What tests should you take before your appointment? What tests should you take before visiting a gastroenterologist?

The necessary tests for selecting contraceptives, including pills, are usually prescribed by a gynecologist, so it is necessary to visit him before making this decision. This will protect you from making the wrong choice of contraceptives and prevent unwanted consequences.

Studies of the body before prescribing contraceptives allow you to choose the most effective means to prevent unwanted pregnancy and give a general idea of ​​the state of the female body. Gynecologists strongly recommend that women who are constantly sexually active undergo a comprehensive examination before taking contraceptive medications, which includes the following procedures:

What tests do I need to take to select contraceptives?

Ultrasound. Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs, which is carried out in 2 stages: the first examination is carried out at the end of menstruation, and the second...

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The first thing I want to say is don’t read horror stories about hormonal contraceptives. This issue must be approached not with hysterical prejudices, but with common sense and together with a good doctor. In this review I will try to talk in detail about all aspects of taking OK from my experience.

I took Diane-35 for almost two years without a break, from May 2011 to February 2013. When I started taking them, I was 19 years old.

I myself wanted to start taking OK, solely for contraception purposes, because all other methods were either unreliable or inconvenient for me. I had two options to choose from - a spiral or tablets, but since the spiral cannot be placed on nulliparous women, I chose tablets. And I managed to go to a doctor at a paid clinic, through an acquaintance, so to speak...

HOW TO PRESCRIBE CONTRACEPTION FOR YOURSELF AND WHICH DOCTORS YOU NEED TO STAY AWAY FROM.

So, I come to the appointment. A non-state paid clinic, I go to the manager, who is about 60 years old, she is either a doctor or...

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Examination algorithms

Conditions and preparation for the examination

See the article "Modern contraception" and "Indications and contraindications for taking hormonal contraception"

1. Biochemical blood test with an emphasis on the lipid spectrum (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides), fasting glucose, liver parameters (total bilirubin, direct, total protein, albumin, ALT, AST, gammaGT)

2. Hemostasiogram and coagulogram (blood coagulation parameters: fibrinogen, prothrombin index, APTT, AVR, thrombotic potential index, level of platelet aggregation, fibrin degradation products.)

3. Ultrasound of the pelvic organs 2 times per cycle - after menstruation and before the next menstruation. Assessment of follicle growth, endometrium, presence of ovulation, formation of the corpus luteum and endometrial maturation. Exclusions of possible pelvic diseases diagnosed by ultrasound. Only with a vaginal sensor.

4. Consultation with a mammologist, ultrasound of the mammary glands and...

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Hormonal contraceptives: tests for selection

No hormonal contraceptives are a universal remedy that will help any woman prevent unwanted pregnancy. In order to find out whether a particular remedy is right for you, you need to consult a doctor and undergo a series of tests.

Contents: Blood tests Ultrasound examination Visit to a mammologist Hormonal status Normal

Blood tests

We recommend reading: Oral contraceptives: mechanism of action, classification, benefits, side effects

A patient who plans to start using hormonal contraceptives must undergo blood tests.

A glucose level test is taken on an empty stomach.

In addition, you will need a “biochemistry” test with the so-called. "lipid spectrum". It allows you to detect the level of total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins, low-density and very low-density lipoproteins, as well as...

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Girls. I'll tell you how it was for me. Be prepared for the fact that the entire examination will take a month, because... Blood tests for hormones and ultrasound must be taken and done on certain days of the cycle! and immediately find a good gynecologist-endocrinologist, don’t go to just anyone. I immediately decided to do it in a paid clinic in order to get everything done faster and not have to take a bunch of referrals, but be prepared for the fact that in a paid clinic they will begin to prescribe a bunch of tests and examinations that could not have been taken. this is what I needed to do: a smear (it is taken at the first appointment in any case), ultrasound of the pelvis and thyroid gland on days 5-7 of the cycle (I had problems with the thyroid gland at one time, that’s why I need it all the time check and take tests, maybe others are also prescribed, I don’t know), I took hormones in the luteal phase, again, each doctor prescribes differently. Here are the hormone tests: free T3, free T4, TSH, free testosterone, prolactin, estradiol, progesterone, 17-OH-progesterone, DHA-S, AT-TG, AT-TPO. I have...

