Final answer:
Clinical laboratory services including blood tests, urinalysis, and some screening tests provide essential diagnostic information for various health conditions and typically are covered by healthcare plans. They assess various factors such as glucose levels, the presence of proteins, and kidney function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coverage of Clinical Laboratory Services
Clinical laboratory services such as blood tests, urinalysis, and some screening tests are instrumental in monitoring and diagnosing various health conditions. Blood tests are commonly used to measure lipid or glucose levels in plasma and assess the composition of the blood itself, including the quantities and types of formed elements. Conversely, urinalysis may involve a simple screening to examine the urine physically, chemically, and microscopically to assess kidney function and detect possible diseases or infections.
When it comes to urinalysis, it can be as simple as assessing the color, odor, appearance, and concentration or as detailed as chemical and microscopic analyses to look for proteins, glucose, pH levels, red and white blood cells, and bacteria. Further tests may be conducted if results from the initial tests suggest disease or impaired kidney function. These additional tests help diagnose the specific cause and the extent of kidney function decline more accurately.
Blood and urine tests are widely covered in health care plans because they are essential for diagnosing and monitoring many illnesses. They help healthcare providers to make informed decisions on treatment plans and manage patient health effectively.