Tests starting with the letter P
Laboratory Test Guide: Tests Beginning with the Letter "P"
A complete list of all tests performed at Egemed Hospitals’ Medical Laboratories that begin with the letter “P” 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 Tumor Markers
PCA 3
Description: This test detects the PCA3 gene (Prostate Cancer Antigen 3)—which is produced in high levels by prostate cancer cells and is present in urine—at the molecular level.
Purpose: This test is ordered to prevent unnecessary prostate biopsies in men with elevated PSA levels and to assess the risk of prostate cancer more specifically.
PIRUVAT
Description: This test measures the level in the blood of an important intermediate product produced during cellular energy production (glycolysis).
Purpose: It is used in conjunction with lactate to investigate cases of inherited metabolic disorders (mitochondrial diseases) and unexplained acidosis (accumulation of acid in the blood).
PLASMA RENIN ACTIVITY (Outpatient)
Description: This is the activity of the renin enzyme—which is secreted by the kidneys to regulate blood pressure—as measured in a blood sample taken while the patient is standing.
Purpose: To determine whether drug-resistant high blood pressure is caused by renal vascular narrowing or adrenal gland disorders.
Serum Pregnenolone
Description: This test measures the hormone synthesized from cholesterol, which serves as the "primary precursor" for all steroid hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Purpose: To diagnose rare inherited enzyme deficiencies (congenital adrenal hyperplasia) in the adrenal gland.
Progesterone
Description: It is a very critical reproductive hormone that increases after ovulation in women, preparing the uterus for pregnancy and ensuring its continuation.
Purpose: To confirm whether healthy ovulation has occurred, to monitor infertility treatments, and to assess risks during early pregnancy.
Procalcitonin
Description: This is a specific protein whose levels rise very rapidly in the blood when a severe bacterial infection develops in the body (especially when the bacteria enter the bloodstream).
Objective: To diagnose sepsis (blood poisoning) and severe bacterial infections within hours; and to prevent the unnecessary use of antibiotics.
Prolactin
Description: It is the "milk hormone" secreted by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, which stimulates the production of breast milk in women.
Purpose: Used to diagnose galactorrhea (milk secretion from the breasts) in non-pregnant individuals, amenorrhea, loss of libido in men, and pituitary tumors (prolactinomas).
Prostate-Specific Antigen (Free)
Description: This test measures the free fraction of the antigen released from the prostate gland into the bloodstream—that is, the portion that circulates freely in the blood without being bound to proteins.
Purpose: To distinguish between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and cancer in men with borderline-high total PSA levels by examining the free/total PSA ratio.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (Total)
Description: It is the most basic marker of prostate health in men; it is produced by the prostate gland, and its total level in the blood is measured.
Purpose: It is routinely performed for the early-stage screening and diagnosis of prostate cancer, post-treatment follow-up, and monitoring of prostate inflammation.
PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS (Urine)
Description: This is a method for determining the type and molecular weight of proteins that leak (seep) from the kidneys into the urine by separating them using an electric current.
Purpose: This test is ordered to determine the location of kidney damage (glomerular or tubular) and to screen for Bence-Jones protein in the urine, which is associated with multiple myeloma.
PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS (CAPILLARY SE)
Description: This is the process of separating the major proteins in the blood (serum) (albumin, globulins, etc.) into their fractions using advanced capillary technology and plotting the results on a graph.
Purpose: This is an advanced test used to diagnose multiple myeloma, immunodeficiencies, cirrhosis, and chronic infectious diseases.
PSEUDOCHOLINESTERASE
Description: This is the level of an enzyme produced by the liver and released into the bloodstream that is responsible for breaking down specific chemicals in the nervous system.
Purpose: To diagnose pesticide (organophosphate) poisoning, assess liver function, and determine genetic susceptibility to certain muscle relaxants prior to surgery.
PTH (Intact)
Description: This test measures the intact form of parathyroid hormone (PTH), which is secreted by the parathyroid glands in the neck and helps maintain the balance of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D in the blood.
Purpose: This test is performed to determine the underlying cause of high or low calcium levels in the blood and to assess the risk of kidney stones and osteoporosis.
Hematology and Coagulation Tests
Peripheral Smear Examination
Description: This procedure involves spreading a drop of blood obtained from the patient onto a glass slide, staining it, and having a specialist physician or qualified staff examine the blood cells (structure, size, shape) one by one under a microscope.
Purpose: To confirm abnormalities detected in a complete blood count (CBC); to diagnose leukemia, various types of anemia, and blood parasites at the cellular level.
PIRUVAT KINAZ
Description: This test measures the level of the enzyme pyruvate kinase, which is essential for energy production and the survival of red blood cells.
Purpose: To establish a definitive diagnosis of a disease characterized by cell breakdown (hemolytic anemia) caused by a genetic enzyme deficiency that manifests in infancy or childhood.
PROTEIN S ACTIVITY
Description: This test measures how well the Protein S molecule—a natural blood thinner that prevents unnecessary blood clotting in the body—is functioning.
