What is a Microbial Culture? A microbial culture is one of the diagnostic methods of microbiology and is used to determine the cause of an infectious disease by allowing the microorganism to multiply in certain specific media under controlled laboratory conditions. This helps to determine the type as well as severity of >> Read More ...
Approach to Chest Pain Upon presenting to your doctor with chest pain, a rational and step-by-step approach to diagnosing the cause of the pain will be followed. This will include a thorough case taking and physical examination which may be followed by tests and investigations to exclude or confirm differential diagnoses. >> Read More ...
A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is the neurological dysfunction that arises when there is an interruption of the blood supply to a specific region of the brain. Stroke causes sudden death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen. It is a major life-threatening emergency and recognizing the early signs and symptoms >> Read More ...
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerves due to gradually increasing pressure within the eye, the intraocular pressure (IOP). Glaucoma can develop in one or both eyes. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness, yet many people are unaware that they have this condition since the >> Read More ...
Neuritis is the term for inflammation of the nerve. It may be due to a number of causes including mechanical trauma, chemical injury, nutritional deficiencies, infections, inherited disorders and systemic diseases. Inflammation of a sensory nerves may present with numbness, tingling, abnormal sensations or pain. When the >> Read More ...
Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced by the cortex of the adrenal glands. It has diverse functions influencing nutrient metabolisms, inflammatory processes in the body and immunity. Cortisol secretion is regulated by the presence of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) which is secreted by the anterior pituitary >> Read More ...
Pericardial effusion is an accumulation of excessive fluid in the space surrounding the heart (pericardial space). It can result from a wide variety of causes and may be present in association with almost all types of pericardial diseases. It is usually seen in inflammatory or infective conditions of the pericardium >> Read More ...
What is a digital rectal examination? A rectal exam, or more accurately digital rectal examination (DRE), is an investigative procedure where a medical professional uses a gloved finger to reach the rectum via the anus and examine for abnormalities in the pelvis and lower abdomen. It is done in both men and women although >> Read More ...
What is the viral load in HIV? Viral load is an indication of the amount of virus in the bloodstream in HIV infection. It also known as HIV viral load or plasma viral load and is an important means to monitor the progress of the disease and the success of treatment. Regularly monitoring the viral load, at least every 3 >> Read More ...
Normal CD4 Count The CD4+ T-lymphocyte is only one type of white blood cell and is named so due to the presence of CD4 receptors on its surface. It is these surface receptors that allows HIV to bind to the cell and infect it. Read more on HIV and AIDS. Therefore HIV has an affinity for CD4+ T-lymphocytes. The level of CD4+ >> Read More ...
