Tests starting with the letter K
Laboratory Test Guide: Tests Beginning with the Letter "K"
A complete list of all tests beginning with the letter "K" 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.
Biochemistry, Endocrinology, and Metabolism Tests
Cortisol
CORTISOL, Evening, ECLIA
CORTISOL, Morning, ECLIA
CORTISOL, Free, 24-Hour Urine
CORTISOL, Free, Spot Urine
CORTISOL, Saliva, Night, ECLIA
CORTISOL, Saliva, Morning, ECLIA
Description: This test measures the circadian rhythm of the stress hormone secreted by the adrenal glands in blood, urine, and saliva samples at different times of the day (morning, evening, and night).
Purpose: To definitively diagnose conditions involving excessive cortisol production (Cushing's Syndrome) or insufficient cortisol production (Addison's Disease).
CATECHOLAMINES (Urine)
CATECHOLAMINES (Plasma)
Description: The levels of the hormones adrenaline, norepinephrine, and dopamine—which regulate the body’s response to emergency situations—in the blood or in a 24-hour urine sample.
Purpose: To detect adrenal tumors (pheochromocytoma) underlying unexplained sudden and severe episodes of high blood pressure.
Creatinine, Urine
Creatinine, Serum
Description: It is the measurement of waste products in the blood and urine that are produced as a result of energy use by the muscles and are excreted solely through the kidneys.
Purpose: This is the most basic test used to assess whether the kidneys are functioning properly (kidney failure).
24-Hour Urine Calcium
Calcitonin
Bone-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase
Description: These are specific enzyme, hormone, and electrolyte tests that indicate bone metabolism and calcium balance.
Purpose: This test is ordered to investigate the causes of kidney stones, monitor the progression of osteoporosis (bone loss), and, in particular, detect medullary thyroid cancer using calcitonin.
CALPROTEKTIN, EIA, Feces
Description: This test measures the level of a protective protein released from white blood cells into the stool in the presence of inflammation in the intestines.
Purpose: It is used to distinguish serious inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, from stress-related irritable bowel syndrome.
CARNITINE Serum
Description: This is the blood level of a vital amino acid derivative that transports fatty acids to the mitochondria so that the cell can produce energy.
Purpose: To investigate inherited metabolic disorders and the causes of unexplained muscle weakness.
Hematology, Immunology, and Oncology
Blood Types and Rh Typing
Description: This is the determination of a person’s ABO and Rh (positive/negative) profile by examining the antigens on the surface of their blood cells.
Purpose: This is a mandatory and routine test performed as part of surgical preparations, for blood transfusions, and to detect blood incompatibility during pregnancy.
KAPPA FREE LIGHT CHAIN (URINE)
KAPPA FREE LIGHT CHAIN (SERUM)
Description: This test measures the levels of "kappa" light chains—the building blocks of immune proteins—in the blood or urine.
Purpose: For the diagnosis, follow-up, and assessment of response to chemotherapy in patients with multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer) and amyloidosis.
CHROMOGRANIN A
Description: This test measures a very specific protein that is produced by nerve cells and hormone-secreting cells and enters the bloodstream.
Purpose: Used for screening for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and carcinoid tumors, as well as for monitoring cancer.
Complement C3
Complement C4
Description: These are the levels in the blood of immune system proteins (complement) that activate in sequence to fight infections in the body.
Purpose: To monitor the severity (flare-ups) of systemic autoimmune diseases such as lupus (SLE) and immune deficiencies.
Genetic and Molecular Panels
BONE MARROW ASP. MAT. KROMZMANLZ
KLL PANEL
Description: This is a detailed examination of genetic markers specific to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) through chromosomal analysis of material obtained from bone marrow.
Purpose: This test is used to genetically confirm blood and bone marrow cancers (leukemia/lymphoma) and to predict treatment outcomes.
CARDIOVASCULAR RISK PANEL
Description: This test screens for multiple DNA gene mutations (Factor V, Prothrombin, etc.) that can lead to heart attack, high blood pressure, and blood clotting in an individual.
Objective: To conduct a risk assessment for patients with a family history of genetic vascular occlusion, blood clots, or recurrent miscarriages.
Microbiology and Infection Tests
Mumps Antibodies: IgM and IgG
Description: This test screens for acute (IgM) and long-term (IgG) antibodies produced by the body in response to the mumps virus, which affects the salivary glands.
Purpose: To determine whether the disease was recently contracted or whether immunity was acquired previously through vaccination or previous infection.
HYDATID CYST HEMAGGLUTINATION
Description: This test detects specific antibodies in the blood against the Echinococcus parasite, which is transmitted to humans through the feces of dogs and herbivorous animals.
Purpose: To confirm the diagnosis of "hydatid cysts" (dog tapeworm), a condition that typically causes cysts to form in the lungs and liver.
Ear Discharge Culture
Description: This refers to the cultivation of suspicious, purulent discharge obtained during ear infections (otitis) on laboratory culture media.
Purpose: To identify the bacteria causing the infection in persistent ear infections and to determine the most appropriate antibiotic.
Toxicology and Trace Elements
COBALT Serum
CHROMIUM Whole blood
Description: This test analyzes whether heavy metals—which should be present only in trace amounts in the human body—have reached toxic levels in the blood.
Purpose: To monitor toxicity due to prosthesis wear in patients with metal hip or knee replacements, or to measure heavy metal accumulation in industrial workers.