A platelet count test measures the number of platelets in your blood, which play a crucial role in blood clotting. Platelets help stop bleeding by clumping together at the site of injury. An abnormal platelet count can indicate issues with your blood’s ability to clot properly. A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) may result in excessive bleeding, while a high count (thrombocytosis) could increase the risk of blood clots, both of which can signal underlying health issues like bone marrow disorders or chronic diseases.

The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test measures the levels of CRP, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. Elevated CRP levels can indicate acute inflammation due to infections, injuries, or chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or heart disease. A CRP test is often used as a diagnostic tool to assess the severity of inflammation and guide treatment decisions. Higher CRP levels usually point to more significant inflammation, though they do not specify the underlying cause.

Calprotectin is a protein released by white blood cells in the intestines during inflammation. A calprotectin test measures its levels in a stool sample, helping diagnose and monitor inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Elevated calprotectin levels suggest intestinal inflammation, making this test a valuable non-invasive marker for distinguishing IBD from non-inflammatory conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Regular monitoring helps physicians track disease progression and treatment effectiveness.

The TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) blood test measures the level of TSH in your blood, which is produced by the pituitary gland to regulate thyroid hormone levels. This test is crucial for diagnosing thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). High TSH levels often indicate an underactive thyroid, while low TSH levels may suggest an overactive thyroid. The TSH test helps physicians monitor thyroid function and adjust treatments for conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves' disease.