Make no sense: 5 unnecessary medical tests you shouldn't spend money on
Illustrative photo (Photo: Freepik)
In the modern world, there are unnecessary tests and screenings that don't contribute to improving one's health at all. Often, people find it easier to do more rather than to figure out which tests are indicative and which are not. according to the website of the medical community Take Care of Yourself.
Most ineffective tests are conducted before visiting a doctor. Patients believe it'll help them decide whether to consult specialists or to save time. However, in such cases, individuals spend money and time on things that don't make sense.
Endocrinologist Dina Krylova listed tests that shouldn't be done before a doctor's consultation.
HOMA-IR Index
Insulin resistance affects anyone with excessive weight or obesity. People often want to see on a lab report that the cause lies in the HOMA index, considered a diagnostic criterion for insulin resistance.
However, it's essential to know that the index is calculated based on insulin and glucose levels in fasting serum blood. Rushing to take this test isn't advisable because this indicator isn't reliable.
Throughout the day, insulin levels in serum blood can fluctuate.
"For instance, today you had cake - insulin increased. But tomorrow, if you consume fewer carbohydrates, your insulin production will significantly decrease," explains the doctor.
Physical activity also influences insulin levels. Insulin values constantly fluctuate, making them unreliable for guidance.
Cortisol
Cortisol is a well-known stress hormone. This marker can sharply rise with any agitation, even with minimal physical exertion.
"If we're looking for conditions related to high cortisol levels, it's best to check only cortisol in 24-hour urine, saliva, or conduct a dexamethasone test. Serum cortisol levels can be high even without any illnesses," added the endocrinologist.
Prolactin during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Dina Krylova mentions that prolactin always rises during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This test is senseless during these periods.
It's best to check prolactin levels if there are irregularities in the menstrual cycle, infertility, persistent breast engorgement, or discharge.
Men may undergo this test if they have sexual health problems or gynecomastia (pathological breast enlargement).
Magnesium
A severe magnesium deficiency can be identified. However, insufficiency is not always clear. Typically, a doctor relies on the patient's complaints.
In routine practice, this blood test isn't prescribed as it doesn't reflect the true picture of magnesium levels in the body.
This test is relevant and should only be prescribed for disturbances in calcium-phosphorus metabolism.
Testosterone
In Ukraine, the concentration of free testosterone in laboratories is mostly determined by immunoassay analysis rather than liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. This method is not sufficiently effective compared to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, limiting its use in diagnosing hyperandrogenism.
According to the endocrinologist, more indicative tests would include total testosterone, free testosterone index, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S).
The doctor urges not to trust advertisements and not to undergo multiple tests before visiting a doctor. Only a specialist can understand which tests are necessary for an individual case.
"Don't waste money and time on non-indicative tests," urged Dina Krylova.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