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Evgeniya Sheveleva Oracle (98384) 1 year ago

Birth control pills are selected based on medical history, age, build and some other characteristics. There is no need to donate blood for hormones. But since OCs affect the coagulation system and undergo metabolism through the liver, it is reasonable to take a general blood test, liver tests and a coagulogram before taking them.

Marusya Klimova Oracle (68310) 1 year ago

The main and mandatory test is a blood test for sex hormones. Based on it, the doctor will determine the optimal dosage and type of drug (if the tests do not correspond to the norm, then OK will also have a therapeutic effect, but only if prescribed correctly). To select a drug, it is best to contact a gynecologist-endocrinologist. Ordinary local gynecologists usually do not have sufficient knowledge to correctly select a drug taking into account the patient’s medical history, age and state of health. To exclude contraindications and...

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Good afternoon What hormone tests need to be taken to subsequently select a contraceptive. In what period (before, during, after) the menstrual cycle. Thank you in advance

Dear Yulia!

Before starting to take contraceptives, it is necessary to examine the state of the coagulation system, hormonal levels, and also exclude pathologies of the cervix, pelvic organs and mammary glands. To do this, I recommend performing a blood test for hormones on the 5-7th day of the menstrual cycle - FSH, LH, prolactin, estradiol, testosterone, anti-Mühler hormone (our tests No. 59, 60, 61, 62, 64, 1044), coagulogram ( tests No. 1-4), blood test for genetic markers of the risk of side effects from long-term use of oral contraceptives, as well as their ineffectiveness (profile No. 118 of the State Enterprise “Selection of contraceptives - genes”), cervical smear for cytology (test No. 505 ), ultrasound of the pelvic organs and mammary glands. More detailed information about prices for studies and preparation for them can be found on the website...

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Anna asks:

Hello. Tell me what tests I need to take in order to determine which birth control pills I should use regularly and approximately how much does all this cost?

The first step in choosing a hormonal contraceptive should be a personal consultation with a gynecologist. Based on external signs, an experienced doctor can determine the high probability of hormonal disorders. And, based on the preliminary diagnosis, prescribe the tests that interest him.
When choosing a hormonal contraceptive, important importance is given to the regularity of the menstrual cycle and the presence of chronic gynecological or hormonal diseases.
Therefore, the most common studies are: blood test for sex hormones (estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, DHEA-S, androstenedione), reproductive panel (LH and FSH levels).
However, to determine the timing of the blood test, the set of necessary...

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I don’t know how it is abroad, but in Russia a very high percentage of doctors are, to put it mildly, indifferent to the selection of contraceptive methods. Lists of contraindications for certain contraceptives are posted in abundance on the Internet. Here, I want to raise the topic of what is important to pay attention to in the work of a gynecologist when prescribing contraceptives.

It is important to understand that severe complications when taking modern contraception occur only in those women whose use is contraindicated! There are no coincidences!! It cannot be that a woman who had no contraindications suddenly developed a serious sore.

How should a girl herself find out about possible contraindications? Go through the correct examination, which the doctor will prescribe for her. And if the doctor does not prescribe this, then how can he assess the possible risks of taking the drug in the patient? After all, he cannot find out what contraindications you have by looking faithfully into your eyes!

About contraindications to modern methods...

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How do oral contraceptives (birth control pills) work, OK?

Birth control pills consist of a combination of female sex hormones. These pills are also called combined oral contraceptives (COCs). If you take them every day, the work of the ovaries changes: the follicle does not mature and the egg does not come out. Under such conditions, the woman does not ovulate and conception does not occur.

In addition, birth control pills cause thickening of the mucus in the cervical canal. It is because of this that the sperm has no chance of entering the uterus to fertilize the egg.

Even in a situation where ovulation occurred, the sperm was able to slip into the fallopian tube and fertilization of the egg was successful, the embryo has no chance of gaining a foothold in the uterine cavity. Due to the use of medications, this is excluded, since the uterine mucosa has become extremely thin.

Today, birth control pills in the form of...

