Diagnostic laboratory and imaging tests are the cornerstone of modern clinical medicine. Whether you are undergoing routine health screening or investigating specific symptoms, understanding the purpose, preparation requirements, and normal reference ranges of common medical tests in Bangladesh allows you to make informed healthcare decisions.
1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
The Complete Blood Count (CBC) is the most widely prescribed screening blood test. It assesses your overall health status and detects a wide variety of conditions including anemia, viral/bacterial infections, and hematologic disorders.
- Hemoglobin (Hb): Measures oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Normal: Men (13.5–17.5 g/dL), Women (12.0–15.5 g/dL). Low levels indicate anemia or chronic blood loss.
- Total White Blood Cell Count (WBC / TC): Normal: 4,000–11,000 cells/mcL. Elevated levels indicate infection, inflammation, or immune response.
- Platelet Count: Essential for blood clotting. Normal: 150,000–450,000 /mcL. Crucial parameter monitored during Dengue viral infections in Bangladesh.
- ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): Non-specific indicator of bodily inflammation or chronic infection.
2. Blood Glucose & Diabetes Screening Tests
| Test Name | Preparation Required | Normal Range | Diagnostic Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) | 8–10 hours overnight fasting | 70–99 mg/dL (3.9–5.5 mmol/L) | 100–125 mg/dL = Prediabetes; ≥126 mg/dL = Diabetes |
| 2 Hours Post-Prandial (2HABF) | Blood drawn 2 hrs after meal/glucose | < 140 mg/dL (< 7.8 mmol/L) | 140–199 mg/dL = Impaired Glucose; ≥200 mg/dL = Diabetes |
| HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) | No fasting required | < 5.7% | 5.7%–6.4% = Prediabetes; ≥6.5% = Diabetes (reflects 3-month average) |
3. Lipid Profile (Cardiovascular Risk Assessment)
A fasting lipid profile evaluates the concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides in your bloodstream to assess risk for coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, and heart attacks.
- Total Cholesterol: Desirable: < 200 mg/dL
- HDL Cholesterol (Good Cholesterol): Protective: > 40 mg/dL for men, > 50 mg/dL for women
- LDL Cholesterol (Bad Cholesterol): Optimal: < 100 mg/dL
- Triglycerides: Normal: < 150 mg/dL
4. Kidney Function Tests (KFT)
- Serum Creatinine: Measures how efficiently kidneys filter waste from muscles. Normal: 0.7–1.3 mg/dL (men), 0.6–1.1 mg/dL (women).
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) / Blood Urea: Normal: 7–20 mg/dL.
- Estimated GFR (eGFR): Evaluates overall kidney filtration efficiency. Values > 90 mL/min indicate normal kidney function.
5. Liver Function Tests (LFT)
- SGPT / ALT & SGOT / AST: Key enzymes released during liver cell inflammation or hepatitis.
- Serum Bilirubin: Measures bile pigment. Normal: 0.2–1.2 mg/dL. Elevated levels cause jaundice.
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): Evaluates bile ducts and bone metabolism.
6. Key Diagnostic Imaging Modalities
- Ultrasonography (USG): Uses high-frequency sound waves for safe, radiation-free evaluation of abdomen, pelvic organs, pregnancy, and thyroid.
- Digital X-Ray: Fast evaluation of bone fractures, chest infections, pneumonia, and joint degeneration.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG / EKG): Records electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias, ischemia, or prior heart attacks.
- CT Scan & MRI: High-resolution cross-sectional imaging for brain stroke, spinal disc herniation, internal trauma, and soft-tissue tumors.
