In modern medicine, it’s not only diagnostic accuracy that matters, but also rationality: avoiding unnecessary tests, not double-checking what doesn’t need to be rechecked, and not spending a patient’s resources on low-value investigations. At A CLINIC, we follow the principles of evidence-based medicine — which is why you won’t find certain “popular” tests here. Quite simply, they do not help establish a diagnosis.
Let’s go through the five most common examples.
1. Blood test for Helicobacter pylori
Why it’s not needed
Serology (a blood test for H. pylori) only shows previous exposure to the bacterium. It cannot distinguish active infection from past infection and may remain positive for years.
What is actually used to diagnose active infection
- 13C-urea breath test
- Histology during gastroscopy
- H. pylori stool antigen test
2. Stool microscopy (“coprogram”)
Why it’s not needed
A coprogram is an outdated, non-standardized method: findings such as “muscle fibers,” “starch,” or “fat” have no diagnostic value and are not associated with GI diseases in adults. This method is not included in modern clinical guidelines — which is why it’s not offered at A CLINIC.
What truly matters to the physician
A thorough history, symptom assessment, stool frequency and consistency, presence of blood or mucus, and symptom dynamics. This provides far more useful information for diagnosis.
3. HOMA-IR Index
Why it’s not needed
- Not standardized
- Does not predict treatment response
- Affected by beta-cell function fluctuations
- May be inaccurate in rare genetic insulin variants
What truly matters
- Presence of metabolic syndrome (assessed through examination and medical history)
- Fasting glucose and/or OGTT
- HbA1c
- Lipid panel
HOMA is calculated from fasting glucose and insulin. Authoritative sources emphasize: it is useful only in research settings and is not applicable in real everyday clinical practice. HOMA does not influence diagnosis or management decisions.
4. Tests for magnesium, zinc, selenium, and other micronutrients
Why they are not needed “just in case”
- Levels fluctuate with any inflammation or stress
- Serum levels do not reflect true body stores
- These tests are not recommended as screening in guidelines
When they actually are needed
- Medications that can cause hypomagnesemia
- Chronic alcohol use
- Chronic diarrhea or malabsorption
- Parenteral nutrition
- Severe arrhythmias, seizures
- Certain genetic conditions
5. Vaginal smear (“flora smear”)
Why it’s not needed
- Low diagnostic value
- Does not detect STIs
- Often leads to overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment
What is actually indicated
- STIs: PCR only
- Cervical cancer screening: Pap test and/or HPV testing
- Microbiome assessment: extended molecular panels, not a flora smear (used selectively)
- Itching, discharge, burning: examination + vaginal pH + PCR if needed (vaginal pH is measured by the gynecologist at A CLINIC and is included in the consultation cost)
For example, elevated leukocytes without symptoms may be a normal finding and not require treatment — yet such results often lead to unnecessary antibiotics, which can themselves disturb the microbiome.
Why these tests are not offered at A CLINIC?
Because we choose only those methods that:
- are based on modern international guidelines
- truly help the patient
- influence diagnosis and treatment
- save your time, money, and energy
Take care of yourself. And whenever in doubt — ask your doctor where you can review the sources or guidelines. At A CLINIC, we are always ready to show the evidence we rely on.