Laboratory Test Preparation

Test:Single DNA Test - Temporarily Unavailable (currently not accepting samples)
Other Test Request Name:

Not applicable

Test Composition:

Not applicable

Intended Use:

To establish biological relationship between father and child.

Methodology:

DNA Analysis

Laboratory Section:

Special Test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations:

• Inform Special Test Section before the scheduled sample collection for the collection kit.
• Only trained doctors/RMTs are allowed to collect samples.

Sample collection/handling:
1. Each collection kit (provided by HP Main Lab) includes 4 swabs.
2. Collect sample using the 4 swabs for each patient (i.e. 4 swabs for father, 4 swabs for child)
3. Return swabs to its sterile package and place it inside the provided envelope.
4. Encircle whether sample came from father or child.
NOTE: Sample from father and child must be placed in separate envelopes.
5. Completely fill up the required information in the envelope.
NOTE: Signatures of patient and collector is required. For minors, legal guardian must sign on the envelope containing the child's sample.
6. Remove adhesive cover and seal the envelope with sample.
7. Send sample immediately to HP Main Lab.

Document Requirements:
• Photocopy of Birth Certificate/School I.D of child
• Photocopy of Valid I.D of father.
• Completely filled up request form
• Completely filled up disclaimer form

Collection/Sample Container:

Collection kit provided by HP Main Lab.

Each kit contains:
1. 4 sterile swabs
2. Request form

NOTE: 1 Kit for father, 1 kit for child

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.		:

2 swab

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement:

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability  
•   Room Temperature (15-25°C):

7 Days

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C):

Not applicable

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C):

Not applicable

Transport Temperature:

Transport specimen at 15°C ~25 °C (room temperature)

Rejection Criteria:

• Incomplete details of patient
• Unlabelled sample
• Incorrect collection container used

Running Day:

Batch Running

Cut Off Time:

Friday 4:00 PM

TAT/Releasing of Results:

15 days after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation:

Not Applicable

Limitations/Interferences:

None specified.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Not applicable

Related Words/Test:

DNA paternity testing

 

Test:Sleep Diagnostic Test
Other Test Request Name:
  • HST or Home Sleep Test
  • ARES or Apnea Risk Evaluation System
Test Composition:

-

Intended Use:
Sleep Test is a diagnostic test to measure how well a patient sleeps and how his/her body responds to sleep problems. 
 
The test uses ARES™ or Apnea Risk Evaluation System, a wireless device worn by patient at night in the comfort of his/her home. The device is designed specifically for the diagnosis ofObstructive Sleep Apnea or OSA, a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
 
The device is lightweight, and it has an adjustable strap depending on the patient’s head size so that fitting is right and comfortable, and can facilitate any sleeping position. 
 
It records several body functions during sleep, including brain activity, eye movement, oxygen and carbon dioxide blood levels, heart rate and rhythm, breathing rate and rhythm, the flow of air through your mouth and nose.
 
Anyone who is 18 years old and aboveand have the following signs and symptoms can be a candidate for sleep test:
  • Loud snoring, irregular/stopping of breathing during sleep, morning headaches, memory lapses, frequent nocturnal urination, depression, lack of energy or excessive daytime sleepiness, night time gasping, choking or coughing, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), hypertension.
Sleep apnea left undiagnosed and treated can lead to complications such as:
  • High blood pressure, headaches, heart failure, irregular heart beats, enlarged heart and heart attacks, diabetes, depression, stroke, poor performance in everyday activities such as at work and school, motor vehicle crashes.
Methodology:

-

Laboratory Section:

