Posts by Medilab An

What is stress and why do we feel it? Stress is the body's natural reaction to any event that it perceives as a threat or challenge. It can be both physical stress and psychological shock: work deadlines, relationship problems, illness, or even positive events that change the usual rhythm of life. In moderation, stress can be beneficial - it mobilizes strength, improves concentration. But when it is prolonged or repeated, it becomes dangerous to health. How does stress affect the body? When you experience stress, the body activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), which stimulates the release of stress hormones - primarily cortisol and adrenaline. This leads to: increased heart rate increased blood pressure muscle tension increased blood sugar levels suppression of the immune system All of this is normal in the short term. But with chronic stress, these processes exhaust the body and cause problems with the heart, metabolism, sleep, and mood. What are the symptoms...

When Food Becomes a Source of Problems Marina from Kyiv noticed that after certain foods she would experience itching, fatigue, and sometimes even swelling of her lips. She started avoiding everything from chocolate to apples, but the symptoms returned. Only after a food allergen test did it turn out that her body was reacting to a specific protein component of kiwi and nuts. After eliminating these products, her condition improved significantly. «Food allergies are often disguised as other problems — gastritis, fatigue, acne. Testing helps to accurately identify the cause and get rid of chronic discomfort,» says allergist Svitlana Grynevych. What is a food allergy and how does it differ from intolerance? A food allergy is a reaction of the immune system to a substance that is safe for others. In response to contact with an allergen (most often a protein), the body produces immunoglobulins E (IgE), which trigger a number of reactions: itching, rash, swelling, digestive disorders, or even anaphylaxis. In contrast, food intolerance...

The importance of iodine for health Iodine is a trace element on which the normal functioning of the thyroid gland depends. This organ regulates metabolism, thermoregulation, cognitive development, growth, and energy balance. The daily requirement for iodine for an adult is approximately 150 mcg, and for pregnant women - 250 mcg. Insufficient or excessive intake of iodine can lead to impaired thyroid function and the development of pathologies - both in adults and children. What does an iodine test determine? Laboratory analysis allows you to assess the level of iodine in the body, most often - by determining iodine in the urine. This is a quick way to assess how much of the trace element is excreted and draw conclusions about its intake. The analysis allows you to: identify iodine deficiency or excess check the effectiveness of iodine prophylaxis assess the condition of patients with thyroid diseases monitor iodine levels in pregnant women and children When is it recommended to take the test for symptoms of thyroid dysfunction if there is a suspicion of...

What is the CEA tumor marker? The CEA tumor marker (carcinoembryonic antigen or CEA) is a specific protein that is usually produced in the fetus during development. In adults, its level in the blood is very low or absent altogether. An increase in CEA in an adult may indicate oncological processes or chronic inflammation. The CEA tumor marker is not a «cancer indicator» in the narrow sense — it can be elevated in various diseases, not only malignant ones, but it is often used to: monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment detect relapses after surgical or chemotherapy treatment assess the progression of tumors in the intestines, lungs, and breast When a CEA test is prescribed If rectal or colon cancer is suspected In patients with lung, stomach, breast, or pancreatic cancer After surgery to remove the tumor — to monitor recurrence Together with other markers — for a comprehensive assessment of the condition Norm and deviations In...

What is HPV and why is it dangerous? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses. According to WHO, about 801,000 people are infected with at least one type of HPV during their lifetime. Most cases are asymptomatic, but some strains can cause anogenital warts, cervical dysplasia and cancer. The most dangerous are the highly oncogenic types of HPV — 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, which are found in most cases of cervical cancer, anus and, less often, larynx and oropharynx. Who should get tested for HPV Women aged 25–65 years — as part of routine screening Men with an active sexual life or anogenital warts People with HIV or a reduced immune response Couples planning pregnancy People who have constantly changing sexual partners Women with abnormal PAP test results HPV testing methods Method Description Who is recommended PCR (polymerase chain reaction) Detects viral DNA and HPV type Universal,...