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Most often, in case of problems, doctors prescribe treatment with hormones. And most patients obediently take prescribed synthetic drugs, even when they can be avoided. Others categorically refuse, even when it is impossible without it. Without medical education, it is difficult to figure out when hormonal treatment is really justified. And there is only one way out - to look for your doctor, whom you trust unconditionally, and your treatment method. But to make a choice, you need to know something about hormone therapy yourself. We offer information that doctors rarely report.

After replacement therapy, the thyroid gland will work worse

Basic, or tropic, hormones that regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and ovaries are synthesized by the pituitary gland. The lower their level in the blood, the more the organ secretes. If, for example, the thyroid gland is insufficiently functioning, a hormonal drug (el-thyroxine) is administered, the pituitary gland recognizes it as its own hormone. AND...

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Consultation with an endocrinologist on the topic “Selection of hormonal contraceptives” is given for informational purposes only. Based on the results of the consultation received, please consult a doctor, including to identify possible contraindications.

Similar questions

Chronic diseases: 6 years ago a teratoma of the left ovary was removed. They left part of the ovary, saying that over time it would function, but for the last two years, ultrasound shows its absence, the right ovary is healthy, slightly enlarged. Hello,...

Hello! Please advise reliable contraceptives for a 19 year old girl. They themselves always used unfinished sexual intercourse. Thank you!

Hello. I am 29 years old, two children born in 2009 and 2011. Recently diagnosed with endometriosis. Norkalut (Duphaston) was prescribed from days 16 to 25 of the cycle for 2 months -...

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total 123,880 consultations

Hormonal contraception, birth control pills

How true is the information about the terrible harm that hormonal contraceptives allegedly cause to the female body? All medications have side effects, and birth control pills are no exception. The main thing is the correct purpose and dose.

Everyone wants to have a beautiful and fit figure, but not everyone succeeds. And it's not always a matter of laziness or lack of proper nutrition. Often the problem of excess weight has much deeper roots, leading to specific diagnoses and health problems.

Incorrect hormonal levels can negate all your attempts to lose weight, which means that for effective weight loss, you first need to consult a doctor. This will allow you to find the true cause of excess weight gain, and if it turns out to be of a medical nature, then correct the situation before starting to change your diet and physical activity.

Hence the conclusion: if you want to choose the right behavior strategy, first visit a doctor. To identify the causes of excess weight gain, you will need a tandem of an endocrinologist and a nutritionist (a nutrition consultant who has taken courses in dietetics). Alternatively, you can find an experienced endocrinologist nutritionist who understands both areas you need.

How can an endocrinologist help with the problem of excess weight?

Quite often the reason for constant weight gain and inability to lose weight is
correcting nutrition and increasing physical activity cause problems with the thyroid gland.

A lack of thyroid hormones (hypothyroidism) leads to a set of unnecessary kilograms, even with a completely adequate nutrition system. In addition, hormonal problems can cause type 2 diabetes, which is also often accompanied by excess weight and the inability to lose weight easily.

In addition to dysfunction of the thyroid and pancreas, excess weight gain and obesity can be caused by improper functioning of the reproductive system, in particular, a lack or excess of sex hormones. This problem is faced by women of reproductive age with disrupted hormonal levels and some women in the premenopausal period.

If the problem of excess weight is caused by disturbances in the production of female sex hormones, then a competent gynecologist-endocrinologist can help. Correctly carried out corrective hormonal therapy will eliminate the main cause of weight gain, and then you can fight the acquired kilograms with the help of a healthy diet and regular exercise.

So, we found out for ourselves that the initial stage in weight correction should be a visit to an experienced endocrinologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist or nutritionist-endocrinologist.
Acting blindly in case of hormonal disorders is more expensive for yourself. At best, you will not achieve the desired result and will not be able to lose excess weight. In the worst case, you will acquire even greater health problems, aggravate an already difficult situation, or aggravate the course of the disease.

Hormonal correction of your condition should only be carried out by a doctor! Do not prescribe any hormonal drugs to yourself!

What tests should you take before going to a nutritionist?

Let’s say you have already realized that you can’t fight excess weight on your own.
In this case, the ideal option is to contact a practicing nutritionist. During their training in dietetics, such specialists touched on the topics of the endocrine system, which means they understand the processes that influence excess weight gain due to hormonal disorders.

