The ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) or FANA (fluorescent Antinuclear Antibody) test is conducted as a routine part of autoimmune disease diagnosis, through a simple blood sample. The body’s immune system is composed of protein-based antibodies which fight infection caused by germs, viruses and bacteria. However, the body’s immunity is compromised when its cells, tissues and organs …
Neonatal screening program involves timely screening and early detection of newborn babies for genetic disorders, hereditary conditions, potentially fatal diseases, and disabilities. These tests should be made mandatory to reduce, control and eliminate the repercussions and consequences of these diseases and disorders. This can ensure treatment at the nascent stage of these problems, oftentimes even …
Immunity is the ability of our body to resist disease or an infection. Immunity to viral infection is a combined outcome of both cellular and humoral (antibody) immune responses. While the cellular immune response is often difficult to measure, antibody production serves as a hallmark of the humoral immune response. The immunity in COVID-19 is …
The immune response of the body to COVID 19 infection is very complex and involves both cell mediated and antibody response. The antibodies are produced by the B lymphocytes and the T lymphocytes are responsible for the cell mediated immunity. The T helper cells or the CD 4 cells help the B cells in the …
The majority of people who suffer from COVID-19 recover within a few weeks. However, some patients may continue to feel symptoms long after they have become COVID-19 negative. Older individuals and the patients suffering from comorbidities are most likely to suffer these prolonged symptoms, but the symptoms may persist in younger and otherwise normal people. …
Last month, a very close friend of mine lost her mother in the battle against ovarian cancer. A monster that she fought with , for almost 10 years and finally got defeated at the age of 60. September is the Ovarian Cancer Awareness month, and I would want all the women reading this article to …
Poor hygiene leads to urinary tract infection. FALSE. You can be completely clean and hygienic and still fall prey to a UTI. UTIs are not caused by use of tampons or sanitary napkins. 2. Cranberry supplements help in preventing UTI. FALSE. There is no scientific evidence to support this postulate. Simple steps to prevent UTI …
What is CT Value? CT stands for cycle threshold value. It is defined as the number of cycles or turns taken by a sample in a molecular test like RT-PCR to release signal that reaches a certain threshold. Let us discuss it with a simple example. I have 4 cats in a room. How many …
Can men get breast cancer? Although rare, breast cancer can affect men too, as they also have a small amount of breast tissue. What are the risk factors in men? Some of the factors associated with increased risk of breast cancer in men include older age, patients on hormonal therapy for prostate cancer, chronic liver …
When should one suspect that he or she is suffering from anemia? To begin with, you feel tired and lazy the entire day with loss of interest and concentration in routine activities. Minimal physical activity leads to breathlessness. Leg cramps and palpitations deprive you of a good night’s sleep. And the craving to eat strange …
