance and require further evaluation by your doctor.
CECT Abdomen Cost, Procedure, Precautions & Purpose: A Deeper Look
Sometimes, a standard ultrasound might not provide enough detail. A CECT (Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography) abdomen scan comes to the rescue, offering a more comprehensive view of your abdominal organs.
Purpose: A CECT abdomen helps diagnose:
Internal injuries
Appendicitis
Kidney stones
Tumors or cancers
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Procedure: This test involves lying down on a table that slides into a large donut-shaped scanner. A contrast dye might be injected intravenously or ingested orally to enhance the visibility of certain structures. The scanner rotates around you, capturing detailed cross-sectional images of your abdomen.
Cost: The CECT abdomen cost in India can range from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10,000 depending on the city, facility, and the type of contrast used.
Risks: While generally safe, CECT scans involve a small dose of radiation. It's important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, especially if you're pregnant or have kidney problems. The contrast dye might also cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Results: The CT scan images will be interpreted by a radiologist, who will look for abnormalities in the size, shape, or density of your organs. The report will be shared with your doctor for further evaluation.
Dexa Scan Price, Discount & Purpose With Pictures: Building Strong Bones
Concerned about bone density? A Dexa scan (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) provides a snapshot of your bone mineral content.
Purpose: A Dexa scan helps:
Diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones
Monitor bone health and treatment effectiveness
Procedure: This painless procedure involves lying on a special table while a low-dose X-ray beam scans your bones, typically focusing on the hips and spine.
Cost: The Dexa scan price in India can range from Rs. 300 to Rs. 700, depending on the lab and body part scanned.
Risks: Dexa scans involve minimal radiation exposure, which is significantly lower than traditional X-rays.
Results: The Dexa scan report will show your bone mineral density (BMD) score. A low score might indicate osteoporosis, while a T-score below -2.5 is considered a diagnostic criterion for the condition.
LFT Test Price: Understanding Your Liver Function
Your liver is a powerhouse, performing numerous vital functions. A Liver Function Test (LFT) helps assess its health.
Purpose: An LFT helps diagnose:
Liver diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease
Damage caused by medications or toxins
Procedure: A simple blood draw is all it takes for an LFT.
Cost: The LFT test price in India typically ranges from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1000, depending on the specific tests included in the panel.
Risks: Similar to blood tests, LFTs involve minimal risks with a slight prick at the needle insertion site.
Results: The LFT report will show levels of various enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin produced by the liver. Abnormal results might indicate liver damage and require further investigation.
Lipid Profile Test Purpose, Range, Price: Keeping Your Heart Healthy
Cholesterol, a waxy substance in your blood, can clog arteries and increase your risk of heart disease. A lipid profile test measures different types of cholesterol and other fats in your blood.
Purpose: A lipid profile test helps:
Assess your risk of heart disease
Monitor the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering medications
Procedure: This involves a simple blood draw after fasting for 8-12 hours.
Cost: The lipid profile test price in India can range from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1500
Cost can vary depending on the specific tests included in the lipid panel.
Risks: Similar to blood tests, lipid profile tests involve minimal risks with a slight prick at the needle insertion site.
Results: The lipid profile report will show levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. High LDL and triglycerides, along with low HDL, increase your risk of heart disease. Your doctor will interpret the results and recommend appropriate lifestyle changes or medications if needed.
Cardiac Risk Markers Tests: Early Detection for a Healthy Heart
These tests go beyond cholesterol, measuring specific proteins or enzymes released by your heart muscle when damaged.
Purpose: Cardiac risk marker tests help:
Diagnose heart attack or heart muscle injury
Assess the risk of future heart problems
Procedure: These tests typically involve a blood draw.
Cost: The cost of cardiac risk marker tests can vary depending on the specific test and the lab. It typically ranges from Rs. 300 to Rs. 2000.
Risks: Similar to blood tests, cardiac risk marker tests involve minimal risks with a slight prick at the needle insertion site.
Results: Elevated levels of certain markers like troponin can indicate heart damage. Your doctor will interpret the results in conjunction with other tests and your medical history for a comprehensive evaluation.
CT KUB Scan: Price, Purpose, Procedure, & Contrast: A Clear Picture of Your Urinary Tract
A CT KUB scan (Kidney, Ureters, and Bladder) uses X-rays and often contrast dye to create detailed images of your urinary tract organs.
Purpose: A CT KUB scan helps diagnose:
Kidney stones
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Blockages in the urinary tract
Tumors or abnormalities in the kidneys, ureters, or bladder
Procedure: This test involves lying down on a table that slides into a CT scanner. You might receive contrast dye intravenously or orally depending on the specific needs of the scan. The scanner rotates around you, capturing multiple X-ray images to create a comprehensive picture of your urinary tract.
Cost: The CT KUB scan price in India can range from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 7000, depending on the city, facility, and the type of contrast used.
Risks: Similar to CECT scans, CT KUB scans involve a small dose of radiation. It's important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor, especially if you're pregnant or have kidney problems. The contrast dye might also cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Results: The CT scan images will be interpreted by a radiologist, who will look for abnormalities in the size, shape, or density of your urinary tract organs. The report will be shared with your doctor for further evaluation.
Remember: This guide equips you with basic knowledge about some common diagnostic tests. It's crucial to consult your doctor for specific recommendations based on your individual situation. Don't hesitate to ask questions and voice any concerns you might have.
By understanding these tests, you can become a more informed and empowered participant in your healthcare journey.
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