Posts by Medilab An

Why it is important to detect herpes in the laboratory Herpes is not just a rash on the lips. It is a viral disease that can be asymptomatic, but at the same time be transmitted sexually, become active during a decrease in immunity, or complicate pregnancy. Most people are infected with herpes type 1 or 2, often without even realizing it. As the Mayo Clinic notes, "many carriers of the herpes virus never have obvious symptoms, but can transmit it to others." That is why laboratory diagnostics are the key to a safe life and accurate treatment. When is herpes diagnosis needed when genital herpes is suspected when frequent rashes on the face or lips before planning pregnancy or IVF when eye or nervous system lesions for dispensary control in HIV-positive individuals when suspicious symptoms that can be masked by other dermatological or urological conditions According to the CDC, more than half of genital herpes cases in the United States remain undetected precisely due to the lack of testing during...

Elevated cholesterol has no symptoms for a long time, but can become the basis for the development of serious cardiovascular diseases. Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels is an effective way to assess the risks associated with the health of the heart and blood vessels. But in order for the analysis results to be reliable, it is important to prepare properly. In this article, we will consider how to do it correctly and without errors. Why take a cholesterol test Cholesterol is involved in the synthesis of hormones, vitamin D, and is a component of cell membranes. At the same time, its excess, especially in the form of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and narrowing of blood vessels. According to cardiologist Dr. Oleksandr Tkachuk: "A blood test for cholesterol is one of the easiest ways to prevent a heart attack or stroke before symptoms appear. It is especially important to do it for people after 40 years of age or if there is a family predisposition to heart disease." What indicators are included in a lipid profile A standard analysis includes several main...

What is genetic predisposition? Genetic predisposition is an increased risk of developing certain diseases, due to the presence of specific genetic variants (mutations) that are passed down from parents. This does not mean that a person will necessarily get sick, but the likelihood of developing the disease is significantly higher than in people without such changes in DNA. The WHO notes that about 10% of all diseases have a clear genetic component, and even more diseases are of a mixed nature, where genes interact with environmental factors (WHO, 2023). What diseases are associated with genetic predisposition Oncology: breast cancer (BRCA1/2), prostate cancer, colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome) Cardiovascular diseases: early heart attack, hypertension, thrombophilia Metabolic diseases: type 2 diabetes, obesity Mental disorders: depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia Neurology: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease Autoimmune diseases: celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus How to detect predisposition You can detect predisposition using genetic tests. Most often, they analyze specific gene variants associated with increased risk. Some tests...

When purring causes tears For many people, a cat is not just a pet, but a real member of the family. But sometimes, after talking to a furry friend, a runny nose, tearing, itching, or even a suffocation attack begins. It turns out that these are not emotions - this is an allergy to a cat, one of the most common forms of household allergies in the world. «Animal allergies are not to fur, as most patients think, but to proteins contained in the saliva, urine, and dander of cats,» explains allergist-immunologist Marina Petrovna. What causes a cat allergy The main allergen is the Fel d 1 protein, which is produced by the sebaceous glands of the cat's skin and gets on the fur during licking. The protein is very small, easily transported by air, settles on furniture, clothes, and walls - so even the absence of an animal in the room does not guarantee a clean environment. Symptoms of cat allergies include frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, watery rhinitis, itching or redness...

«It’s just an emotion» or not? In our culture, depression is often perceived as weakness or temporary sadness. But many people who have experienced prolonged apathy, insomnia, loss of energy or interest in life are actually experiencing hormonal disorders that have a physiological basis. Sometimes the cause is not only psychological trauma, but also an imbalance in the endocrine system. How hormones affect the mental state Hormones are chemical «mediators» between organs. They affect energy, appetite, sleep cycle, stress response and even the ability to feel pleasure. That is why in depressive states, the following often change: mood level of motivation ability to concentrate physical endurance sex drive What hormones are most often associated with depression 1. Cortisol The main stress hormone. With chronic stress or depression, it can be both elevated and decreased. High cortisol → anxiety, insomnia, irritability Low cortisol → apathy, fatigue, feeling of "burnout" Analysis: daily cortisol profile (blood, saliva) 2. TSH and...

