A fasting blood test requires you to avoid eating or drinking anything for some time before your test. The amount of time to fast varies for different tests. It’s generally in the range of 8 to 12 ...

A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test detects genetic material from a pathogen or abnormal cell sample. Ways of collecting samples include a nasal swab, a saliva swab, or taking a sample of blood.

With home testing options increasing more than ever, you now also have the ability to test for kidney function within the comfort of your own home. Learn more about our four best picks for at-home ...

As the nation experiences what many experts believe is the second-largest wave of COVID infections since the pandemic started, many Americans will be checking to make sure they don’t have the ...

Using at-home cholesterol tests is a convenient way for people to test their cholesterol levels without needing to make an appointment with a healthcare professional. Some can be bought with a HSA or ...

A lipase test is a blood test that measures the level of a digestive enzyme called lipase in your blood. It may also be referred to as a serum lipase or LPS. What is lipase? Your doctor might order a ...

Longevity isn't just about how long you live — it's also about staying healthy for as much of that time as possible. The "sit to stand" test can be a good way to figure out how healthy you are, and it ...

The Self-Administered Gerocognitive Exam, known as SAGE, is a short pen-and-paper test to detect the early signs of cognitive, memory, or thinking impairments. The exam is meant to evaluate your ...

The best free internet speed test apps are Meteor for app-performance insights, Speedtest by Ookla for all-around testing, FAST for quick ad-free checks, Speedcheck for test history, and Speed Test ...

We regularly answer frequently asked questions about life during the coronavirus crisis. If you have a question you'd like us to consider for a future post, email us at goatsandsoda@npr.org with the ...