IMAGING DEPARTMENT

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations:
BRANCH & SCHEDULE
 
WALK-IN
  • HPD Del Monte, HPD Las Piñas and HPD Plus Rockwell - By appointment
PERFORMING THE PROCEDURE (AT HOME)
  • Fill out and complete the ARES questionnaire with neck circumference prior to the test. 
  • Wash and dry the forehead before wearing the ARES unit, no moisturizer must be applied.
  • Make sure to remove the plastic covers from the electrode and the forehead sensor before placing on the center of patient’s forehead. Do not discard the plastic covers.
  • Turn off the TV or music. Preferably alone in the room since noise may interfere with the result. 
  • Sleep at least 4 hoursto record a valid sleep test. It’s still best to perform this test during your normal sleeping hours.
AFTER THE MONITORING PERIOD
  • Remove the unit and put back the plastic covers to the electrode and forehead sensor. Place the unit to its case and return it back to HPD or HP Plus where you had your test done.
Collection/Sample Container:

-

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.		:

-

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement:

-

Specimen Stability 

-

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C):

-

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C):

-

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C):

-

Transport Temperature:

-

Rejection Criteria:

-

Running Day:

-

Cut Off Time:

-

TAT/Releasing of Results:
5 working days after the device is surrendered
 
Patient may consult his/her doctor for the interpretation of the result. If patient does not have any clinician, he/she will be referred toQuality Sleep Clinic Philippinesfor a free consultation to explain the report but not to interpret or diagnose.
Reference Interval/Result Interpretation:

-

Limitations/Interferences:

-

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How often should an individual have a sleep study test?
  • Patients should go for a sleep study every year to evaluate sleep quality, and whether or not it is a risk factor for other medical conditions. 
What happens if the patient was not able to complete at least 4 hours of sleep?
  • Patient is given a second trial for FREE. However, patient needs to wait for the next available schedule. Patient has the option to use his/her used accessories (e.g. nasal cannula) or order for a new set priced at P1,000.00 prior to his/her rebooking schedule.  
What happens if the patient’s result is still insufficient after the second attempt? 
  • Patient has the option to either refund 50% of the test cost or have the test done for the 3rd time but with an additional P3,500.00 as rebooking fee to cover the loss of business when the machine is out. After which, no refund will be entertained. For the 3rd attempt, patient has the option to use his/her used accessories (e.g. nasal cannula) or order for a new set priced at P1,000.00 prior to his/her rebooking schedule.  
What happens if patient accidentally wets the equipment? 
  • Patients are strictly advised to avoid the unit from getting wet since it is not waterproof nor water resistant. In line with this, patient will be asked to sign a consent form stating that he/she will be responsible for the safe return of the ARES unit and is liable for any damages or loss incurred which includes the costs for repair or replacement of the device and its accessories.
What is the benefit of ARES Sleep Test compared to Polysomnogram?
  • ARES is wireless and can be done in the comfort of patient's home, whereas, Polysomnogram is done at a sleep disorders unit within a hospital or at a sleep center. A technologist applies various electrodes and sensors to points on patient’s body and monitor his/her sleeping behavior on a video camera all night.
  • ARES and Polysomnogram can both record several body functions during sleep, including brain activity, eye movement, oxygen and carbon dioxide blood levels, heart rate and rhythm, breathing rate and rhythm, the flow of air through your mouth and nose, but Polysomnogram can additionally record body muscle movements, and chest and belly movements.
  • ARES is less expensive but with high rate of accuracy i.e. 95% in determining Obstructive Sleep Apnea, whereas, Polysomnogram is more expensive with 98% accuracy in determining Obstructive Sleep Apnea and other sleep-related disorders. 
Related Words/Test:

-

 