What are Omega-3s and why are they critically important? Omega-3s are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids that support brain, heart, immune, and vision function. The human body cannot synthesize them on its own, so daily intake with food is a vital necessity. The main types of Omega-3s: ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) - comes from plant sources EPA and DHA - are found in marine fish, seafood, and fish oil According to cardiologist Olena Tokar, "Omega-3s are not just about preventing heart attacks. They are daily lubrication for your blood vessels and brain cells." How to recognize an Omega-3 deficiency Signs of an Omega-3 deficiency can be general and gradually increasing: dry and flaky skin brittle nails, brittle hair constant fatigue, irritability depressed mood, anxiety difficulty concentrating frequent colds, inflammatory diseases joint pain dry eye syndrome in children - hyperactivity, learning difficulties As nutritionist Natalia Lytvyn notes, "One of the most common manifestations of a deficiency...

Asthma: not one disease, but several variants of the course Bronchial asthma is not only shortness of breath and an inhaler. It is a chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract, which can be allergic, non-allergic, mixed, eosinophilic, infection-dependent, aspirin-dependent. Laboratory studies are the key to understanding which type the patient has and which treatment will be effective. Why are laboratory tests prescribed for asthma? To confirm the allergic nature of the symptoms. To identify the level of inflammation - systemic and local. To conduct differential diagnostics with COPD, pneumonia, parasitosis. To determine whether the patient will respond to inhaled steroids. To monitor the effectiveness of therapy (including biological). To explain frequent exacerbations or "nighttime" symptoms. Tests that form the basis of diagnosis. Complete blood count (CBC). An increase in eosinophils above 300 cells/μl indicates eosinophilic inflammation, characteristic of atopic or severe late-stage asthma. Leukocytosis and accelerated ESR are markers of inflammatory exacerbation, in particular infectious. IgE: total and specific. Total IgE: its increase indicates allergic sensitization. The higher the level -...

Genetic analysis: a tool for prevention and precise treatment Knowing your genes is not a fashion statement, but a real step towards a sensible attitude to health. Modern genetics makes it possible to identify risks even before the first symptoms appear. And a gene mutation test helps with this - an analysis that can change your life strategy, treatment or prevention. As the Mayo Clinic explains, "genetic testing is not a sentence, but it provides knowledge that helps you make informed decisions." This is especially important for people with a family history of oncology, thrombosis or congenital diseases. What the gene mutation test examines The test detects abnormalities in the structure of genes that can cause: hereditary forms of cancer (BRCA1, BRCA2, APC, TP53) blood clotting disorders (F5 Leiden, F2) predisposition to cardiovascular, endocrine, mental disorders carriership of genetic diseases that can be passed on to children The material for analysis is blood, saliva or buccal swab. The results are interpreted by a medical geneticist. When...

Why is vitamin C so important? Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is not just another trace element in the list of nutrients. It is involved in numerous biochemical reactions: collagen synthesis, regulation of the immune response, iron absorption, protection of cells from free radicals. Without it, the skin loses elasticity, gums bleed, and the immune system fails. Who is at risk of vitamin C deficiency Patients with chronic gastrointestinal diseases People who follow strict diets or exclude fruits/vegetables Smokers (they have lower vitamin C levels due to oxidative stress) Children and adolescents during active growth Elderly people with impaired appetite Unexpected symptoms that may indicate a deficiency Long-term healing of even small scratches Bruises for no reason Fatigue that does not go away after rest Frequent colds Dry and flaky skin Irritability, memory impairment In severe cases, scurvy may develop - a disease accompanied by tissue destruction, tooth loss, hemorrhages, general...

The role of tumor markers in the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma Tumor markers are biological molecules produced by tumor cells or the body in response to the growth of a tumor. In the case of liver cancer, in particular hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), tumor markers allow you to detect the disease at an early stage, assess the risks of metastasis, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment or possible relapse. Despite the limitations of accuracy, they remain an important component of laboratory diagnostics. The most common tumor markers in liver cancer Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) This is the main and most frequently used tumor marker in HCC. AFP is produced in the fetal liver, but after birth its level decreases. In adults, elevated AFP levels indicate malignant processes, especially at levels above 400 ng/ml. However, its specificity is limited: not all forms of liver cancer are accompanied by high levels of AFP, and false-positive results are possible in chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. AFP-L3 (alpha-fetoprotein fraction) This glycoprotein fraction is more specific for hepatocellular carcinoma, as it is mainly synthesized by tumor cells. An increase in AFP-L3 levels even...