Gamma-Dynacare


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Test Descriptions

Bioavailable Testosterone (BioT)
Bioavailable testosterone testing is currently recognized as important in determining clinically significant testosterone levels in both males and females. Both total testosterone and free testosterone measurements lack clinical diagnostic accuracy.

Low bioavailable testosterone production is a significant feature of andropause, the diagnosis of which could indicate hormone replacement therapy for males.

Blood Allergy Test
The Blood Allergy Test is a safe and reliable procedure that is part of a diagnostic regime to identify IgE-mediated disorders without exposing patients to allergens. There are more than 500 allergens available, including specific food, environmental and drug-related (e.g., penicillin) allergens. A single, convenient blood test can test up to 40 allergens with no patient preparation necessary and can be used effectively for infants, children or adults. There is also no interference if the patient is on medication. A list of the allergens offered for testing is available by calling Customer Service.

For a more detailed description of this test, please see our Health Bulletin.

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CA 125 (Ovary)
Carbohydrate antigen CA 125 is found in tissues in the peritoneal cavity. Its concentration is elevated in many benign and malignant diseases, including cancer of the ovary. Its main use is to monitor chemotherapy and prognosis in patients with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. There are some studies suggesting that it can also be used to screen post-menopausal women for ovarian cancer.

CA 19-9 (Pancreas)
This is a carbohydrate antigen that is present in several gastrointestinal tissues. Its concentration in serum is greatly elevated in cancers of the GI tract, most notably of the pancreas and the stomach. It is helpful both as a diagnostic and as a prognostic test for pancreatic cancer. Results greater than 10,000 U/mL are virtually always the result of pancreatic cancer.

CA 27 29 and CA 15-3 (Breast)
These are mucin glycoproteins found mainly in breast tissue. Concentrations are frequently elevated in breast cancer. Both CA 27 29 and CA 15-3 are more sensitive and more specific for breast cancer than CEA. Their main use is to monitor treatment of Stage II or III breast cancer being treated with chemotherapy.

Homocysteine
Even a moderately increased concentration of homocysteine is an independent risk factor for arteriosclerosis. The risk increases as homocysteine concentrations increase, even within the reference interval, but especially over 15 µmol/L. Treatment with folic acid has been demonstrated to decrease homocysteine in the blood. This test should be considered for patients with a strong family or personal history of heart disease, stroke or excessive coagulation without other risk factors.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Testing
HPV testing is a reliable and accurate test for detection of the DNA of high-risk strains of HPV known to cause cervical cancer. It is currently recommended for assessing patients with ambiguous Pap test results, such as ASCUS. It is also gaining acceptance as a valuable addition to the Pap test in primary screening for cervical cancer in women over 30 years of age.

Osteoporosis Monitoring with Deoxypyridinoline
Deoxypyridinoline (DPD) is a breakdown product of Type 1 bone collagen that forms 90% of the organic bone matrix. Changes in this compound are more specific than changes in hydroxyproline, which is also affected by collagen from other sources (e.g., skin). Elevated DPD reflects increased bone resorption, due to osteoporosis or other bone conditions.

Bone mineral density measurement is required to make an initial diagnosis of osteoporosis. DPD levels can then be used to monitor treatment. They will usually decrease within two to four weeks of the introduction of successful therapy.

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
PSA testing is important for diagnosing and monitoring treatment and for estimating the prognosis in prostate cancer. Elevated PSA levels can also indicate benign conditions such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and prostatitis. Indeed, 20% of patients with prostate cancer have total PSA < 4.0 µg/L, and only 25% of patients with PSA > 4.0 µg/L have prostate cancer.

PSA Ratio
The clinical specificity of PSA testing is greatly improved with the measurement of the ratio of free PSA (fPSA) to total PSA (fPSA ratio). If the fPSA ratio > 0.25 there is only a 10% chance of prostate cancer. If the fPSA ratio < 0.10 there is a 90% chance of prostate cancer. Use of this test reduces the number of “unnecessary” (i.e., negative) biopsies by about 20% with only a small risk (5–10%) of missing a cancer that might be present.

Urea Breath Test for Diagnosis of Helicobacter Pylori
This non-invasive test requires only a breath sample after the patient swallows a urea capsule. It is an excellent test to determine whether there is an active infection or whether the infection has been eradicated by treatment. The serological H. pylori test does not determine the difference between the live and dormant organism, whereas the breath test detects only live H. pylori. Current practice guidelines recommend this breath test.