Laboratory Tests Nomenclature

There may be different tests done in the laboratory, mostly the purpose of these tests differs in their uses. They can also be classified according to the body fluid used for the tests and In some cases, the test name is?based upon the disease?with which it is associated.?Test names can also reflect?a reagent used in the performance of the test. Other methods of naming tests include those based on the?name of its developer.1 A well-known example is the Lowry assay for quantitation of protein, named after Dr Oliver Lowry. Test names are sometimes associated with the?person who was first described as having a disease. Coagulation factor XII deficiency is also known as Hageman factor deficiency, after John Hageman who was found to be deficient in factor XII.2 In the case of this article we seek to describe tests based on their uses, and these are;

Clinical Lab Tests: These tests are used to diagnose disease and other health conditions. They check the levels of substances in the body, such as blood cells or hormones. Some clinical lab tests can identify specific diseases or disorders. For example, a cholesterol test can help doctors find out if you have high cholesterol.

Diagnostic tests help your doctor make a diagnosis by looking at the results of various laboratory tests, imaging studies (such as an x-ray), or physical exams. For example, if you have pain in your lower back and numbness in your legs after lifting something heavy at work, an MRI scan may be ordered to determine whether you have a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

Screening tests are used to identify people who may be at risk for certain diseases or conditions that can be prevented with early treatment or lifestyle changes. For example, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all adults ages 50 to 74 get screened for high blood pressure annually unless they have no signs or symptoms of hypertension (high blood pressure).

There are more to these names of tests but these are a few we can discuss for the time being stay tuned.