This is a medical procedure done in a laboratory to detect, diagnose and monitor diseases.
It involves the collection of samples that may include blood, urine, saliva, stool, or body tissue samples which then undergo tests that have pre-defined ranges to evaluate for indicators of disease in these samples.
The results of these tests are then used against set parameters to determine the presence and extent of disease in the subject tested. This aids treatment and further monitoring.
Give us your details and get to speak with one of our medical professionals online
This is a medical procedure done in a laboratory to detect, diagnose and monitor diseases.
It involves the collection of samples that may include blood, urine, saliva, stool, or body tissue samples which then undergo tests that have pre-defined ranges to evaluate for indicators of disease in these samples.
The results of these tests are then used against set parameters to determine the presence and extent of disease in the subject tested. This aids treatment and further monitoring.
Why would I need a Lab Test?
Lab tests have various uses briefly stated as screening, diagnosis, and monitoring. Let us break it down.
Screening
This is the application of lab tests to detect disease or even predict it before signs and symptoms manifest. These are very useful particularly in the prevention of the occurrence of these diseases. Examples of such tests would include;
Diagnosis
These tests are done to confirm the presence of disease particularly after signs and symptoms have been observed. They create a basis for treatment and further monitoring. Examples include;
Monitoring
Lab tests may be used to check whether a patient is getting better by monitoring the levels of the parameters that were used for diagnosis. For example, malaria parasites may become undetectable in a blood test after successful treatment.
Laboratory tests are usually done following a consultation with either a general medical doctor or specialist.
The tests requested depend on the suspected diagnoses and the particular body system to be investigated. The doctor will explain why they think the test required is necessary for the patient.
After the test is performed the doctor receives a report with the results. The results are interpreted and communicated to the patient. A plan of management is then instituted and explained to the particular patient.
The period between the collection of the results from the patient to the delivery of results to the patient is referred to as the turnaround time. This usually varies depending on the particular test from minutes to several weeks.
The variance in turnaround times is due to the different techniques used and the expected results from the test.
Rapid diagnostic tests like HIV tests and Malaria tests take 30 minutes or less while tests involving the culture of microbes in the lab take days to weeks to get results.
This category of tests includes blood tests that investigated the different blood cells and their response in various disease states. The response to a particular infection may involve an abnormal rise or decrease in the number of a specific blood cell. This can be detected on haematological tests and tied to the clinical findings from the history and physical exam.
Haematological tests also include bone marrow tests that assess the ability of our body to generate different blood cells. These are usually ordered when the doctor suspects a disorder in the ability of the bone marrow to produce blood cells.
Visit our website to see the available haematological tests.
Biochemical lab tests are indicators of the function of various body systems.
They may be ordered when any of the major body organs such as the liver, the heart, the brain, or kidneys are suspected to be diseased.
They are usually performed using blood or urine samples.
Click here to see our different biochemical blood tests.
Hormonal or endocrinological are lab tests that assess the function of the endocrine organs of the body. These are organs that produce the hormones that regulate how the body generates energy for its day-to-day functioning. Hormones also regulate the growth and development of various body organs.
The lab tests are ordered when dysfunction of any of these processes is suspected. They can be performed on both blood and urine samples.
Click here to see the different endocrinological lab tests available.
These are lab tests that analyse different body fluids to check whether they have any disease-causing pathogens present. The samples used for these tests are:
The sample may be subjected to microscopic analysis or cultured in a lab to see if any infectious agents multiply and grow within it.
Studies to see which antibiotics the isolated infectious agent is sensitive to may also be performed.
Click here to see our microbiological blood tests.
Submit your valid lab request form by uploading it here.
The request will be verified by our qualified clinical team and we will get in contact with you to inform you of our prices and what facilities are closest to you.
You can then confirm with us the most convenient time and place for us to obtain the sample for processing.
The results will be communicated to you as soon as they are possible.
The Ponea Health e-commerce platform offers a one-stop-shop for vaccination services. Book our quality and professional vaccination services conveniently at the comfort of your home, hotel or office.
Ponea health is an aggregator of various health services and providers that work in tandem to guarantee holistic patient care. Through Ponea Health e commerce platform, you are able to compare and array of vetted providers such as doctors, laboratories and imaging centers offering similar services at different price points and locations. This allows you to select one within your budget and convenience in terms of location.
Through the Ponea Health mobile phlebotomy services, you can get your samples conveniently collected by a vetted professional at the comfort of your home, office, or hotel . The short turnaround times for sample processing and dispatch of results to both yourself and the doctor guarantees prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Ponea Health e-pharmacy platform is a 24-hour service that is dedicated to delivering medication promptly and conveniently to your home or preferred pick-up point. Through the upload prescription functionality, you can submit your prescription and get your medication delivered right to your doorstep.
Doctors on the Ponea Health e-commerce platform are rated based on a combination of their qualifications, continuous professional advancement and overall patient satisfaction. This guarantees you get the highest attainable level of care.
