Genetic tests for targeted cancer therapy detect mutations (changes) in the DNA of cancer cells. Knowing whether the cancer has a particular mutation can help guide the type of treatment that a person receives. The presence or absence of certain mutations can predict who may benefit from certain drugs and who is not likely to respond.
Describes how tests for aminoglycoside antibiotics such as gentamicin, tobramycin or amikacin are used, when these tests are ordered, and what the results might mean
KRAS mutation testing is used to help guide treatment of metastatic colon cancer or non-small cell lung cancer. A tumor that has KRAS mutations may not respond to targeted cancer therapy.
Arboviruses (arthropod-borne virus) cause viral infections that are spread by mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects, such as ticks. Arbovirus testing can help diagnose the cause of meningitis or encephalitis and distinguish an arbovirus infection from other conditions causing similar symptoms.
Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection is associated with certain rare diseases of T lymphocytes (T-cells). HTLV testing detects an HTLV infection.
Histamine is released from activated mast cells, often in an allergic response. Histamine tests measure it in blood or urine to confirm that a person has had an anaphylactic reaction or to help diagnose mastocytosis.
The complete blood count is an essential test that counts the number, size, and types of cells in your blood. It provides an indication of your overall health.