Test:Slide and Tissue block retrieval
Other Test Request Name:
  • Slide and Tissue block retrieval
Test Composition:
  • Not applicable
Intended Use:
  • Histopathology materials (tissue slides and blocks) may be retrieve for the purpose of patient treatment, second opinion/consultation, continuation of care and research or litigation.
Methodology:
  • Not applicable
Laboratory Section:
  • Histopathology
Special Instructions/Patient Preparations:
  • All histopathology materials (blocks, slides and wet tissues) released from storage or archive must be requested IN WRITING by the physician, attorneys, patient and/or patient’s representative stating the purpose of retrieval.
Collection/Sample Container:
  • Not applicable
Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.		:
  • Not applicable
Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement:
  • Not applicable
Specimen Stability  
•   Room Temperature (15-25°C):
  • FFPE tissue blocks and H&E slides are stable indefinitely when stored properly at room temperature (15°C~30°C).
•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C):
  • Not applicable
•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C):
  • Not applicable
Transport Temperature:
  • Transport speciments at 15°C to 30°C
Rejection Criteria:
  • Not applicable
Running Day:
  • Not applicable
Cut Off Time:
  • Not applicable
TAT/Releasing of Results:
  • Slides and/or tissue blocks will be released 1- 2 days after the receipt of letter of request.
Reference Interval/Result Interpretation:
  • Not applicable
Limitations/Interferences:
  • Not applicable
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
  • Not applicable
Related Words/Test:
  • Slide, Tissue block, Retrieval

 

Test:Slide review
Other Test Request Name:
  • Slide referral
  • For re-reading
  • For second opinion
Test Composition:
  • Not applicable
Intended Use:

Reviews provide an opportunity for pathologists to collaborate in patient care. The pathologists involved must act in the best interest of the patient while maintaining respect for their colleagues’ expertise and opinion. Cases are reviewed in a number of situations, including but not limited to the following situations.

  1. Institutional review: Review of pathology at a second institution in case of patient referral to ensure consistency within the local institution and to incorporate any new clinical information.
  2. Requested by the treating physician, outside of a formalized institutional process or by the patient.
  3. Previous histology to correlate with a current specimen or histology correlation with cytopathology.
  4. Teaching purposes.
  5. As part of a formalized Quality Management process.
  6. Research project.

These reviews may occasionally reveal diagnostic disagreements that need to be reconciled to prevent confusion or patient harm.

Methodology:
  • Not applicable
Laboratory Section:
  • Histopathology
Special Instructions/Patient Preparations:
  • All specimens must be LABELED properly and legibly. The label must match the information on the test request form and on the provided histopathology report.
Collection/Sample Container:
  • Microscope slides should be placed in slide holders or mailers and should be adequately padded before placing in a shipping/packaging container to prevent breakage.
  • FFPE tissue blocks must be placed in a box and avoid direct sunlight to prevent melting and disorientation during transport or shipping.
Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.		:
  • Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block (if the specimens needs to be recut)
  • H&E stained slide, representative of the submitted tissue block.
  • Histopathology report for the submitted tissue block
  • Completed HPD Histopathology Request Form (HPD_F_258)
Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement:
  • Not applicable
Specimen Stability  
•   Room Temperature (15-25°C):
  • FFPE tissue blocks and H&E slides are stable indefinitely when stored properly at room temperature (15°C~30°C).
•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C):
  • Not applicable
•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C):
  • Not applicable
Transport Temperature:
  • Transport speciments at 15°C to 30°C
Rejection Criteria:
  • Incorrect/Incomplete information in the HPD Histopathology Request Form
  • Improper or insufficient labeling of tissue blocks or slides
  • Tissue blocks and slides does not corresponds to it’s histopathology report.
Running Day:
  • Daily
Cut Off Time:
  • 7:00 PM
TAT/Releasing of Results:
  • 5 days upon receipt of specimen (in-house only)
  • Note: Additional 2 days may be necessary if specimen needs further evaluation and confirmation by another Pathologist.
Reference Interval/Result Interpretation:
  • Not applicable
Limitations/Interferences:
  • Not applicable
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
  • Not applicable
Related Words/Test:
  • Slide referral
  • For re-reading
  • For second opinion

 

Test:Sm/RNP Antibody
Other Test Request Name:

U1 RNP

Test Composition:

Not applicable 

Intended Use:

Smith (Sm)/U1-RNP Antibody is detected in patients with mixed connective tissue disease (having features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, and polymyositis).

