This test measures how well your kidneys are performing their job of filtering waste from your blood. Creatinine is a chemical compound left over from energy-producing processes in your muscles. Healthy kidneys filter creatinine out of the blood. Creatinine exits your body as a waste product in urine
This test is done to measure the amount of Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (GPT) in blood serum. GPT is an enzyme found in heart cells, kidney, muscles and liver, this test is needed on a regular basis to keep the liver in a healthy state
The SGOT test is a blood test that’s part of a liver profile. It measures one of two liver enzymes, called serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase. This enzyme is now usually called AST, which stands for aspartate aminotransferase. An SGOT test (or AST test) evaluates how much of the liver enzyme is in the blood.
This test measures the amount of nitrogen in your blood that comes from the waste product urea. Urea is made when protein is broken down in your body. A BUN test is done to see how well your kidneys are working.
A prolactin (PRL) test measures the level of prolactin in the blood. Prolactin is a hormone made by the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain. Prolactin causes the breasts to grow and make milk during pregnancy and after birth. Prolactin levels are normally high for pregnant women and new mothers.
A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test used to evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of disorders, including anemia, infection and leukemia.
What is CA 125?
CA 125 (Cancer Antigen 125) is a protein that is often elevated in the blood of individuals with certain types of cancer, most notably ovarian cancer. It can also be elevated in other conditions, both cancerous and non-cancerous. This test is used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment in ovarian cancer and detect recurrence, as well as for other cancers like endometrial, peritoneal, and fallopian tube cancers.
When Should You Do the CA 125 Test?
Ovarian Cancer Monitoring: If a person has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the CA 125 test helps in assessing the response to treatment and monitoring for any recurrence.
Screening in High-Risk Individuals: For women with a family history of ovarian cancer or those at high risk, the CA 125 test may be part of regular screenings, although it’s not recommended as a standalone screening test.
Symptomatic Evaluation: It may also be performed if a woman presents symptoms like pelvic pain, bloating, or abnormal bleeding, which can be associated with ovarian cancer.
What to Do Before the Test?
No Special Preparations: Typically, no fasting or specific preparations are needed before taking the CA 125 test.
Inform Your Doctor: Always inform your healthcare provider of any medications or medical conditions, as certain conditions, such as menstruation, pregnancy, or pelvic inflammatory disease, can affect CA 125 levels.
Importance of the Test
The CA 125 test is a valuable tool for monitoring ovarian cancer treatment and recurrence. It’s not considered accurate enough for early detection in the general population, but it provides essential information about the progression or remission of ovarian cancer when combined with other diagnostic methods, such as imaging studies.