Purpose: To investigate the tendency toward blood clotting in cases of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurring at a young age or recurrent pregnancy loss (miscarriage).
PROTEIN S ANTIGEN (FREE)
Description: This test measures the amount of Protein S in the blood that is in its free form—that is, not bound to other proteins—and thus biologically active.
Purpose: This test is ordered to determine in detail whether Protein S deficiency is a genetic or acquired subtype.
PROTEIN S ANTIGEN (TOTAL)
Description: This test measures the total amount of all Protein S antigens—both bound and unbound—in the bloodstream.
Purpose: This test is performed in conjunction with other tests to evaluate a patient’s natural anticoagulant (blood-thinning) capacity in thrombosis (blood clot formation) panels.
Prothrombin Time (PT)
Description: This is a basic coagulation test that measures how long it takes for blood to form a clot in the extrinsic coagulation pathway (in seconds) and determines the INR value.
Purpose: To monitor the dosage of patients taking blood thinners such as Coumadin (Warfarin), detect bleeding disorders, and evaluate liver function.
Microbiology, Virology, and Infectious Disease Testing
Parvovirus B-19 Antibodies: IgM and IgG
Description: This test measures immunity to the Fifth Disease virus, which is particularly common in children and causes a "slapped-cheek" appearance on the cheeks.
Purpose: To determine whether the illness was recently contracted and to screen for the risk of infection, particularly in pregnant women, where there is a risk of transmission to the baby.
PARVOVIRUS B-19 IgG ANTIBODY
Description: Detection of specific "IgG" antibodies indicating long-term immunity against parvovirus B-19.
Purpose: This test is ordered to determine whether the patient (particularly pregnant women at risk) has had this disease in the past and has developed lifelong immunity.
Parvovirus PCR
Description: This is the highly sensitive detection of the genetic material (DNA) of parvovirus B-19 in blood or amniotic fluid using PCR technology.
Purpose: To detect the presence of active virus and confirm fetal infection in cases where antibody tests are insufficient.
Plasmodium Antigen
Description: This is a rapid blood test to detect cellular proteins (antigens) from the Plasmodium parasite, which causes malaria.
Objective: To rapidly diagnose malaria in patients presenting with high fever, chills, and episodes of shaking in an emergency department setting.
Plasmodium Test (in blood)
Description: This procedure involves staining blood samples obtained from the patient (using the thick smear and thin smear methods) and having specialists examine them directly under a microscope for the presence of parasitic cells.
Purpose: This is the gold standard method for diagnosing malaria and enables the selection of the appropriate medication by identifying the specific Plasmodium subspecies (falciparum, vivax, etc.) responsible for the disease.
Pneumococcal Antibody
Description: This test measures the level of antibodies produced in response to the pneumococcal bacterium, the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia and meningitis.
Objective: To assess the immune response (protection) to the pneumococcal vaccine in individuals with recurrent infections and to screen for immunodeficiencies.
PNEUMOCOCCAL ANTIBODIES
Description: This is a comprehensive panel analysis of immune antibodies developed against multiple subtypes (serotypes) of the pneumococcal bacterium (Streptococcus pneumoniae).
Objective: To demonstrate the effectiveness of the pneumonia vaccine regimen in children and the elderly who are at risk and to verify the performance of the immune system.
POLYOMA JCV and BKV PCR, Serum
Description: This test uses PCR to detect the DNA of polyoma viruses—known as JC and BK—in the blood; these viruses typically remain dormant in most people but become active when the immune system is compromised.
Purpose: This is a vital test for monitoring the risk of brain damage (JCV-associated PML) in kidney transplant patients (with BK virus-associated nephropathy) and in those taking immunosuppressive medications.
Immunology and Allergy Tests
PENICILLOYL G (c1) CLIA
Description: This test detects the presence of specific allergy antibodies (IgE) in the blood that have developed in response to penicillin G, the primary molecule in the penicillin class of antibiotics.
Purpose: To safely determine (through a blood test) whether the patient is at risk of life-threatening anaphylactic shock (allergy) from penicillin antibiotics.
PENICILLOYL V (c2) CLIA
Description: This test measures IgE-mediated allergic sensitivity produced by the immune system in response to penicillin V (an oral form of penicillin).
Purpose: Used to confirm or rule out suspected drug allergies to penicillin-derived tablets.
Genetic and Prenatal Screening Tests
Prenatal Test
Description: This is the general term for a panel of laboratory tests performed during pregnancy—either through maternal blood or amniocentesis—to assess the baby’s chromosomal conditions (such as Down syndrome).
Purpose: To genetically ensure the health of the fetus and to detect risks of birth defects at an early stage.
Toxicology and Drug Level Monitoring
PREGABALIN Serum
Description: This is the pharmacological concentration in the blood of a medication containing the active ingredient pregabalin, which is used to treat neuropathic pain (nerve damage) and epileptic seizures.
Purpose: To verify whether the patient’s medication dose is sufficient for treatment and to prevent cases of poisoning that could lead to organ damage.