Tests starting with the letter L
Laboratory Test Guide: Tests Beginning with the Letter "L"
A complete list of all tests performed at Egemed Hospitals’ Medical Laboratories that begin with the letter “L” 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 and Metabolism Tests
LACTIC ACID (Plasma)
Description: This test measures the level of lactate—a byproduct of cellular respiration that enters the bloodstream when cells do not receive enough oxygen.
Purpose: It is used in the diagnosis of emergencies such as sepsis (blood poisoning), severe shock, and tissue hypoxia.
LDH
Description: This test measures the level of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase, which enters the bloodstream when damage occurs to tissues and cells in the body.
Purpose: This test is ordered to monitor red blood cell breakdown (hemolysis), liver damage, suspected heart attack, and the progression of certain cancers (such as lymphoma).
LEPTIN
Description: It is a hormone secreted by fat cells in the body that sends a "fullness" signal to the brain and regulates appetite.
Purpose: To investigate the causes of obesity and to diagnose metabolic syndrome and unexplained weight control issues.
LH
Description: This hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland; in women, it triggers ovulation, and in men, it stimulates testosterone production.
Purpose: It is used in the medical evaluation of menstrual irregularities, infertility, and the menopausal process.
Lipase
Description: This is the blood level of the enzyme that facilitates the digestion of fats and is primarily produced and secreted by the pancreas.
Purpose: It is the most reliable blood test for diagnosing acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) that presents with severe abdominal pain.
LIPID ELECTROPHORESIS
Description: It is the detailed characterization of proteins that carry fats (lipids) in the blood by separating them using an electrical current.
Purpose: This test is performed to establish a definitive diagnosis of inherited disorders of cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism.
Lp(a)
Description: A specific lipid-carrying protein that resembles "bad" cholesterol (LDL) but is genetically inherited and leads to arterial blockages.
Purpose: To determine the cardiovascular risk in patients with a family history of heart attack and stroke at a young age.
Hematology, Coagulation, and Oncology Tests
FREE LAMBDA LIGHT CHAIN (URINE)
Description: This test measures the amount of a structure called "Lambda"—which is produced by immune cells—that is excreted in a 24-hour urine sample.
Purpose: To support the diagnosis and monitor kidney involvement in patients with suspected bone marrow cancer (multiple myeloma).
FREE LAMBDA LIGHT CHAIN (SERUM)
Description: This is the free level of "Lambda" protein particles produced by abnormal blood cells in the bloodstream.
Purpose: To diagnose plasma cell disorders, analyze the kappa/lambda ratio, and monitor the success of oncological treatments.
LYMPHOCYTE SUBSET ANALYSIS, Complete Blood Count
Description: This is an advanced cellular test that counts immune cells (T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells) in the blood by categorizing them into subpopulations.
Purpose: This test is ordered to monitor immune deficiencies such as HIV and to determine the type of blood cancer.
Leukemia-Lymphoma Panel
Description: This test panel provides a comprehensive evaluation of abnormal white blood cell proliferations using cellular genetic markers (flow cytometry).
Objective: To establish a definitive diagnosis in patients with suspected leukemia or lymphoma and to select the appropriate chemotherapy based on the specific subtype of the disease.
LUPUS ANTICOAGULANT CONFIRMATION
Description: This is a second-stage, specific coagulation test that detects the presence of autoantibodies that cause dangerous clots to form inside blood vessels.
Purpose: To definitively confirm whether patients who tested positive on the screening test have Antiphospholipid Syndrome.
LUPUS ANTICOAGULANT SCREENING (LA-dRVVT)
Description: This is a first-line screening test used to detect the presence of autoantibodies that cause unwanted blood clotting.
Objective: To investigate the underlying causes of vascular occlusions, strokes, and recurrent miscarriages that occur at a young age.
Microbiology and Immunology Tests
Legionella Antigen
Description: This test screens for cellular antigens left behind in the body by the bacterium that causes Legionnaires' disease, using a urine sample.
Purpose: This test is ordered to quickly diagnose cases of severe atypical pneumonia.
LEGIONELLA PNEUMOPHILA 1 ANTIGEN
Description: Detection of the "Type 1" form of Legionella bacteria, which is the most dangerous subtype transmitted through air conditioning and water systems.
Purpose: To enable the precise diagnosis of “Air-Conditioning Illness,” which can be life-threatening if delayed, and to initiate specific antibiotic treatment.
Listeria Agglutination Test
Description: This test analyzes the immune antibodies produced in the bloodstream in response to Listeria, a foodborne bacterium.
Purpose: Used to confirm a listeriosis infection, which can cause miscarriages in pregnant women and meningitis in the elderly and infants.
LIVER-KIDNEY MICROSOMAL (LKM) ANTIBODY, IIF
Description: This test uses a microscopic (fluorescent) method to detect autoantibodies that mistakenly attack the body’s liver and kidney cells.
Purpose: To confirm the diagnosis of "Type 2 Autoimmune Hepatitis," a condition in which the body attacks itself and is not caused by viruses.
Toxicology and Drug Level Monitoring
LAMOTRIGINE Serum
Description: This test measures the level of lamotrigine—an active ingredient used in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder—in the blood.
Objective: To determine the most appropriate medication dose to prevent the patient from having a seizure and to eliminate the risk of toxicity.
LEVETIRACETAM Serum
Description: This test measures the therapeutic (treatment-effective) level of a widely used antiepileptic drug in the bloodstream.
Objective: To measure the effectiveness of treatment in patients with epilepsy and to determine whether the dosage is appropriate for the patient.
Lithium
Description: This is the baseline measurement of lithium salt, which is prescribed in psychiatry as a mood stabilizer.
Purpose: To manage the treatment of bipolar disorders and monitor the patient’s adherence to medication in general.
LITHIUM Serum
Description: This is the precise analysis of the milligram level of a lithium medication in serum (the liquid component of blood) by a toxicology laboratory.
Purpose: Since the therapeutic dose of lithium is very close to its toxic dose, regular monitoring is essential to prevent kidney and brain damage.