LAB your life this 2019

After all the indulgences of the Christmas break, what is the state of your health now? Well, the best way to know is by getting yourself tested.

With over two decades of excellence and expertise in its field, Hi-Precision Diagnostics (HPD) continues to provide the highest quality in medical laboratory services in the Philippines. It offers a whole range of tests at reasonable cost in its over 40 branches nationwide, all of which can aid in diagnosing patients’ health concerns.

Lalaine P. Macatangay, M.D., who holds her clinic at HPD Del Monte branch, says: “The best gift you can give yourself is the gift of a checkup. Even when you don’t feel anything, it doesn’t mean that you’re in perfect health. Often, you will only know upon seeing your lab results.”

Dr. Macatangay lists the basic tests that you should take:

Complete blood count, or CBC, checks for infection and blood disorders such as leukemia, anemia, or even early signs of cancer. Urinalysis detects urinary tract infection (UTI), which can lead to kidney problems. Fecalysis is a test done on the stool (feces) to check for parasitic infection, and also may be done to check for the presence of blood which may signify other serious digestive tract problems.

Chest X-ray is a test done to check for lung disease such as pneumonia or TB; it can also detect lung mass which may be a sign of cancer. Electrocardiography, or ECG, checks your heart’s rate and rhythm. If you are 35 years old and above, you should have an ECG at least once a year.

Blood chemistry tests include:

- Fasting Blood Sugar, or FBS, determines

your blood sugar level on a daily basis. - HbA1c gets your average blood glucose

(sugar) levels over 90 days.

- The Lipid Profile shows the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your body. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is the good cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, (which the doctor dubbed lechon de leche for easier reference) is the bad cholesterol.

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) creatinine determines the state of your kidney.

Blood Uric Acid (BUA) tests your uric acid levels. High uric acid levels can advance into gout.

Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) is a blood test for the liver.

- Sodium potassium is a blood test for electrolytes.

Beyond these basic tests, it would be good to also check the condition of your thyroid. Women aged 40 and above should undergo a mammogram to check for breast cancer. For women aged 30 and above, a pap smear is recommended for early detection of cervical cancer.

Men aged 50 and up should take a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA). They can also opt for a digital rectal exam or prostrate ultrasound.

Dr. Macatangay advises her patients to have a checkup for early detection of health concerns. She emphasizes: “Make your health your top priority in 2019. Get yourself tested now!”

With Hi-Precision Diagnostics branches nationwide, you can easily access affordable quality laboratory tests. HPD also offers home service for those who are not able to visit its labs. And for your convenience, test results can be downloaded online.

For more information about Hi-Precision Diagnostics, call its Customer Care hotline: 741-7777. Or visit its Web site at www.hi-precision.com.ph.