Methodology:

Immunoassay (IA)

Laboratory Section:

Special test 

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations:

Not applicable 

Collection/Sample Container:

Red or Gold 

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.		:

2ml Serum 

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement:

Not applicable 

Specimen Stability  
•   Room Temperature (15-25°C):

4 days

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C):

7 days

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C):

30 days

Transport Temperature:

Transport specimen at 2 – 8 °C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria:

• Hemolyzed specimen
• Markedly lipemic specimen
• Exceeded sample stability requirement
• Quantity not sufficient
• Improperly labeled specimen
• Improper collection tube used

Running Day:

Batch running

Cut Off Time:

Monday, 12:00 PM

 

TAT/Releasing of Results:

14 days after cut-off (excluding saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

 
Reference Interval/Result Interpretation:

Not applicable 

Limitations/Interferences:

Not applicable 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Not applicable 

Related Words/Test:

Ribonucleoprotein,ENA Antibodies,Ribonuclear Protein Antibody,RNP Antibody,Extractable Nuclear Ab,Smith Antibodies

 

Test:Smeared Slide
Other Test Request Name:

not applicable

Test Composition:

not applicable

Intended Use:

Request for smeared slides for the examination of Peripheral Blood Smear

Methodology:

May-Grünwald Giemsa Staining

Laboratory Section:

Hematology

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations:

not applicable

Collection/Sample Container:

EDTA (purple top)

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.		:

Not applicable

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement:Not Applicable
Specimen Stability 

Not applicable

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C):

EDTA: 4 hours

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C):

24 hours

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C):

Not applicable

Transport Temperature:

EDTA: 2-8°C

Rejection Criteria:
  • Improperly labeled specimens
  • Clotted specimens
  • Over-filled or Under-filled tube
  • Quantity not sufficient
  • Specimen stored and transported outside the required temperature
Running Day:

Daily

Cut Off Time:

6:00PM

TAT/Releasing of Results:

not applicable

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation:

not applicable

Limitations/Interferences:

cold agglutinins

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

not applicable

Related Words/Test:

smear, stain, blood smear, staining, save smear

 

Test:Sodium (ISE)
Other Test Request Name:

•Na

Test Composition:

Not applicable

Intended Use:
  • Used to detect low sodium or high sodium levels as part of a health checkup or to help evaluate conditions such as dehydration, edema or heart, lung or kidney diseases.
Methodology:

Direct Ion Selective Electrode (ISE)

Laboratory Section:

Chemistry

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations:

• No patient preparation necessary.

Collection/Sample Container:

Red or Gold tube

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.		:

1-3 mL Serum

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement:

1-3 mL Plasma (Heparin except for Na-Heparin)

Specimen Stability  
•   Room Temperature (15-25°C):

4 Days (Serum must be separated from Gel separator)

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C):

1 Week (Serum must be separated from Gel separator)

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C):

6 Months

Transport Temperature:

Transport specimen at 2 – 8 °C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria:

• Improper collection tube used
• Specimen stored/transported outside the temperature range
• Quantity not sufficient
• Hemolyzed specimen
• Lipemic specimen
• Improperly labeled specimen
• EDTA plasma

Running Day:

Daily

Cut Off Time:

Monday to Saturday: 10:00 PM

Sunday: 6:00PM

TAT/Releasing of Results:

ROUTINE
• 4 hours after receipt of specimen/ arrival of messenger
STAT
• After 2½ HOURS from extraction/messenger arrival

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation:

135.00-148.00 mmol/L (135.00-148.00 meq/L)

Limitations/Interferences:

• Specimens contaminated with cationic surfactants show a positive interference (e.g., addition of 10 mg/L benzalkonium chloride resulted in an increase in sodium concentration of approximately 20 mmol/L).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Not applicable

Related Words/Test:

Chloride, Bicarbonate, Potassium, Electrolytes, Osmolality, Basic Metabolic Panel, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Aldosterone and Renin, ADH, Renal Panel

 

Test:Sodium Dialysate
Other Test Request Name:

Not applicable

Test Composition:

Not applicable

Intended Use:

Used to determine Sodium level in dialysate sample.

