Essential tests after recovery from COVID-19

The number of new COVID-19 cases has been increasing in the country. Several millions of Indians are being affected by COVID-19 in the second wave. The recovery takes at least two weeks for patients with mild symptoms. However, it takes more time in patients with severe symptoms.

In this context, health experts suggest that patients shall be monitored after recovery from COVID-19. As the virus affects all major organs, it is essential to watch for any major symptoms that reveal organ damage. It can be checked through some tests. In other words, post-COVID care is essential. Patients shall undergo certain tests to know whether there is any damage to tissue or organ in the body.

Here is a list of tests:

The complete blood count (CBC) gives a complete picture of blood cells like RBCs, WBCs, and platelets and helps evaluate them.

The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test checks for signs of damage to the body’s tissues. LDH is an enzyme found in all cells of your body. The LDH test measures the amount of LDH present in your blood and other body fluids.

A High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) scan looks for a lung infection. Though most people recover from the infection, the test helps detect the severity of the disease and the involvement of any complications.

Vitamin D is vital in the recovery as it fastens the process. Hence the test helps evaluate the deficiency of vitamin D so that supplements can be taken.

D-Dimer test is useful to find out whether there is a serious blood clot in the body. As COVID-19 can cause severe inflammation and trigger your clotting system, this test is essential. In many patients, elevated D-Dimer levels are seen even after months of recovery.

Glucose test and lipid profile test are vital to evaluate the glucose, cholesterol levels and triglycerides in the body. These tests reveal the risk of cardiac problems.

IgG antibody test helps find out the antibodies in your blood. It not only reveals that a person had a past infection of COVID-19, but reveals the eligibility of a person for plasma donation.

Neuro-function test and cardiac screenings are some other post-COVID tests.

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