Under what circumstances should serum tests be performed?
Sep 22, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, serum tests may be required in cases of infectious fever, rashes, rheumatoid arthritis, thalassemia, or pregnancy. Before undergoing serum testing, alcohol consumption should be avoided to prevent interference with test results. Additionally, during serological testing, it is important to remain relaxed and avoid excessive tension or anxiety.
In general, serum testing may be required in cases of infectious fever, rashes, rheumatic arthritis, thalassemia, and pregnancy. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Infectious Fever
Infectious fever refers to fever caused by dysfunction of the body's temperature regulation center due to infectious diseases. Infectious fever can be preliminarily assessed through tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum ferritin levels.
2. Rashes
Chronic urticaria involves skin allergic reactions that manifest as rashes. Therefore, blood tests can evaluate disease status by detecting the presence of immunoglobulins such as IgG and IgM in the serum.
3. Rheumatic Arthritis
Serum testing for rheumatic arthritis often reveals a significantly elevated anti-streptolysin O (ASO) titer, positive throat culture results, and increased white blood cell count in the blood. Additionally, approximately 85% of patients with rheumatic arthritis show elevated anti-streptococcal antibody levels.
4. Thalassemia
Iron metabolism tests help determine iron storage and metabolic status in the body, thereby assessing whether patients with thalassemia have iron deficiency. These tests include measurements of serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, and serum iron saturation.
5. Pregnancy
Pregnant women typically undergo serum tests including human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and progesterone levels. By monitoring HCG levels and their doubling every 48 hours, the likelihood of intrauterine or ectopic pregnancy can be indirectly assessed.
Prior to undergoing serum testing, alcohol consumption should be avoided to prevent interference with test results. Additionally, it is important to remain relaxed and avoid excessive tension or anxiety during serological testing.