Methodology:Not Applicable
Laboratory Section:

Special Test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations:
  • No patient preparation necessary.
  • Inform laboratory 1 day before extraction for schedule.

FOR BRANCHES WITHIN METRO MANILA:

  • Time of collection will be until 6AM only. (specimen should be at Laboratory at exactly 7AM)

FOR BRANCHES OUTSIDE METRO MANILA (PROVINCIAL):

Time ofcollection will be 3PM onwards for Monday to Thursday only(specimen should be at Laboratory until 7AM)

Collection/Sample Container:

Plastic leak proof container

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.		:

60 mL dialysate

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement:

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability  
•   Room Temperature (15-25°C):

Not applicable

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C):

24 Hours

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C):

Not applicable

Transport Temperature:

Transport specimen at 2°C - 8°C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria:
  • Quantity Not sufficient
  • Improperly labeled specimen
  • Specimen stored and transported outside the required temperature
Running Day:

Monday to Friday

Cut Off Time:

Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM

TAT/Releasing of Results:

3 days after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation:

Available upon request

Limitations/Interferences:

None specified.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Not applicable

Related Words/Test:

Cardiovascular morbidity

 

Test:Soluble Liver Antigen
Other Test Request Name:
  • Anti-LP/SLA antibodies
  • Anti-SLA/LP antibodies
  • Soluble Liver Antigen (SLA) Autoantibody
Test Composition:

Not Applicable

Intended Use:

Anti-soluble liver antigen antibodies are detected in 10-30% of patients with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), but not in patients with type 2 AIH, primary sclerosing cholangitis or primary biliary cirrhosis. The antibody is directed against a UGA suppressor tRNA-associated protein. In some patients with AIH, this antibody may be the only autoantibody detected by current assays.

Methodology:

Immunoassay (IA)

Laboratory Section:

Special Test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations:

No patient preparation necessary.

Collection/Sample Container:

Red or Gold Tube

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.		:

3 mL Serum

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement:

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability  
•   Room Temperature (15-25°C):

24 Hours 

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C):

7 Days 

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C):

28 Days

Transport Temperature:

Transport specimen at 2 – 8 °C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria:
  • Hemolyzed specimen
  • Markedly lipemic specimen
  • Exceeded sample stability requirement
  • Quantity not sufficient
  • Improperly labeled specimen
  • Improper collection tube used
Running Day:

Batch Running

Cut Off Time:

Monday, 12:00 PM

 

TAT/Releasing of Results:

2 weeks after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation:

Available upon request

Limitations/Interferences:

None Specified.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Not Applicable

Related Words/Test:

Autoimmune disease of the liver

 

Test:Sperm Antibodies
Other Test Request Name:

Sperm Antibody (IgA, IgG)

Test Composition:
  • Sperm Antibody IgG
  • Binding Location IgG
  • Sperm Antibody IgA
  • Binding Location IgA
Intended Use:

Sperm antibody testing is used for the investigation of infertility in men and women.

Sperm Antibodies are detected in approximately 15%-20% of men with otherwise unexplained infertility and in 10%-15% of women with otherwise unexplained infertility.

Methodology:

Immunobeads

Laboratory Section:

Special Test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations:

No patient preparation necessary.

Collection/Sample Container:

Red or Gold Tube

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.		:

3 mL Serum

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement:

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability  
•   Room Temperature (15-25°C):

24 Hours

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C):

7 Days

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C):

14 Days

Transport Temperature:

Transport specimen at 2 – 8 °C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria:
  • Hemolyzed specimen
  • Markedly lipemic specimen
  • Exceeded sample stability requirement
  • Quantity not sufficient
  • Improperly labeled specimen
  • Improper collection tube used
Running Day:

Batch Running

Cut Off Time:

Monday, 12:00 PM

 

TAT/Releasing of Results:

2 weeks after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation:

Available upon request

Limitations/Interferences:

None Specified.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Not Applicable

Related Words/Test:

Sperm Analysis, Sperm Count, Seminal Fluid Analysis, Semen Analysis

 

Test:Spirometry
Other Test Request Name:
  • Simple Spirometry
  • Short Spirometry

 

Test Composition:

-

Intended Use:

There are different types of Pulmonary Function Test or PFT and Spirometry is one of them.  

