Medical science has taken leaps and bounds in only a century. The average life expectancy has increased considerably only because of the advent of medicines, diagnostic procedures, treatment plans, etc. We can easily detect diseases and can stop their progression when there is still time. Profound research is being carried out worldwide to make the lives of patients and normal individuals easier and better.
This is where the importance of lab tests can be felt. It is not always possible for a doctor to infer the occurrence of a disease all the time. Most of the time, the symptoms send mixed signals and it is hard to conclude. Medical tests are done when prescribed by physicians. These tests are conducted following the latest protocols to get a deeper view of the conditions of a patient.
Let us find out what lab tests are first.
What are lab tests?
Laboratory tests in medical science are defined processes where samples of body fluids are drawn from specific parts of the human body and tested. In these tests, certain biochemical methods are used to calculate the level of one or a set of biochemical compounds present in the human body.
Based on the normal range cited in clinical science, the results are compared. These results are then shown to the physicians who have prescribed the tests. The medical professionals will analyse their diagnostic process and test results to conclude the presence or absence of diseases. Once concluded, a treatment plan will then be designed to cure a patient.
Importance of lab tests
A comprehensive test is done by following the standard procedures and protocols mandated by the clinical and medical boards. The benefits of performing such tests are explained below.
- Prompt diagnosis
As mentioned earlier, clinical lab tests are done to get results as early as possible. The test results are generated by the clinicians in the labs. We have already discussed why doctors prescribe tests to patients. Hence, the prompt generation of results will help in diagnosing the underlying issues a patient is suffering from.
The faster a disease is diagnosed, the quicker we can begin the treatment plan. For example, a patient has been prescribed a VDRL test. This test is done to check whether he is infected with syphilis or not. This test measures the presence of antibodies that are generated when the pathogens causing syphilis are present in the system. When detected, the doctors will be able to conclude what is causing the symptoms and can start treating the patient immediately.
- Following a treatment plan
In some cases, patients suffer from lifestyle diseases that cannot be cured but managed. For example, if a patient is suffering from diabetes, he can be treated according to his condition. Diabetes cannot be cured but can be managed by conducting proper tests at regular intervals.
In this aspect, blood sugar tests are prescribed to the patient to keep an eye on fluctuating blood sugar levels. The use of diabetes medicines will also alter the results. Hence, a doctor will be able to make a quick profile of the test results and can conclude which medicines are perfect for the patient to manage his diabetic condition.
From the above discussion, we can clearly understand how lab tests can be important for those who are suffering from lifestyle diseases. A long-term treatment plan is then set based on the outcomes of these tests.
- Patient engagement
It has been found that patients going through a lab test procedure tend to stick to the treatment plan more than patients following only treatment plans. The seriousness of the patients increases their engagement. Hence, the doctors will find it much easier to treat the current ailments and help them recover faster.
Hence, clinical visits enable patients to learn more about the disease. No matter what the lab tests are assigned, patients show enthusiasm to engage in the treatment plans too.
- Timely decisions
Timely decisions can be made as the lab tests are prompt and generate faster results. For example, if a patient is suffering from HIV, a test is conducted to confirm first. An HIV test
is done to ensure the current condition of the patient. In fact, several other profile tests are conducted to check the vitals and biological conditions of the patients before starting antiretroviral therapy (ART).
From this example, we can clearly understand how important lab tests are to making timely decisions. It can add an extra edge in saving a patient’s life from being severely affected by serious illnesses. In fact, a deteriorating case can get a faster prognosis based on the lab test results.
- Behavioural guidance and illness education
A lab test is conducted in a clinic. Patients learn a lot about the tests from the clinicians. They also get an education based on the suspected or diagnosed illnesses. Hence, attending lab tests is educational and knowledgeable for patients.
In a nutshell
We can now clearly understand what lab tests are and how important these tests are. These tests are done to check the current condition of a patient and to detect an illness.