Diagnostic Procedures

Cortisol Tests (Blood, Urine, Saliva)

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 Diagnosis and Treatment Procedures

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 ...

Rectal Exam Reasons and Digital Rectal Examination Procedure

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 ...

HIV Viral Load Guide : High and Low Values, Undetectable Levels

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 ...

CD4 Count – Normal (Healthy), HIV, AIDS and Zero Levels

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 ...

Bladder Cancer Diagnosis (Tests, Cystoscopy, Biopsy, Scans)

Persistent hematuria in middle aged and older patients should always be evaluated for bladder cancer. Any unexplained increase in frequency and irritative symptoms related to passing of urine should be checked for the possibility of the bladder cancer. Read more on bladder cancer symptoms. The evaluation of suspected >> Read More ...

Polyps in Uterus Diagnosis and Treatment (Surgery, Medication)

Diagnosis of Uterine Polyps Uterine polyps often go undetected because they do not cause any symptoms. However, when symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding occur in a woman, especially after menopause, it becomes important to investigate further to exclude the possibility of conditions such as endometrial cancer. >> Read More ...

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis, Tests, Biopsy and Scans

Patients presenting with symptoms of prostate cancer would have reached a stage at which curative interventions are usually not possible since the symptoms are often only present in the advanced stages. Detection of prostate cancer prior to the onset of symptoms is therefore necessary for adopting a curative line of >> Read More ...
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