Posts

Anti-HCV Test Explained: Detecting Hepatitis C Infection Early

Image
Viral hepatitis remains a significant public health concern. Hepatitis C is a liver inflammation that can cause serious damage to the liver. It occurs due to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The infection may be acute or chronic, and many individuals may not experience noticeable symptoms in early stages. The range of severity may differ from mild to a serious one, with complications including liver cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer. Hepatitis C largely occurs due to exposure to infected blood. Common causes include unsafe injection practices, transfusion of unscreened blood or blood products, and sharing needles and syringes among people who inject drugs. The virus may also spread from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth. Certain sexual practices involving blood exposure may also raise the risk of transmission. In addition, getting tattoos or body piercings with unsterilised equipment, or sharing personal items such as razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers contaminate...

Uroflowmetry Test: Purpose, Procedure, and Urine Flow Analysis Explained

Image
Urination is an extremely important process to remove metabolic products and toxic wastes. It may involve either sustained contractions or short intermittent contractions. Urine consists of water, salt and toxins, that needs to be filtered out of the blood. The problem begins when there is a leakage, infection or other problems that may prevent urine from completely voiding. A uroflowmetry test is recommended to evaluate how well an individual’s bladder is working and to measure the flow of urine. This test helps detect a variety of issues such as bladder dysfunction, prostate issues, and neurological conditions affecting the urinary system, in both men and women. Why is the uroflowmetry test done? This test measures the amount of urine the bladder retains and releases during voiding. This test is also known as uroflow test for short. It is a useful test in cases of male urinary incontinence, female urinary incontinence, benign prostate hyperplasia, prostate cancer and urethral strict...

Double Marker Test Explained: Early Screening for Chromosomal Abnormalities

Image
When a developing foetus has an extra or missing chromosome, it can cause medical problems. The most common chromosomal abnormalities include Down syndrome (or trisomy 21) which occurs when there is an extra copy of chromosome 21. This causes mental retardation, typical facial features, and, sometimes, birth defects. In Trisomy 13 and trisomy 18, there is an extra copy of chromosome 13 or chromosome 18. In such a case, pregnancy often ends in miscarriage.  To detect chromosomal abnormalities, a screening test is done in the 11th and 13th weeks of pregnancy. It is called a double marker test . This test evaluates the levels of: 1. Free Beta hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin): This hormone is produced by the placenta during pregnancy. Elevated levels may indicate chromosomal risks. 2. PAPP-A (Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A): This protein is produced by the placenta to maintain its health. Low levels may indicate placental issues or chromosomal disorders. The test offers sever...

High Uric Acid Levels: Causes, Symptoms, and When to Take a Uric Acid Test

Image
Uric acid is a metabolic end product produced when the body breaks down purines – substances that are naturally present in many foods that help support energy production. Normally, uric acid is dissolved in the blood and passes through urine. However, when the kidneys are not able to filter the uric acid properly, its levels can rise in the bloodstream. Over time, consistently high uric acid levels can lead to the formation of sharp crystals in joints and surrounding tissues. This condition is known as gout, a type of arthritis that causes sudden pain and inflammation. Excessive uric acid in the blood can cause kidney stones and worsen existing kidney issues. Common causes of high uric acid A diet high in purines (such as red meat, organ meat, sardines) Kidney-related conditions Use of diuretics High alcohol intake Drinking too much soda Family history High blood pressure (hypertension) Medicines that suppress the immune system Blood disorders like leukemia Metabolic syndrome Intake of...

Ultrasound Scan Explained: Types, Uses, and Procedure Guide

Image
Ultrasound imaging is a widely used and well-established modality. It is a non-invasive imaging technique to characterise the structure of target organs or masses. For an ultrasound scan , high-frequency sound waves are used to visualise the body’s internal organs as well as blood vessels. Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound to have an overview of the body area they will be checking. The two major types of ultrasounds recommended include: Diagnostic ultrasound Doctors may recommend this scan to visualise internal parts of the body and see if something is wrong or not working properly. It helps evaluate what’s causing a wide range of symptoms, such as masses (lumps), unexplained pain and an abnormal blood test. It could be done to: Evaluate organs, such as the thyroid gland, the breast and the prostate Monitor blood flow Procedures where a needle biopsy is needed Brain abnormalities in babies. Examine muscles, tendons and ligaments To understand the cause of a patient’s pain and swe...

SGPT Test Explained: Importance, Preparation, and Causes of High SGPT Levels

Image
Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, also known as SGPT, is an enzyme produced by heart and liver cells. It plays an important role in breaking down proteins and converting them into energy. SGPT increases when damage occurs in the liver cells. Doctors suggest an SGPT test , or ALT (alanine aminotransferase) test, to find out whether there is a disease, drug, or injury that has caused damage to your liver. This test evaluates the levels of GPT in the blood serum. Importance of SGPT test It is a vital test especially for those having liver-related issues: Liver function: The SGPT enzyme helps in normal liver function. The test is useful in assessing liver health, including the case of typhoid fever. Liver damage: Elevated SGPT levels may indicate liver damage or inflammation, making the test essential for individuals with alcohol use disorders. Liver diseases: This test is suggested for those who are already suffering from liver diseases, including hepatitis (inflammation of the liv...

CT Scan Explained: Uses, Procedure, and Factors Affecting CT Scan Price

Image
A CT (Computed Tomography) is an extremely common imaging modality that provides detailed, cross-sectional views of all types of tissues in the body. It is used to take images of internal organs, bones, soft tissues and blood vessels. Unlike the regular X-ray scans, a CT scan doesn’t use any ionising radiation. This imaging modality aids healthcare providers to evaluate medical problems such as cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, cancers, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders. It can be used to evaluate the spine, chest, heart, shoulders, abdomen, head and knees.  The scan helps in identifying internal injuries and bleeding, detecting tumours, infections and blood clots. It is also a useful tool in guiding surgeries and biopsies as surgeons rely mainly on CT images to guide needle biopsies. CT scans are used by clinicians to determine how well a treatment is working. Since the scan gives a much clearer picture of bones and joints, it can help evaluate complex fractures and ...