Diagnostic Services at In & Out Urgent Care Clinic – Metairie, LA

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In-House Diagnostic Services

Blood Tests

Blood tests are a commonly used medical diagnostic tool. A healthcare professional draws a small amount of blood from a patient’s vein, typically in the arm. This sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. These tests can screen for many conditions, from high cholesterol to cancer, and can also help monitor ongoing health issues. There are many types of blood tests, including complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry tests, blood enzyme tests, and genetic tests. The specific type of blood test you have will depend on what your healthcare provider is looking for. Common reasons for blood tests include assessing your general health, confirming the presence of a bacterial or viral infection, seeing how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning, or screening for certain genetic conditions.

Urine Tests

Urine tests, also known as urinalysis, involve the testing of a urine sample. The sample is collected in a small, specially designed plastic cup, and then sent to a lab for analysis. Urinalysis can detect issues in your urinary system and beyond. They can help diagnose a variety of conditions, such as kidney disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), liver disease, diabetes, and many more. Urine tests can involve a number of examinations including visual examination (for color, clarity), chemical examination (using chemically treated dipsticks), and microscopic examination (to identify cells, crystals, bacteria, etc). Regular urine tests can also be part of prenatal care, drug testing, or as part of a routine medical examination.

X-rays

X-rays are a type of imaging test that helps visualize the structures inside your body, especially your bones. This technique uses a small amount of ionizing radiation to produce images of the body’s internal structures. X-rays can help diagnose fractures, infections, blockages, or diseases like pneumonia or cancer. They can be performed on any part of the body. Despite using radiation, the amount is usually quite low and the benefits of the test often outweigh the risks. Pregnant women, however, are typically not recommended to have X-rays because of potential risk to the fetus. There are different types of X-ray tests, including chest X-rays, mammograms, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography (CT) scans.

Electrocardiograms (EKGs)

Electrocardiograms, often abbreviated as EKG or ECG, are tests that measure the electrical activity of the heart. They are often used to investigate symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations, or to check the heart’s function in people with heart disease. During an EKG, small electrode patches are attached to the skin on your chest and sometimes on your limbs. These electrodes record the electrical signals that make your heart beat. An EKG can help detect and study many heart problems, such as heart attacks, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and heart failure. It can also show if the patient is having a heart attack or has had one in the past. EKGs are noninvasive, safe, and painless, with no side effects.

Ultrasounds

Ultrasounds, also known as sonography, are a type of imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures within your body. They can be used to examine many parts of the body such as the abdomen, heart (echocardiograms), blood vessels, kidneys, liver, and to monitor pregnancy (prenatal ultrasound). Ultrasounds are often used to help diagnose a variety of conditions, guide certain medical procedures, monitor the health and development of an embryo or fetus during pregnancy, or diagnose conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. Unlike X-rays, ultrasounds don’t use radiation. They are considered safe and noninvasive, with minimal risks or side effects.

Other Diagnostic Test

Physical Exams

Physical exams, also known as physical assessments or routine check-ups, are common practices in healthcare where a healthcare provider investigates the body of a patient for signs of disease. During a physical examination, a healthcare provider may observe, palpate (feel), percuss (tap to determine resonance), and auscultate (listen) to the various body parts. Physical exams can vary based on the patient’s age, gender, medical history, and other factors. They typically involve taking a health history, vital signs assessment (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature), head and neck examination, abdominal examination, nervous system evaluation, and more. Regular physical exams are a crucial part of preventive healthcare. They can help detect potential issues before they become severe and provide an opportunity to update necessary immunizations.

Strep Throat Tests

Strep throat tests are performed when a healthcare provider suspects a patient has strep throat, an infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes. The most common strep throat tests are the rapid antigen test and the throat culture. The rapid test can provide results quickly, usually within a few minutes, but it may miss some cases of strep throat. If the rapid test is negative but the doctor still suspects strep throat, a throat culture is performed, which takes 24-48 hours for results. During both tests, a healthcare provider uses a sterile swab to collect a sample from the back of the throat and tonsils. This process can cause brief discomfort, but is typically quick and not painful. If positive, strep throat is typically treated with antibiotics to prevent complications, reduce symptoms, and reduce the period of infectiousness.

