In modern medicine, there are a large number of various analyzes and studies that allegedly help to make an accurate diagnosis or detect the disease. However, not all of them have a scientific basis or are used in everyday clinical practice. Moreover, there are tests whose results may be very controversial or not have any practical value to the patient. Today we will look at some of these "futile" and controversial analyzes, which are often prescribed without serious need.
Cortisol is a stress hormone that can fluctuate depending on many factors such as stress, exercise, time of day and more. Therefore, if you hand over cortisol on an empty stomach without preparation, it will not give reliable information. This analysis is not effective for the diagnosis of hypercorticism (Cushing syndrome) without more careful preparation, which includes the drug at night. The high level of cortisol itself is not a ground for diagnosis, but only signals possible disorders. If you do not have specific symptoms, then this analysis makes no sense.
Analyzes for intestinal dysbiosis are quite popular with patients, but their interpretation is very complicated. It is important to understand that the intestines inhabit thousands of bacteria, and even in healthy people the composition of the microflora is constantly changing depending on the diet, stress and other factors. Therefore, the presence of individual bacteria in small quantities does not mean the presence of the disease. In analyzes for dysbiosis, bacteria that are normal for the body can often be found, but their presence can be interpreted as a disorder. Thus, this study does not help to diagnose real bowel problems and rarely provide useful information.
Back pain is one of the most common complaints among people of all ages. In many cases, pain can be effectively relieved with non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and exercise. In most cases, MRI is not necessary, as it can detect structural changes in the spine that may be normal for your age. Only in the case of suspicion of serious diseases, such as an intervertebral disc or osteochondrosis, an additional examination may be required. MRI with normal back pain, as a rule, does not help in treatment and rarely changes the therapeutic approach.
Thyroglobulin (TG) is a protein that is produced by the thyroid gland, and antibodies to it can be a sign of autoimmune thyroiditis or other disorders. However, many doctors prescribe this analysis without indications, including patients who have no symptoms or thyroid disease. In healthy people, increasing antibodies is not a ground for anxiety. This study makes sense only after thyroid removal due to cancer or pregnancy planning, as well as in the presence of clinical symptoms of hypothyroidism. In any case, the interpretation of the results requires a professional approach, since increased antibodies do not always indicate a serious disease.
Iodine in the urine is measured to estimate the level of this element in the body. However, this analysis is not practical for ordinary people. In order to find out if you have iodine, it is much more efficient to use iodized salt in your diet. It should be noted that iodine additives are prescribed individually, and without medical impressions it is not necessary to carry out such tests. Measurement of iodine in the urine makes sense only in the framework of scientific research or to monitor the endemic regions where iodine deficiency is an urgent problem.
Each medical analysis has its own specific purpose and application. However, it is important to remember that the analysis should be carried out only after consultation with a doctor and in the case of clear indications. Many analyzes do not provide accurate health information and can lead to unnecessary anxiety or even false diagnoses. Remember that not only test results, but also the clinical picture and medical history of the patient are important.
