Tests starting with the letter F
Laboratory Test Guide: Tests Beginning with the Letter "F"
A complete list of all tests beginning with the letter "F" performed at Egemed Hospitals’ Medical Laboratories is provided below. To help our patients understand these tests in advance, a brief medical description of each test group and its intended laboratory use are clearly stated.
Hematology and Coagulation Tests
FACTOR VII (Proconvertin)
FACTOR VIII (Factor 8)
FACTOR IX (Factor 9)
FACTOR X (Stuart Factor)
FACTOR XI
FACTOR XII (Hageman Factor)
FACTOR XIII (Screening-Urea Clot Lys.)
Description: This test measures the levels and activity in the blood of vital proteins (factors) that are sequentially activated in the body to stop bleeding (the coagulation cascade).
Purpose: This test is used to diagnose genetic bleeding disorders such as hemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency) and hemophilia B (factor IX deficiency), to investigate bleeding of unknown cause, and to assess the risk of bleeding prior to surgery.
Fibrinogen
Description: It is the primary protein produced by the liver that forms a "fibrin" network during the blood clotting process, thereby stopping bleeding. It is also an acute-phase reactant (its levels rise during inflammation).
Purpose: This test is ordered to evaluate coagulation disorders, liver diseases, and severe inflammatory processes in the body.
Biochemistry, Hormone, and Metabolism Tests
FECAL ELASTAZE (Pancreatic)
Fecal Calprotectin
Description: These are specific enzyme and protein measurements performed on a stool sample. Elastase indicates the digestive function of the pancreas, while calprotectin indicates inflammation in the intestines.
Purpose: Used to diagnose pancreatic insufficiency and to differentiate between intestinal diseases (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome).
Ferritin
Description: It is the binding protein that facilitates the storage of iron in the body and best reflects the amount of iron within cells.
Purpose: This test is performed to definitively diagnose iron-deficiency anemia or to assess the risk of excessive iron accumulation in the body (hemochromatosis).
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
Description: This is a type of B vitamin that is essential for cell division, DNA synthesis, and the production of red blood cells.
Purpose: Monitoring is conducted to diagnose macrocytic anemia, identify nutritional deficiencies, and prevent the risk of neural tube defects in the fetus during pregnancy.
Free T3 (Free T3)
Free T4 (Free T4)
Explanation: These are active thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid gland that circulate freely in the blood—unbound to proteins—and determine the body’s metabolic rate.
Purpose: Used for the definitive diagnosis of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism/toxic goiter) and for adjusting medication doses.
FRUCTOSAMINE
Description: This is a measurement of the structure formed when blood sugar binds to proteins in the blood (particularly albumin). Unlike HbA1c, it is a short-term indicator.
Purpose: This test is ordered to assess how well blood sugar levels have been controlled in patients with diabetes over the past 2–3 weeks.
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
Description: It is the primary reproductive hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates egg development in women and sperm production in men.
Purpose: To diagnose menopause, investigate female or male infertility, assess ovarian reserve, and determine the cause of menstrual irregularities.
Genetics, Molecular Analysis, and Toxicology
F8 GEN DELETION/DUPLICATION ANALYSIS
Description: This involves screening for structural deficiencies or excesses (deletions/duplications) in the F8 gene—which causes hemophilia A—using molecular genetic methods.
Purpose: To establish a definitive genetic diagnosis of hemophilia A and to determine carrier status within the family.
FACTOR V LEIDEN MUTATION
Description: This test analyzes a hereditary (genetic) DNA mutation in the Factor V gene that increases the blood’s tendency to clot.
Purpose: This test is performed to investigate the genetic causes of intravascular clotting (thrombosis), pulmonary embolism, and recurrent miscarriages during pregnancy.
PHENYTOIN Serum
PHENOBARBITAL Serum
Description: This is a measurement of the blood levels (TDM) of potent neurological medications used in the treatment of epilepsy and seizures.
Objective: To ensure that the medication dose is maintained within a range that is high enough to prevent seizures but safe enough not to cause damage (toxicity) to the brain or other organs.
FLUOROURACIL TOXICITY
Description: This test detects variations in the DPYD gene, which is responsible for the breakdown of the chemotherapy agent 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) used in cancer treatment (pharmacogenetic test).
Purpose: To predict, before starting treatment, whether a patient will develop a potentially life-threatening side effect (toxicity) from the chemotherapy drug.
Immunology and Allergy Tests
HAZELNUT (F17) CLIA
Description: This test analyzes specific IgE antibodies produced by the body’s immune system in response to hazelnut protein using the chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) method.
Purpose: This test is used to definitively diagnose a nut allergy, which can cause severe anaphylaxis (allergic shock) when the nut is consumed.