What is a chest X-ray?

A chest X-ray (CXR) or chest radiograph is an image obtained by passing ionizing X-rays (electromagnetic radiation) through the chest (thorax). This is helpful in screening and diagnosing various diseases of the organs in the thoracic cavity including the airways and alveoli (lungs), pleura, heart and blood vessels, bones, diaphragm, and certain gastrointestinal conditions. Although the chest X-ray is the most widely performed diagnostic imaging study, it does have several limitations. However, several other imaging studies are available as a follow up to the chest X-ray thereby providing better visualization of underlying disease.

continue reading Chest X-Ray Guide, Abnormalities of Lung and Heart Diseases

How does sugar get into the blood?

All food that is digested and then absorbed travels through the bloodstream to the liver. Here it is processed further – some is broken down into simpler compounds, some is stored and others may be converted or even excreted. However, the body retains almost all of the macronutrients – carbohydrates, proteins and fats – in some form or the other. The cells in the body need a constant supply of nutrients to produce energy. This is mainly in the form of glucose, a type of simple sugar.

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy in that it is broken down into simple sugars like glucose and then transported via the bloodstream to all the cells of the body for energy production. When carbohydrates are in short supply, the body will use proteins or fats which can also be converted into glucose. Sugar in the blood is therefore derived from :

• nutrients absorbed from the gut and on its way to the liver
• food broken down by the liver and glucose released to the body’s cells
• conversion of fats or protein into glucose for energy production when carbohydrates are in short supply

continue reading High Sugar (Glucose) Levels in Blood or Urine – What does it mean?

Introduction to Self Breast Exam

Regular breast self-examination for women is often recommended by physicians as a means of checking for signs of breast cancer. Mammography is the most effective way of detecting breast cancer, but along with clinical breast examination by your doctor, a self breast exam is important in detecting any signs of abnormality and seeking medical attention. A home breast examination also makes a women more aware of her breasts, particularly the look and feel of the healthy breast, which will further aid in the early detection of any abnormality.

If you have decided to conduct regular self examination of your breasts, it is advisable to first speak to your doctor or gynecologist to learn how to do it properly and what to look for. For women older than 40 years of age, a self breast exam should not replace a clinical examination by a doctor and a mammography, both of which should conducted on a regular basis.

continue reading How To Do A Self Breast Exam – Visual, Standing, Lying Down

HIV Lab Test vs Rapid Test

HIV testing can be broadly divided between rapid tests and laboratory tests. The rapid test can be done at home or at a screening facility and a result is available within minutes. It should be followed through with laboratory testing should there be a positive result. Although rapid tests are convenient,  inexpensive and very accurate, there are greater chances of a false-positive reading. This means that a person is detected as being HIV-positive although they are not infected. Rapid tests also have a greater chance of a false-negative during the window period, usually around 2 to 6 weeks after infection. A false-negative means that a person is HIV-positive but the antibodies against the virus has not as yet been detected. Rapid tests detect the HIV antibodies in a person’s bloodstream and provide a positive reading based on the presence of these antibodies.

continue reading HIV Lab Tests and Types of Testing for Diagnosis or Monitoring

Screening for osteoporosis in high risk groups like postmenopausal women, elderly men, or patients on long-term corticosteroid therapy is always advisable for early detection. Management of osteoporosis also requires recording of the baseline values of parameters for monitoring the progress of osteoporosis therapy. The diagnostic procedure becomes more complex in younger patients without any known risk factors and therefore other uncommon causes of osteoporosis also have to be investigated these individuals. The most important investigations related to early detection and management of osteoporosis are radiological investigation, laboratory tests and biomarker studies.

continue reading Brittle Bones Tests, Scans and Other Diagnostic Investigations