Screening Tests: How They Detect Common Diseases

Blog

There are many different types of screening tests used to detect common diseases. Some of this medical testing is simple and easy to administer, while others are more complex and require specialized equipment.

Take a look at some screening tests used to detect common diseases.

Cholesterol Screening Test

There are two types of cholesterol that are important to monitor: LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) and HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein). LDL is the bad cholesterol that can build up on the walls of your arteries and increase your risk for heart disease. HDL is the good cholesterol that helps remove LDL from your arteries and improve blood flow.

A cholesterol screening test can help identify your level of LDL and HDL, as well as your total cholesterol. This information can be used to diagnose common diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. High cholesterol levels can also increase the risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure.

In general, the higher the cholesterol level in the blood, the greater the risk of developing health problems. However, cholesterol levels can be lowered through lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.

If you have high cholesterol, talk to your doctor about ways to lower your risk of developing these diseases.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a screening test that can help detect changes in the large intestines through to the rectum. It can help diagnose common diseases such as colorectal cancer, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.

During a colonoscopy, a flexible tube goes into the rectum and passes through the entire length of the colon. The tube has a light and camera at the end, which allows the doctor to see inside your colon.

A biopsy (tissue sample) can be taken for further testing if there are abnormal areas. Colonoscopies are usually performed every ten years but could be more often if you're at risk for developing colorectal cancer.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

This blood test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. This protein is secreted by the prostate gland and is present in both healthy and cancerous cells. However, elevated levels of PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer. The PSA test can also detect other conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis.

Remember, PSA levels can be affected by several factors, such as age, race, and medications. So, if you have an elevated PSA level, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer. However, you should follow up with your doctor for further testing.

Share

28 April 2022

learning how to tend to sick and injured kids

My name is Dan and this is my blog. I am a recently singled father of three that is learning everything about caring for my kids as I go along. Before my wife passed, she was the one that took care of the kids when they were sick or injured, so I had a lot of learning to do and I had to do it as quickly as possible. I got together with some of the parents from my kids' school and they helped out quite a bit. I created my blog for two reasons - to keep my facts straight and to help other parents learn what I have struggled to learn.