Of course, after listening to your story and asking you about your health and symptoms of weight gain, an experienced nutritionist may suggest the presence of certain hormonal problems. However, without analyzes and relevant examinations, it is impossible to draw final conclusions, and not professionally.

Therefore, it is best to go to an appointment with a nutritionist or nutritionist-endocrinologist with a set of tests and examinations completed.

So, you need to pass the following tests:

1. Complete blood count, which will show the number of red blood cells, leukocytes, platelets, ESR and hemoglobin in the blood.

This analysis allows you to see the presence or absence of a chronic or acute inflammatory process in the body, the presence of a bacterial infection, anemia and a predisposition to allergies. Such an analysis shows the general state of a person’s health and gives rise to the appointment and conduct of clarifying tests and examinations.

2. Blood chemistry(renal and hepatic complex, functions
pancreas), showing the level of fat metabolism in the body, cholesterol, lipoproteins, insulin, C-peptides, leptin, etc.

This analysis will show the functioning of the liver, kidneys and pancreas.

3. Enzymatic analysis of the pancreas, which will show how well the pancreas produces enzymes and, accordingly, the effectiveness of its participation in the process of digesting food.

4. Blood glucose test, which suggests problems with insulin production and the presence of diabetes.

5. Blood test for glycated hemoglobin, showing your average blood sugar levels over the past 6-8 weeks. Normally, in a healthy person, glycated hemoglobin should be up to 6%.

6. Thyroid hormone test(TSH, T3 and T4), showing the effectiveness of the thyroid gland. This analysis gives the right to suspect that a person has hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

7. Analysis for female sex hormones(only for women) – estradiol, prolactin, progesterone, oxyprogesterone, testosterone. Please note that tests for these hormones in women of reproductive age are carried out on certain days of the menstrual cycle, otherwise the indicators of these hormones will be uninformative.

8. Cortisol hormone test, involved in the process of formation and accumulation of abdominal (abdominal) fat.

Based on these tests, a nutritionist-endocrinologist may recommend additionally undergoing an ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland, gastrointestinal tract (liver, kidneys, stomach, pancreas, spleen), reproductive system (ovaries, uterus), and breast. It is possible that additional blood tests will be ordered.

Only after assessing the general condition of the body and its individual systems will a nutritionist be able to understand where to start weight correction. In case of serious hormonal problems, weight correction without hormonal therapy will be ineffective.

In addition, identifying the true problems of excess weight gain and obesity will allow the nutritionist to choose the right diet and diet for his client. And this is already half the success in the weight correction course.

Be healthy and be careful about your health! Remember that taking precautions is better than making mistakes somewhere. Good luck on your journey to weight loss and health!

Did you like this article? Then put your like and write in the comments what topic about weight loss you would like to read an article on.

, gastroenterologist, hepatologist) are asked: what tests should I take in advance and what studies should I undergo in order to prepare for the appointment? Let's figure it out

What tests should you take before seeing a doctor?

In an ideal situation, The doctor assigns each patient an individual set of indicators that must be taken to diagnose a specific disease. This helps save patient resources:

  • time: no need to come to the clinic 2-3 times on an empty stomach to donate blood
  • often - and money, because the patient will not donate what is not currently needed to make a diagnosis.

However, it happens that patients want to donate at least something in advance for their own peace of mind, or undergo a preventive examination. For such cases, the doctors of the EXPERT Clinic have compiled a list of the main important biochemical blood tests.

What to submit before consulting a gastroenterologist, hepatologist, or therapist

Please note that all blood tests must be taken on an empty stomach! The last meal is 10-12 hours before blood donation.