Spirometry evaluates how the lungs work. It measures how much air (volume) is inside the lungs, and how fast (flow) you can move air in and out.

It helps diagnose breathing problems, such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methodology:

-

Laboratory Section:

IMAGING DEPARTMENT

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations:

BRANCHES & SCHEDULE

No need for appointment, available for walk-in patients

  • HPD Del Monte

NOTE: Please note that availability is subject to change without prior notice. Call the branch for confirmation.

PREPARATIONS

  • Wear comfortable clothing that will not restrict breathing. 
  • Do not eat a heavy meal prior to the test.
  • Avoid smoking and vigourous exercise on the day of the test.
  • Patient must inform his/her requesting physician if he/she is taking or on lung-related medications (e.g. inhaler) as this may be withheld prior to the test.
Collection/Sample Container:

-

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.		:

-

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement:

-

Specimen Stability 

-

•   Room Temperature (15-25°C):

-

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C):

-

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C):

-

Transport Temperature:

-

Rejection Criteria:

-

Running Day:

-

Cut Off Time:

-

TAT/Releasing of Results:

-

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation:

-

Limitations/Interferences:

-

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How is Spirometry performed?

  1. The patient will be asked to place his/her mouth into a mouthpiece that is attached to the spirometer, the lips should form a tight seal so air will not escape the spirometer. The patient will also wear a soft clip on the nose to keep air from leaking out of it. 
  2. Breathe normally until the lungs are empty.
  3. Then, take a big, deep breath to fill up the lungs completely and fully.
  4. Blow the air as hard and as fast as you can until the lungs are absolutely empty.
  5. Repeat the test until there are three good efforts.

Is Spirometry painful?

  • The test itself is painless. However, because the test requires the patient to breath in and out quickly, there is a possibility that he/she may experience some shortness of breath, chest discomfort, lightheadedness, or headache. It is best to communicate with the staff if these symptoms are experienced.


Can I catch an infection from doing Spirometry?

  • Micro filters are used per patient so he/she will never breathe the air exhaled by another person.
Related Words/Test:Not Applicable

 

Test:Squamous Cell CA (SCC)
Other Test Request Name:TA 4 Antigen
Test Composition:Not applicable
Intended Use:Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (a sub-fraction of the TA4 fraction) is a marker for squamous cell carcinoma, high levels are suggestive of endocervix involvement and lower levels of other localizations (the lung, the esophagus, the anal canal, or the skin)
Methodology:Chemiluminescence
Laboratory Section:Special Test
Special Instructions/Patient Preparations:No patient preparation necessary.
Collection/Sample Container:Red or Gold Tube
Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.		:3 mL Serum
Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement:Not Applicable
Specimen Stability  
•   Room Temperature (15-25°C):24 Hours
•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C):14 Days
•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C):14 Days
Transport Temperature:Transport specimen at 2 – 8 °C (with cold packs)
Rejection Criteria:• Hemolyzed specimen
• Markedly lipemic specimen
• Exceeded sample stability requirement
• Quantity not sufficient
• Improperly labeled specimen
• Improper collection tube used
Running Day:Batch Running
Cut Off Time:Friday 4:00 PM
TAT/Releasing of Results:14 days after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)
Reference Interval/Result Interpretation:Available upon request
Limitations/Interferences:None specified.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):Not applicable
Related Words/Test:Squamous Cell Carcinoma, skin cancer

 

Test:SteatoTEST
Other Test Request Name:
Fibromax (Steatosis)
Test Composition:
CHEMISTRY:
  • Alpha-2 macroglobulin
  • Haptoglobin
  • Apolipoprotein A1
  • GGT
  • Bilirubin
  • SGPT
  • SGOT
  • Fasting Blood Sugar
  • Cholesterol
  • Triglycerides
SPECIAL TEST:
  • Algorithm 
Intended Use:

Accumulation of fat in the liver, caused by metabolic anomalies (Dyslipidemia, diabetes, overweight/obesity). Steatosis is commonly referred to as fatty liver.

