Posts by Medilab An

Genetic testing is a tool that allows you to look into the structure of your own DNA to better understand your body, its strengths, vulnerabilities, and hereditary factors. If earlier such studies were part of specialized medicine, now they are becoming part of prevention, a healthy lifestyle, and a personalized approach to treatment. «Genetic testing is not a search for a disease, but an opportunity to avoid it,» says geneticist Olena Grebenyuk. «The earlier a person learns about their innate risks, the more time they have for prevention.» What does a genetic test show? Genetic tests detect mutations in certain genes that may be associated with an increased risk of: cancer (for example, BRCA1/BRCA2 - breast and ovarian cancer) cardiovascular pathologies (contain genes associated with hypertension, stroke) metabolic disorders (obesity, type 2 diabetes, fat metabolism disorders) drug reactions (pharmacogenetics) transmission of hereditary diseases (cystic fibrosis, phenylketonuria, hemophilia, etc.) You can also learn: how the body absorbs...

In our daily routine, we often postpone visits to the doctor - "because there is no time", "nothing hurts", "later". But the body, like any complex mechanism, needs regular checks. And the easiest way not to miss a problem is to take a few basic tests. Not when the symptoms have already become obvious, but even before that. This is what allows you to notice changes in time that are not felt physically, but are already starting inside the body. Mandatory tests are not just a doctor's requirement or a formality during a medical examination. This is elementary self-care, prevention that can save your health, money and time. Below is a list of basic laboratory tests that should be taken regularly. The table shows the purpose of each of them and the recommended frequency of taking them. Mandatory tests and frequency Name of the test Purpose of the study Recommended frequency Complete blood count (CBC) Detection of anemia, inflammation, infections 1 time per year Complete urine test (CUT) Assessment of kidney and urinary system function 1...

What are disease risks? Disease risk is the probability of developing a certain disease during a person's life or in the coming years. This risk is formed under the influence of lifestyle, genetics, environment, nutrition, stress level, and the presence of bad habits. The more such factors, the higher the probability of the disease. It is worth understanding that the presence of risk factors does not mean that the disease will necessarily occur. But it is a signal that the body needs attention. Main risk groups 1. Cardiovascular diseasesRisks: high blood pressure; elevated cholesterol; overweight; sedentary lifestyle; smoking; chronic stress. 2. Type 2 diabetesRisks: obesity (especially abdominal); excessive consumption of sweets and flour products; physical inactivity; heredity; age after 40 years. 3. Oncological diseasesRisks: smoking and alcohol consumption; diet with a large amount of processed meat products, trans fats; polluted environment; working with chemicals; excessive exposure to the sun without protection; viral infections (e.g. HPV, hepatitis B and C). 4. Digestive diseasesRisks: improper...

Adrenaline is one of the key hormones that regulates the body's response to stress. Its production is an instant response to a threat or strong emotional stress, due to which the body mobilizes for defense or flight. But if adrenaline is released frequently and without physical exertion, it can cause chronic exhaustion and serious health problems. The biological role of adrenaline In a stressful situation, the adrenal glands release adrenaline into the blood, activating a chain of reactions that help the body adapt quickly. This includes: increased heartbeat; dilation of the bronchi; increased blood sugar levels; inhibition of digestion; increased muscle tone. "This is an instinctive response to danger. But the problem with the modern lifestyle is that our brain perceives even emotional conflict or overwork as a danger. Accordingly, adrenaline is released not when it is really needed," explains endocrinologist Marina Gromova. Effects of prolonged stress on the body Below is a table that demonstrates how adrenaline affects different...

Do you feel tired even after a full rest? Do you often feel cold, notice hair loss or low blood pressure, but standard blood tests seem to be normal? In this case, you should pay attention to the level of ferritin. This is a protein that stores iron in the body and is a sensitive indicator of its deficiency even before the appearance of anemia. Ferritin is responsible for the formation of a "reserve fund" of iron - its deposition in the liver, spleen, bone marrow. A ferritin analysis allows you to assess how well the body is supplied with this trace element and whether it is able to support vital functions related to hematopoiesis, immunity and cellular metabolism. Who is recommended to check ferritin: women with heavy or prolonged menstruation; pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy; people with chronic fatigue, low blood pressure, weakness due to hair loss, brittle nails; athletes, vegetarians, blood donors; patients with chronic diseases of the digestive tract; in case of long-term use of iron-containing drugs or dietary supplements; it is also important to check ferritin...