  1. Clinical blood test. Describes the hemoglobin content and the number of all important blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets. The leukocyte formula calculates the relative number of white blood cells of various types, which can vary depending on the pathogen, the course and duration of the disease. ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is an indicator whose changes indirectly indicate an inflammatory or other pathological process.
  2. AlAT, AST, GGTP, bilirubin. These are the main liver enzymes. For example, ALT and AST are normally present in the blood in small quantities, but when the liver is damaged, they are released, signaling illness.
  3. Total protein and creatinine. These proteins are produced by the liver and are involved in many processes in the body. An increase in creatinine levels may indicate a malfunction of the kidneys.
  4. Pancreatic amylase. An enzyme produced by the pancreas is involved in the digestion process.
  5. Cholesterol (cholesterol) and triglycerides. Both high and low levels of these fats (lipids) are dangerous to health.
  6. Iron. Helps bind and deliver oxygen to body cells and is part of hemoglobin.
  7. Calcium. One of the most important minerals. Participates in the formation of bone tissue, conduction of neuromuscular impulses, muscle contraction (including the heart).
  8. Glucose. This analysis will help to detect the development of diabetes mellitus in a timely manner.

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Sometimes health shows a “crack” and requires close attention. That’s when you have to go to specialists and undergo numerous tests. Examinations by specialists, waiting in line, all this takes time and patience. In this article we will look at what tests are needed for an appointment with an endocrinologist, and what tests the endocrinologist prescribes.

The endocrine system of our body is a complex mechanism. Minor changes in this chain of the system can disrupt the functioning of the entire body and individual organs will begin to suffer alternately. The thyroid gland allows other organs to function fully, providing them with energy and delivering the necessary amount of hormones to the body.

An initial examination by an endocrinologist, as a rule, will not immediately solve the problem, and the doctor will not be able to make the correct diagnosis. Therefore, it is very often necessary to collect additional tests before going to an appointment with an endocrinologist.

The fact that your card will reflect the results of all your preliminary studies - a general analysis of urine and blood - is understandable. This is the general picture, which reflects that perhaps not everything is in order in your body.

Sometimes some try to prepare in advance and undergo an examination. Therefore, the doctor will need additional tests. In order not to go broke, you don’t need to take a lot of unnecessary tests, which the doctor will later tell you himself. You can come to your first appointment with the following results:

  • Ultrasound of the thyroid gland.
  • Blood chemistry.
  • Blood for TSH.

These are preliminary tests on the basis of which the doctor can draw any conclusions. Keep in mind that these may not be the only tests needed to determine the cause of the failure. You should not spend money on hormonal tests in advance, as they are all expensive. Next, the doctor will tell you what tests are needed and what tests are taken from an endocrinologist.

Hormone tests: what is it?

There are special substances in our body - hormones, which are produced by the thyroid gland, gonads, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, hypothalamus. When our endocrine system works well, we do not notice any disturbances in the body, but as soon as the endocrine system is disrupted, our health begins to deteriorate sharply. And to clarify and determine the diagnosis, the presence of hormones in the body is determined

For a more detailed examination and to identify the causes of the failure, they donate blood for hormones. Therefore, the endocrinologist will be able to prescribe the necessary tests during the initial examination. It all depends on the physiological characteristics of the person, and then the endocrinologist may prescribe the following tests to check hormones.

A gastroenterologist is one of the most popular medical specialists. A lot of factors in our time contribute to the emergence of various problems with the digestive system. And it is gastroenterology that is the field of medicine focused on the treatment of these diseases. When it is necessary to go to an appointment with a gastroenterologist, and what tests are needed, we will consider in our article.

A gastroenterologist is a doctor specializing in diagnosis, preventive measures and treatment of various diseases of the digestive system. The digestive system includes not only the gastrointestinal tract, but also the organs that participate in the digestion process. Patients with complaints of pain in the abdominal area are referred to this specialist. When the patient himself realizes that the discomfort he feels is associated with pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, he can independently visit a gastroenterologist, without visiting intermediate specialists.

There are gastroenterology specialists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of pathologies of a specific organ of the digestive system. This is explained by the fact that today a large amount of information has accumulated about diseases and treatment of each organ and its amount is increasing every year. The following gastroenterologists with a narrow specialization can be identified:

  • hepatologists involved in the treatment of diseases of the liver, biliary tract and gallbladder;
  • coloproctologists specialize in the treatment of the large intestine and rectum;
  • Pancreatologists treat the pancreas.