 
Methodology:

Immunoturbidimetric assay

  • Alpha 2 Macroglobulin
  • Haptoglobin
  • Apolipoprotein A-1

 

Enzymatic Colorimetric

  • GGT
  • Cholesterol
  • Triglyceride

Colorimetric

  • Bilirubin

UV with P5P

  • SGOT
  • SGPT

Hexokinase

  • Fasting Blood Sugar

Direct Measure PEG

  • HDL

Glycosylated Hb

  • High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

 

Laboratory Section:

Chemistry and Special Test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations:
  • 10~12 hours fasting
  • Age requirement is >/= 15 years old
 

Record the following  in Clinical Information:

  • Height in centimeter
  • Weight in kilograms
  • Requesting Physician

 

NOTE:

In case the Requesting Physician is considering any of the below diagnosis, please inform Special Test before proceeding with the test :

  • Acute Hepatitis (acute viral hepatitis A, B, C, D, E ; Drug induced hepatitis)
  • Extra-hepatic cholestasis (pancreatic cancer, gallstones)
  • Severe Hemolysis
  • Gilbert’s syndrome with high unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia
  • Acute Inflammatory syndrome: Blood test just need to be postponed for at least 2 weeks.
 
Collection/Sample Container:

Gold Tube

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.		:

3 mL Serum

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement:

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability  
•   Room Temperature (15-25°C):

Not Applicable

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C):

7 days

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C):

Not Applicable

Transport Temperature:

Transport at 2°C~8°C (with ice packs).

Rejection Criteria:
  • Below 14 years old
  • Hemolyzed specimen
  • Quantity not sufficient
  • Incorrect collection container used
  • Improperly labeled specimen
  • Specimen stored/transported outside the temperature range
Running Day:

Batch running 

Cut Off Time:

4:00 PM

TAT/Releasing of Results:

9 days  after cut-off (Excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

NOTES:

  • Only Biomarkers results are available online with note “Liver Fact graph result available for pick-up at Branch”
  • Hard copies of BOTH the BIOMARKERS RESULTS and the LIVER FACT GRAPH will be delivered to your Branch.  
  • Branch is no longer allowed to print the Biomarkers Results from POS Releasing Program.
  • Both the Biomarkers Results and Liver Fact graph must be released to the patient.

 

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation:

Available upon request.

Limitations/Interferences:

Not Applicable

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Why use Liver Fast as an alternative to liver biopsy?

A:1. Non-invasive and no risk.

     2. A simple blood test with no hospitalization for the patient.

     3. High applicability of 98% even for obese and overweight patient patients.

     4. Easy to repeat, especially for disease follow up.

     5. Liver Fast test is a cost effective alternative to liver biopsy.

     6. Same diagnostic value as a 25mm biopsy.

     7. Meta-analysis of longitudinal studies, totaling 2185 subjects, has demonstrated that the treatment effect on fibrosis progression rate was similarly estimated using Liver Fast or Biopsy. Combination of    Liver Fast test with other tests reduces the need of liver biopsy.

 

Q:  Why use Liver Fast test for assessment of Hepatitis B Fibrosis and Activity?

 

A:1. Estimate Fibrosis and Activity.

     2. Follow up: easily repeatable for assessment of disease progression with no variability of activity.

     3. Predict survival rate: better long term prognosis value of Liver Fast test vs viral load or ALT.

     4. New definition of low risk & inactive carrier.

     5. Abnormal levels of ALT will not affect the performance of Liver Fast test, unlike Transient Elastography, which is   subject to variability related to necro inflammatory activity

 

Q: What are the precautions of use and interpretability?

 

A:  1. The test has to be deferred: acute hemolysis, acute hepatitis, acute inflammation, extrahepatic cholestatis.

