Diagnostics & Pathology Laboratory - HOD

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...

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 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...

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...

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 ...

The ferritin test measures the amount of ferritin in your blood. Ferritin is a storage protein that binds iron and stores it safely and releases it when your body needs to produce red blood cells (RBC). The RBCs are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Healthcare providers suggest this test to evaluate the body’s iron reserves. What happens in low and high ferritin levels: Any change in ferritin levels can point to different health concerns: Low ferritin: often linked to iron deficiency and may lead to anaemia High ferritin: can be seen in iron overload, liver conditions, or ongoing inflammation The test may be suggested to: Identify low or high iron levels Evaluating conditions like anaemia or haemochromatosis Keeping a track of iron levels during ongoing treatment Changes in ferritin levels can indicate different health conditions. When ferritin levels are low, it usually points towards iron deficiency. This can gradually lead to anaemia, a condition where the body ...

A positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET-CT) scan is a powerful imaging modality that depicts physiologic processes within the body. For this scan, a tiny amount of radioactive substance, called a radionuclide (radiopharmaceutical or radioactive tracer), is used. When the radiotracer enters the bloodstream, it gets absorbed by the organs and tissues and when it decays, it emits gamma rays. The PET scanner collects these signals and creates a 3D image of the body’s metabolic activity. At the same time, the CT scanner delivers a detailed anatomical image of the same area. This scan is used all around the world and is advised in both cancer-related and non-cancer-related conditions. It is particularly helpful in evaluating and identifying cancer, and monitoring treatment progress. It is also used in evaluating different conditions related to brain and heart. Since this test helps provide a holistic view of the complete body anatomy, any abnormal activity in the body can be ...