What diseases are included in the specialization of a gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist treats the following diseases of the digestive system:

  1. Diseases of the esophagus - esophagitis, hiatal hernia, Barrett's esophagus and others;
  2. Diseases of the stomach and duodenum - all types of stomach disorders, gastritis, duodenitis, erosions, peptic ulcers, polyps and neoplasms;
  3. Pathologies of the small intestine - all types of chronic enteritis, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, etc.;
  4. Diseases of the large intestine - irritable bowel syndrome, chronic ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, etc.;
  5. Liver pathologies – hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatosis, liver tumors;
  6. Pathological conditions of the gallbladder and biliary tract - chronic cholecystitis, cholangitis, cholelithiasis, biliary dyskinesia, neoplasms of the biliary tract;
  7. Diseases of the pancreas – chronic pancreatitis, neoplasms of the pancreas.

In addition to diseases that occur in adults and children (gastritis, peptic ulcers, etc.), pediatric gastroenterologists treat congenital pathologies of the digestive system.

From time to time, problems with the digestive system occur in more people, but not every malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract is a reason for a visit to a gastroenterologist. An appointment with a gastroenterologist is required for people who feel:

  • Attacks of heartburn after eating;
  • Unpleasant belching or bitter taste in the mouth;
  • Nausea, heaviness in the stomach, “hungry” pain attacks (appearing before eating and disappearing some time after eating);
  • Pain in the intestines or stomach;
  • Problems with stool (constipation, diarrhea);
  • Change in the color of stool, the presence of mucus or blood in it;
  • The appearance of a non-infectious rash

Pain due to the abdominal organs can be felt over the entire surface of the abdomen, localized in the navel, in the right or left iliac region.

Important! People who notice a deterioration in the condition of hair and nails without objective reasons also need to visit a gastroenterologist.

What tests do you need to take for a gastroenterologist?

An initial visit to a specialist is usually accompanied by established standards and requirements. Typically, a patient comes to a gastroenterologist from a general practitioner. In such cases, the general practitioner prescribes the necessary studies and diagnostic measures. Further tests and diagnostic procedures are determined by the gastroenterologist. Therefore, you must come to your doctor’s appointment with a card and the results of previous examinations and conclusions.

Before the appointment, you will need to submit a fresh blood biochemistry test (AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, lipase, amylase, GGTP) to the gastroenterologist; in addition, it is good to analyze the coprogram and stool for dysbacteriosis. Often, the therapist prescribes an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and FGDS.

If we are talking about what types of tests are prescribed by a gastroenterologist, then we should immediately stipulate that the diagnosis of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract has its own specifics. Nowadays, a doctor has many testing methods at his disposal to help make a correct diagnosis. Diagnosis of certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract is carried out using the following tests:

  • Alanine aminotransferase;
  • Alpha 1-antitrypsin;
  • Alpha 1-acid glycoprotein;
  • Amylase;
  • Analysis of stool for the presence of dysbacteriosis;
  • Aspartate aminotransferase;
  • Blood biochemistry;
  • Gamma glutamyl transferase;
  • Lipase;
  • Markers for the presence of hepatitis;
  • General protein analysis;
  • Proteinogram;
  • Prothrombin time;
  • Cholinesterase;
  • Alkaline photosphase.

This list of tests forms the methodological basis for diagnosing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, in addition to the standard stool analysis for dysbacteriosis, there is a more detailed type of study called a coprogram. It is used when it is necessary to assess the digestive and enzymatic capacity of the stomach, identify signs of inflammatory processes and analyze microbial activity.

If necessary, a bacteriological study may be prescribed to establish the microbial composition. It allows you to determine intestinal dysbiosis and the presence of infections. In addition, specialized testing can be carried out to determine the antigens of microbial pathogens, which make it possible to establish viral infectious diseases.

Another test that is common in gastroenterology is a test to determine hidden bleeding. It is based on the detection of hidden hemoglobin.

Important! If the patient is taking iron supplements or other medications, be sure to notify the doctor. Because medications can distort test results.

If necessary, laboratory diagnosis is supplemented by diagnostic procedures of the gastrointestinal tract, such as enzyme immunoassay of stool and blood plasma.

Thus, it is absolutely not necessary to take tests yourself, unless they are recommended by the treating specialist. A gastroenterologist prescribes tests, depending on preliminary diagnostic procedures (palpation, questioning, etc.).