Posts by Medilab An

Stress as a part of modern life We all experience stress. It accompanies deadlines, conflicts, fatigue, illnesses, global events. Short-term stress can even be beneficial - it mobilizes the body's strength. But when tension becomes chronic, it begins to undermine health. The consequences of stress are not always obvious, but accumulate gradually - and affect almost all body systems. How the body reacts to stress: the biochemistry of stress In a stressful situation, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system is activated. The adrenal glands begin to secrete stress hormones - cortisol and adrenaline. They increase blood pressure, speed up the heartbeat, activate the brain and muscles - all this prepares the body for "fight or flight". If such activation lasts too long, the body becomes exhausted. Chronically elevated cortisol leads to impaired metabolism, the immune system, sleep and even memory. Consequences of stress for physical health 1. Cardiovascular systemHigh blood pressure, risk of arrhythmias, coronary heart disease, stroke. 2. ImmunityFrequent colds, slow healing, tendency to allergies. 3. DigestionIrritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, heartburn,...

What is a pollen allergy? A pollen allergy is one of the most common types of seasonal allergies that occurs in response to contact with plant pollen. It is also called pollinosis or hay fever. In this case, the immune system perceives pollen as a danger and launches a protective reaction - immunoglobulin E (IgE) is produced, which provokes the release of histamine. It is histamine that causes the symptoms familiar to everyone: runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing. When does pollen allergy occur? Pollen allergy is seasonal, depending on the flowering period of various plants: Spring (April–May) — trees: birch, alder, poplar, hazel Summer (June–July) — grasses: timothy, fescue, oats, rye Late summer–autumn (August–October) — weeds: ragweed, wormwood, quinoa Some people suffer from several types of pollen at once, which leads to cross-allergy or a long period of symptoms. Symptoms of pollen allergy Allergic reactions can be mild or severe, and include: Respiratory symptoms: sneezing, nasal congestion,...

What is selenium and why should you test it? Selenium is a vital trace element that is involved in thyroid function, cell protection from oxidative stress, immune system function, and reproductive health. Its deficiency or excess can seriously affect metabolism, energy balance, antioxidant defense, and even mood. Selenium testing allows you to determine the concentration of this element in the body and identify disorders that often occur without obvious symptoms. When should you take a selenium test? In case of chronic fatigue, decreased immunity, frequent colds In case of decreased thyroid function (hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis) If there are problems with the skin, hair, nails In patients with infertility or decreased libido After long-term use of antioxidants, vitamins, dietary supplements If you suspect intoxication or overdose with selenium How to prepare for the test Blood is donated in the morning on an empty stomach Do not eat, drink coffee or tea for 8–12 hours before blood sampling For...

What is alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein that is synthesized in the liver and gastrointestinal tract of the embryo. It is normally present in the blood of the fetus and mother during pregnancy. In adults, elevated levels of AFP can be a marker of tumors of the liver, ovaries, testicles, and some other conditions. According to the FDA, the AFP test is an important component of the diagnosis of suspected hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), as well as part of the triple test during pregnancy. When is an AFP test prescribed during pregnancy to assess the condition of the fetus (at 15–20 weeks) in case of suspected primary liver cancer to monitor patients with cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis B/C in the diagnosis of ovarian and testicular tumors to monitor recurrence after cancer treatment AFP blood levels Category AFP level (ng/ml) Adults (non-pregnant) < 10 Pregnant (at 15–20 weeks) 15–95 (depending on the week) Over 500 (in adults) Probable liver tumor Increased AFP in non-pregnant patients is most often associated with...

What is human papillomavirus? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and at the same time one of the key risk factors for the development of cervical cancer, anogenital warts and some other oncological pathologies. There are more than 150 types of HPV, of which approximately 40 affect the mucous membranes of the genital organs. They are conventionally divided into: low-oncogenic types (e.g. 6, 11) - cause warts, condylomas high-oncogenic types (e.g. 16, 18, 31, 33, 45) - associated with cancer According to WHO, more than 80% people are infected with HPV during their lives, most of them are asymptomatic. But in some infected people, the virus remains in the body, activates or becomes chronic, causing pathological changes in cells. How is HPV transmitted? Sexually — the most common: vaginal, oral, anal contact. Contact-domestic route — through microtraumas of the skin, especially in conditions of high humidity (saunas, swimming pools). Vertical route...