What are lactobacilli and why are they important? Lactobacilli are beneficial microorganisms that naturally live in the intestines, mouth, vagina, and on human skin. Their main function is to maintain microbial balance, create an acidic environment that inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria, and participate in the formation of local immunity. Lactobacilli are especially important for the health of the digestive and reproductive systems. A decrease in the number of lactobacilli may indicate dysbacteriosis, inflammation, or immune disorders. That is why an analysis for lactobacilli is a useful tool for identifying microflora disorders. When is the test prescribed? This test is recommended in the case of: frequent intestinal disorders (flatulence, diarrhea, constipation) chronic inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract taking antibiotics, chemotherapy or immunosuppression complaints of itching, burning or discomfort in the genitals when preparing for pregnancy or IVF in women with frequent bacterial vaginosis or candidiasis after infections or poisoning How is the test for lactobacteria performed? There are several types of research: Culture for microflora...

Have you suddenly felt unwell, have fatigue, pain or changes in appetite? One of the very first steps is to take a biochemical blood test. This basic study helps your doctor quickly assess the condition of your organs and metabolic processes. Thanks to this test, you can detect disorders even before obvious symptoms appear and start treatment in time. What is a biochemical blood test A biochemical blood test is a laboratory test that determines the content of various substances in the blood: enzymes, proteins, electrolytes, fats, metabolic products. It is one of the key tools in diagnosing, monitoring chronic diseases, routine examinations and assessing the effectiveness of treatment. According to the Mayo Clinic, a biochemical analysis covers a wide range of indicators related to the functioning of the liver, kidneys, heart, pancreas, metabolic balance and immune response. Main indicators in a biochemical analysis The standard list usually includes: Glucose - an indicator of carbohydrate metabolism Creatinine and urea - an assessment of kidney function ALT and AST - enzymes...

Why the "average patient" is no longer suitable In the 20th century, medicine was focused on the average person. Treatment protocols were created to work "in most cases." But the 21st century is the era of data, molecular biology, and artificial intelligence. Now we know: each person has a unique set of genes, enzymes, immune responses, and even bacteria living in their body. It is this uniqueness that is the basis of personalized medicine - a new approach to diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases. The essence and key principles of personalized medicine Personalized (or precision) medicine is not just a DNA test or selecting drugs. It is an integrated approach that takes into account: genetic features (mutations, polymorphisms) biomarkers (protein, enzyme, hormone levels) epigenetic changes lifestyle data (nutrition, sleep, stress) functional state of the microbiota These parameters are analyzed in a complex way - and based on them, individual treatment or prevention plans are formed. Comparison of traditional and personalized medicine Criterion Traditional medicine Personalized medicine Approach...

Why is a blood sugar test performed? Blood glucose levels are one of the main biomarkers of metabolism. Monitoring them allows you to detect pancreatic dysfunction, diagnose diabetes or prediabetes in a timely manner, and assess the risks of complications from the cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems. According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, every person over the age of 45 should have their glucose levels checked at least once every three years, even if they have no complaints (WHO, 2023). Types of glucose tests There are several laboratory methods for determining sugar levels. The most common of them are: Fasting glucose - a basic test recommended for everyone as part of a routine examination. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) - shows the average glucose level over the past 2–3 months. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) - allows you to detect impaired glucose tolerance. Random glucose - measured at any time of the day, used in cases of acute symptoms. Glucose in urine is an additional test to assess...

When the answer to the question of health is within us Why is one person prone to obesity, while another can eat anything and not gain weight? Why do some people develop allergies to medications, while others tolerate treatment without problems? The answers to these and hundreds of other questions lie in DNA - the unique code of each of us. And today, thanks to the development of medicine, this code can be "read" using a DNA test. "Genetic testing is not futurism, but a tool of modern preventive medicine. The test does not just provide information, but helps to act proactively," says geneticist Oleksandr Kyrychenko. What is a DNA test A DNA test is a laboratory study that analyzes the sequences of your DNA to identify genetic features, mutations, polymorphisms or other hereditary traits. The test is performed once in a lifetime, because your DNA does not change. The most commonly used are: saliva (swab from the inner surface of the cheek) venous blood The test results are stored in the form of...