The Calcium Assay
The Calcium Assay is an in vitro test used for the quantitative determination of calcium in human serum, plasma, and urine. Calcium holds vital roles in muscle contraction, hormone secretion, glycogen metabolism, bone mineralization, nerve impulse transmission, and blood coagulation. Detection of abnormal blood calcium levels may assist in the diagnosis of variety of issues […]
The Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase assay
The Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase assay is an in vitro test used for the quantitative determination of autoantibodies against thyroid peroxidase in human serum and plasma. The enzyme thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is integral to normal thyroid function as it allows for thyroid hormone synthesis. However, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (aTPO) may be produced by the immune system in […]
Autoimmune rheumatic diseases
Autoimmune rheumatic diseases are conditions in which the immune system attacks the joints and certain system. They are often difficult to diagnose as their symptoms can be vague, vary from patient to patient, and often overlap with other clinical conditions. The diagnosis of autoimmune disease is based on patient signs and symptoms, clinical information, and […]
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, otherwise known as a sed rate, is an in vitro test that is used as a marker of inflammation. ESR is the rate in mm/hour at which red blood cells in an anticoagulated standardized tube settle from plasma and other blood components. The standardized tube typically used for this […]
Apolipoprotein A-1 (APO A) and Apolipoprotein B (APO B)
Apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) is the major structural and functional protein component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or good cholesterol in plasma. It accounts for approximately 70% of HDL. Apo A-I activates lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) which catalyzes the esterification of cholesterol. The resulting esterified cholesterol can then be transported to the liver, metabolized, and excreted. […]
Importance of PCR in identification of urinary tract infection
The status and future direction of advanced urine testing: multiplex PCR- published on March 7, 2023 from Urology Times highlights that the importance of PCR in identification of Urinary tract infection. The article discuss the approach used by Solaris Diagnostics along with some other laboratories in the industry. The standard urine culture (SUC) has several […]
Influenza A virus
In 2009, a new subtype of influenza A virus called H1N1, or Swine Flu, was identified after it caused outbreaks in North America. The virus quickly spread around the world, with 74 countries and territories reporting laboratory-confirmed infections by the time the WHO declared a pandemic in June 2009. According to the CDC, between 2009 […]
Shigella
Shigella is a type of bacteria that can cause a condition called shigellosis. It is A gram-negative bacterium that causes an infection called shigellosis that infects the lining of the intestines. It is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, It can also be spread through contact with a person who is infected or contracted from contaminated […]
Clostridium Difficile (C. Difficile)
Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is spore-forming, Gram-positive anaerobic bacillus that produces two exotoxins: toxin A and toxin B. It is a common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) and accounts for 15 to 25% of all episodes of AAD. It can cause diarrhea and other intestinal problems. C. difficile is commonly found in healthcare settings, such […]
Chlamydia Pneumonia (Part2)
Individuals at Risk Chlamydia Pneumonia affects people of all ages and spreads quickly in crowded areas. School-aged children and people in hospitals have a significant risk of infection. Older adults are at higher risk of reinfection and developing more severe symptoms. Methods of Infection Chlamydia Pneumonia is spread through respiratory excretions and commonly spread through […]