What are bifidobacteria and why are they needed? Bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium) are one of the most important groups of beneficial microorganisms that naturally inhabit the human large intestine. They appear from the first days of life and play a key role in maintaining the balance of microflora, strengthening the immune system, synthesizing B vitamins, and processing fiber and milk sugar. A reduced level of bifidobacteria often accompanies chronic digestive disorders, immunodeficiencies, and metabolic disorders. That is why monitoring this indicator is an important part of comprehensive diagnostics of the condition of the intestine. Why the level of bifidobacteria may decrease There may be several reasons for the imbalance: Antibiotic therapy - destroys not only pathogens, but also beneficial flora Improper nutrition - lack of fiber, excess sugar, fast food Stress - it has been proven that psycho-emotional stress changes the microbial composition of the intestine Chronic diseases - especially of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine and immune systems Long-term use of laxatives or hormonal drugs Infections - intestinal poisoning, rotavirus, parasites How to determine...

Changes in blood glucose levels can go unnoticed for a long time, but they are often the first signal of serious malfunctions in the body. A blood sugar test is a simple and affordable procedure that allows you to identify risks in a timely manner and prevent the development of diabetes or other metabolic disorders. When to pay attention to symptoms Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia are not always obvious. However, some symptoms may indicate the need to immediately take a blood sugar test: constant thirst frequent urination, especially at night sudden fatigue and weakness inexplicable weight loss or, conversely, weight gain blurred vision prolonged wound healing As endocrinologist Dr. Anton Koval notes: "The earlier we detect abnormalities in glucose levels, the more chances we have to avoid serious complications, including cardiovascular diseases." What does a blood sugar test show? The study allows you to assess: the baseline fasting glucose level, the body's ability to utilize glucose after exercise (glucose tolerance test), the average level...

A modern look at comfortable diagnostics A trip to the doctor is no longer associated with pain or fear. Today, body examination is possible without needles, anesthesia or surgical intervention. Non-invasive diagnostics is a health check that does not require intervention in the body. The doctor receives a complete picture of the condition of the internal organs, and the patient feels safe and calm. What is non-invasive diagnostics? These are examination methods that do not require punctures, incisions or penetration into the patient's body. They are based on: imaging (MRI, ultrasound, CT) biochemical analysis (PCR, liquid biopsy) electrophysiology (ECG, EEG) sensory monitoring (pulse oximetry, wearable devices) Thanks to these methods, doctors receive important diagnostic data quickly, painlessly and without risks. The most common non-invasive methods Ultrasound examination (US) - basic, inexpensive and accurate examination for the abdominal cavity, thyroid gland, heart, kidneys, pregnancy Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - ideal image of soft tissues, spine, brain, internal organs Computed tomography (CT) - layer-by-layer visualization of the lungs, head,...

This article contains answers to the most frequently asked questions about the glucose tolerance test (GTT) — an important study for detecting glucose metabolism disorders. The FAQ format allows you to quickly navigate even without medical training. What is a glucose tolerance test and why is it performed? The glucose tolerance test (abbreviated as GTT) or glucose load test is a laboratory test that helps assess how the body processes glucose. It determines the effectiveness of insulin — a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. This test allows you to detect carbohydrate metabolism disorders even before clinical symptoms appear. This is especially important in the context of the rapid increase in the number of people with prediabetes, which, according to the CDC, more than 1 in 3 adults in the United States have. In Ukraine, the situation is similar: thousands of people live with impaired glucose metabolism without suspecting it. Who is recommended to undergo GTT? People with elevated fasting glucose. For people with overweight, hypertension or high cholesterol. For women...

What is laboratory genetics Laboratory genetics is a branch of medical diagnostics that studies a person's hereditary information at the molecular level. It includes the study of DNA, RNA, chromosomes and genes in order to identify genetic diseases, predispositions to diseases, metabolic features, drug reactions and other biological features of the body. Such studies have become an important tool of modern personalized medicine, especially in the fields of oncology, reproductive medicine, cardiology, endocrinology and neurology. When is genetic testing indicated infertility or unsuccessful IVF attempts hereditary cancer in the family suspicion of hereditary diseases in a child reaction to drugs or side effects pregnancy planning developmental delay in children predisposition to metabolic disorders (diabetes, obesity) Main areas of laboratory genetics 1. Medical genetic diagnostics The study is aimed at identifying hereditary diseases. For example: A newborn child has an elevated level of phenylalanine - phenylketonuria is confirmed. A patient has a mutation in the CFTR gene - cystic fibrosis is diagnosed. A child with a speech disorder - a deletion is detected...