Labs

In a full-service emergency room, several common laboratory tests are frequently ordered to aid in the diagnosis and management of various medical conditions. Some of the most common labs include:

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC):
   • Provides information about the number and types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

   • Helps diagnose conditions such as anemia, infections, and blood disorders.

     Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP):

   • Measures various electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, as well as glucose and kidney function indicators (e.g., blood urea nitrogen, creatinine).

   • Assists in evaluating kidney function, electrolyte balance, and blood glucose levels.

     Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP):

   • Includes all the components of the BMP, along with additional liver function tests such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin.

   • Helps assess liver function, kidney function, electrolyte balance, and blood glucose levels.

     Urinalysis (UA):

   • Examines the physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of urine, including the presence of blood, protein, glucose, and abnormal cells.

   • Aids in the diagnosis of urinary tract infections, kidney disorders, and metabolic conditions.

     Coagulation Studies:

   • Includes tests such as prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT).

   • Assesses blood clotting function and helps diagnose bleeding disorders or monitor anticoagulant therapy.

     Blood Cultures:

   • Detects the presence of bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream.

   • Essential for diagnosing sepsis or bloodstream infections.

     Arterial Blood Gas (ABG):

   • Measures the pH, partial pressures of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2), bicarbonate (HCO3-), and oxygen saturation in arterial blood.

   • Provides information about acid-base balance, oxygenation, and ventilation status.

     Troponin:

   • A cardiac biomarker used to diagnose acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).

   • Levels rise in response to damage to the heart muscle.

     D-dimer:

   • Assesses for the presence of blood clots, particularly in cases of suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).

These are just a few examples of common laboratory tests routinely performed in emergency rooms to assist in diagnosing and managing a wide range of medical conditions. The specific tests ordered may vary depending on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and clinical presentation.