Immuno Assay

Immunoassay Tests in Navi Mumbai: Hormones, Vitamins and Markers

Hormones, vitamins and many disease markers are present in blood in very small amounts. An immunoassay measures them using antibodies that attach only to the substance being tested, with a label that gives a colour or light signal the lab can measure. Methods such as ELISA and chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) work this way. If your doctor has advised an immunoassay test in Navi Mumbai, the Immunoassay department at Sun Diagnostics carries out these tests in a pathologist-led lab headed by Dr Nikhil Ningurkar, MD Pathology.

Tests covered by the Immunoassay department

The main groups of tests are:

Thyroid hormones: a thyroid function test measures TSH, T3 and T4 to show how the thyroid gland is working.
Vitamin B12: a vitamin B12 test shows the level of a vitamin the body needs for healthy nerves and red blood cells.
Vitamin D: a vitamin D3 test shows the vitamin D level in blood, which matters for bones and muscles.
Reproductive hormones: hormones linked to periods, fertility and pregnancy.
Infection markers: antigens or antibodies that point to current or past exposure to certain infections.
Autoimmune markers: antibodies that the immune system sometimes makes against the body’s own tissues.
Tumour markers: proteins that may be raised in some cancers and also in several non-cancerous conditions.

Tests can be requested individually on a doctor’s advice. Related tests are also grouped in our thyroid and hormone packages and cancer screening packages.

When your doctor may ask for these tests

Doctors usually order these tests when symptoms point to a hormone, vitamin or immune problem, or to follow a known condition over time. Common reasons include:

Tiredness, unexplained weight change, hair fall or feeling unusually cold or hot, where thyroid levels may need checking.
Irregular periods, difficulty conceiving, or confirming and following an early pregnancy.
Tingling in the hands and feet, bone or muscle aches, or anaemia, where vitamin levels may be relevant.
Screening for certain infections before surgery, during pregnancy or after possible exposure.
Follow-up of a tumour marker during or after treatment, as advised by the treating doctor.

A result is one piece of information. Your doctor reads it together with your symptoms, examination and other reports.

Sample and preparation

Most immunoassay tests need a small blood sample taken from a vein in the arm. A few tests of this kind can also be done on urine.

Fasting: usually not needed for thyroid or vitamin D tests. Other tests booked together may need it, so check when you book.
Timing: some hormones change through the day or across the menstrual cycle. Your doctor may ask for a morning sample or a particular day of your cycle.
What to tell the lab: your current medicines, including thyroid tablets and hormone treatment, any supplements containing biotin, pregnancy, and the date of your last period for hormone tests.

Do not stop a prescribed medicine before a test unless your doctor has told you to.

Booking, home collection and our centres

To book an immunoassay test in Navi Mumbai, call or WhatsApp +91 95183 81830, or send a request through the contact us page. You can walk in to any of our three centres: Seawoods (main lab), Taloja and Vashi. Home sample collection is available for blood and urine samples in Navi Mumbai. If you have a doctor’s prescription, please share it so the correct tests are registered. Reports are reviewed by a pathologist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to fast before an immunoassay test?

Usually not. Thyroid and vitamin D tests are generally done without fasting. Fasting may be needed if your doctor has ordered other tests at the same time. Tell us which tests are on your prescription when you book and we will confirm.

Can biotin or other supplements affect my results?

Biotin, found in many hair, skin and nail supplements, may interfere with some immunoassay tests, including thyroid tests, and make a result look higher or lower than it is. Tell the lab and your doctor about every supplement you take. Your doctor will advise whether a gap is needed.

Does a raised tumour marker mean I have cancer?

Not on its own. Tumour markers can rise in non-cancerous conditions such as inflammation or infection, and can stay normal in some people who have cancer. Your treating doctor interprets the level along with your examination and other investigations.

Can thyroid and vitamin samples be collected at home?

Yes. These tests need a blood sample, and home sample collection is available for blood and urine samples in Navi Mumbai. Call or WhatsApp +91 95183 81830 to arrange a visit. Mention it when booking if your doctor has asked for a particular time or day.