      2.The advice of specialist sought for interpretation in chronic hemolysis and Gilberts Syndrome

      3.The test interpretation is not validated in liver transplant patients.

 

 

Related Words/Test:

Necrotico-inflammatory for hepatitis, liver steatosis, NASH (Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) inflammation, Alcoholic liver disease inflammation

 

Test:Stool PH
Other Test Request Name:Not applicable
Test Composition:Not applicable
Intended Use:It is a screening test for carbohydrates and fat malabsorption. Human feces is normally alkaline. An acidic stool may indicate a digestive problem such as lactose intolerance or presence of bacteria and virus such as E. coli or Rotavirus.
Methodology:Potentiometry
Laboratory Section:Clinical Microscopy
Special Instructions/Patient Preparations:Patient should not have antibiotic intakes for 1 week and should not undergo barium procedures or take laxatives 1 week before specimen collection.
Collection/Sample Container:Clean, leak-proof container
Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.		:Pea sized or size of 25 centavo coin stool
Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement:Not applicable
Specimen Stability  
•   Room Temperature (15-25°C):2 Hours
•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C):Not applicable
•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C):Not applicable
Transport Temperature:Transport specimens immediately to HPD Laboratory at room temperature (15-25°C) within 2 hours.

NOTE: Do not delay transport of samples.
Rejection Criteria:• Quantity not sufficient (QNS); samples less than pea-sized stool
• Contaminated stool (e.g. with urine or other body fluids)
• Stool not delivered immediately in the laboratory within 2 hours.
Running Day:Daily
Cut Off Time:Monday to Saturday
• 6:00 PM

Sunday
• 3:00 PM
TAT/Releasing of Results:ROUTINE
• 3 hours after receipt of specimen/ arrival of messenger
STAT
• After 1½ hours from receipt of specimen/ arrival of messenger
Reference Interval/Result Interpretation:Not applicable
Limitations/Interferences:Contaminated stool sample may interfere with the results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):Not applicable
Related Words/Test:Lactose Intolerance

 

Test:Strep. pneumoniae IgG
Other Test Request Name:
  • Streptococcus Pneumoniae IgG
  • Streptococcus Pneumoniae Antibody (IgG) (23 Serotypes) MAID 
Test Composition:

Serotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 (9N), 12 (12F), 17 (17F), 14, 19 (19F), 20, 22 (22F), 23 (23F), 26 (6B), 34 (10A), 43 (11A), 51 (7F), 54 (15B), 56 (18C), 57 (19A), 68 (9V), 70 (33F)

Intended Use:

Responses to pneumococcal vaccines are demonstrated by 2- to 4-fold increases in the levels of IgG recognizing approximately 70% of the serotypes contained within a given pneumococcal vaccine.

Methodology:

Multi-Analyte Immunodetection (MAID)

Laboratory Section:

Special Test

Special Instructions/Patient Preparations:

No patient preparation necessary.

Collection/Sample Container:

Red or Gold Tube

Specimen and Volume Requirement
Note:Follow tube manufacturer recommendation.		:

3 mL Serum

Alternative Specimen and Volume Requirement:

Not Applicable

Specimen Stability  
•   Room Temperature (15-25°C):

24 Hours

•   Refrigerated Temperature (2-8°C):

7 Days

•   Freezer Temperature (-20°C):

30 Days

Transport Temperature:

Transport specimen at 2 – 8 °C (with cold packs)

Rejection Criteria:
  • Hemolyzed specimen
  • Markedly lipemic specimen
  • Exceeded sample stability requirement
  • Quantity not sufficient
  • Improperly labeled specimen
  • Improper collection tube used
Running Day:

Batch Running

Cut Off Time:

Monday, 12:00 PM

 

TAT/Releasing of Results:

2 weeks after cut-off (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays)

Reference Interval/Result Interpretation:

Available upon request

Limitations/Interferences:

None Specified.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Not Applicable.

Related Words/Test:

Pneumococcus, Gram-positive