Lyme Disease Tests

Lyme disease tests are used to determine if an individual has been infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, usually transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. The two most common types of Lyme disease tests are enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and Western blot tests. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two-tiered testing with these methods is recommended. The EIA test is performed first. If it’s positive or indeterminate, the Western blot test is then run to confirm the diagnosis. These tests measure your body’s immune response to the bacteria, rather than detecting the bacteria themselves. The accuracy of the test depends on the stage of disease and can sometimes yield false negatives, especially in the early stages of infection.

Mononucleosis Tests

Mononucleosis tests are used to help determine whether a person has infectious mononucleosis (mono), a viral illness usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The most common test for mono is the Monospot test (heterophile antibody test), which can usually detect antibodies to the EBV in your blood about two to nine weeks after you’re infected. If the monospot test is negative but symptoms suggest mono, other tests may be used, including specific EBV antibody tests. These tests can detect different classes of EBV antibodies, which can help confirm a diagnosis of mono and differentiate it from other illnesses. These tests typically involve a blood sample collected from a vein in your arm, sent to a laboratory for analysis.

HIV Tests

HIV tests are used to detect the presence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in serum, saliva, or urine. These tests can detect either antibodies to the HIV virus, the virus itself, or both. There are several types of HIV tests, including antibody/antigen tests, antibody tests, and nucleic acid tests (NATs). The antibody/antigen test is the most commonly used HIV test because of its high sensitivity. Rapid HIV tests can provide results within about 20-30 minutes. Home testing kits are also available. Regular testing for HIV is crucial for those who are at risk. Early detection of HIV can help ensure prompt treatment to control the virus, prevent progression to AIDS, and limit the spread of the virus to others.

In-House Diagnostic Tests

In & Out Urgent Care Clinic – Metairie offers a variety of in-house diagnostic tests that can help to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions. These tests are performed by our experienced and qualified medical staff, and the results are typically available within a few hours. Some of the in-house diagnostic services that we offer include:

  • Blood tests: Blood tests can be used to measure a variety of different blood components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and blood chemistry levels. These tests can be used to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infections, and kidney disease.
  • Urine tests: Urine tests can be used to check for a variety of different substances in the urine, including blood, protein, glucose, and bacteria. These tests can be used to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes.
  • X-rays: X-rays are a type of imaging test that uses high-energy beams of radiation to create images of the inside of the body. X-rays can be used to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including broken bones, pneumonia, and lung cancer.
  • Electrocardiograms (EKGs): EKGs are a type of test that records the electrical activity of the heart. EKGs can be used to diagnose a variety of heart conditions, including arrhythmias, heart attacks, and heart failure.
  • Ultrasounds: Ultrasounds are a type of imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. Ultrasounds can be used to diagnose a wide range of conditions, including pregnancy, gallbladder disease, and kidney stones.

Other Diagnostic Tests

In addition to in-house diagnostic tests, In & Out Urgent Care Clinic – Metairie also offers a variety of other diagnostic services, including:

  • Physical exams: Physical exams are a comprehensive assessment of a patient’s overall health. Physical exams can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes.
  • Strep throat tests: Strep throat tests are used to diagnose strep throat, a common bacterial infection of the throat. Strep throat tests are typically performed by swabbing the back of the throat and sending the sample to a laboratory for analysis.
  • Lyme disease tests: Lyme disease tests are used to diagnose Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness that can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, rash, and fatigue. Lyme disease tests are typically performed by drawing blood and sending the sample to a laboratory for analysis.
  • Mononucleosis tests: Mononucleosis tests are used to diagnose mononucleosis, a viral infection that can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, sore throat, and fatigue. Mononucleosis tests are typically performed by drawing blood and sending the sample to a laboratory for analysis.
  • HIV tests: HIV tests are used to diagnose HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. HIV tests are typically performed by drawing blood and sending the sample to a laboratory for analysis.

Conclusion In & Out Urgent Care Clinic – Metairie, LA, offers a comprehensive range of diagnostic services that can help to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions. Our experienced and qualified medical staff can provide you with the care you need to get back to feeling your best. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, or if you are simply concerned about your health, please schedule an appointment with us today. We are here to help you get the care you need, when you need it.


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