Allergy affects millions of people around the world, and its manifestations can be both minor and life-threatening. To determine what exactly the body is reacting to, skin tests are used - a laboratory and clinical method that allows you to quickly identify allergens responsible for the symptoms. This method is suitable for both adults and children. When skin tests are needed Diagnosis is recommended if the patient has: seasonal or year-round rhinitis itching, rash, urticaria bronchial asthma with an allergic component reactions to insect bites suspected food or drug allergy contact dermatitis after cosmetics or metals The principle of action of skin tests The method is based on provoking a local immune response of the skin. Microdoses of allergens are applied or injected into the selected area (usually the forearm or back). If the body is sensitized to a certain substance, redness, swelling or itching appears at the test site within 15–20 minutes. This is a positive reaction. Main types of skin tests Prick test A drop of allergen is applied...

Every year, millions of people are faced with cancer. But the main thing you should know is that cancer is often successfully treated if detected at an early stage. Laboratory diagnostics allow us to suspect a malignant process even before symptoms appear. It is not only a detection tool, but also a way to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and prevent relapse. Why is laboratory diagnostics needed in oncology Laboratory tests do not establish a diagnosis of "cancer" on their own, but they allow us to: detect the first abnormalities in the body's functioning suspect a neoplasm in the absence of symptoms assess the extent of tumor spread monitor the course of treatment and detect relapse The most important tests for suspected oncopathology Complete blood count (CBC) The first and mandatory step in diagnosis. May indicate: anemia of unknown origin persistent increase in ESR (more than 30 mm/h) decreased platelet level atypical cells in a smear Biochemical blood test Assesses the functional state of organs. Elevated liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, or calcium may be indirect markers of the tumor process. Analysis...

It only takes a few minutes to get tested for HIV, and this step can change everything. Many people do not suspect the presence of the immunodeficiency virus in the body for years, because the infection may not cause any symptoms for a long time. However, it is the asymptomatic course that makes HIV insidious - the later it is detected, the more difficult it is to maintain immunity. Fortunately, diagnostics have become accessible, fast and accurate. Modern methods allow you to detect HIV at an early stage and start treatment before complications occur. Two keys to diagnosis: antibodies and the virus After HIV enters the body, the immune system begins to produce specific antibodies. Most HIV tests are based on their detection. But there are also methods that determine the genetic material of the virus itself - this is especially important in the early stages, when antibodies have not yet been formed. Typical diagnostic methods: ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) - looks for antibodies to HIV PCR (polymerase chain reaction) - detects RNA...

Inside our intestines lives a whole world - trillions of bacteria that form the microbiota. These are not just inhabitants of our body, but full partners that participate in digestion, regulation of the immune system, synthesis of vitamins and even affect the functioning of the brain. The balance between beneficial and conditionally pathogenic bacteria determines how effectively the body works as a whole. Violation of this balance - dysbiosis - can have a wide range of manifestations: from bloating to depression. That is why it is so important to know how the intestinal microflora is arranged, how it can be studied and maintained in harmony. What is the intestinal microflora? Microflora is a collection of microorganisms that inhabit the human digestive tract. Most of them are concentrated in the large intestine. Normally, beneficial bacteria (bifido- and lactobacteria) prevail, suppressing the development of conditionally pathogenic microbes and fungi. Each person has an individual composition of the microbiota, which is formed from birth. With age, under the influence of diet, medications and lifestyle...

Urine analysis is a common and simple test that can tell you about the functioning of the kidneys, liver, cardiovascular system, hormonal levels, and even hidden inflammation. It is prescribed during a preventive examination, when infections, chronic diseases are suspected, as well as before surgery or during pregnancy. However, to obtain a reliable result, it is extremely important to prepare properly - and this stage is often underestimated. Why do you need to give urine at all? Urine is the final product of blood filtration, which is formed in the kidneys. It contains: minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium) metabolic products (urea, creatinine) proteins, glucose (normally - in small quantities or absent) cells (leukocytes, erythrocytes) bacteria (in infections) Even a single morning portion of urine can give the doctor important information about your health. Types of urine tests and what is important for them General urinalysis (GUR) An average morning portion of urine is collected. Color, transparency, specific gravity, pH, protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, urobilinogen,... are determined.