Month: December 2014

VDRL – A Classic Test for Syphilis

VDRL (venereal disease research laboratory) test falls on the same lines as that of rapid plasma reagin (RPR). It is typically ordered to diagnose a sexually transmitted disease (STD) called ‘syphilis’.

Have a broader view about this test as Dr. Pratibha Karande unveils its vital aspects.

What is VDRL test all about?

It is carried out for the screening of syphilis. Syphilis is a disease – a bacterial infection caused by bacteria Treponema pallidum. The test is basically performed to detect the presence of VDRL antibodies in the blood.

vdrl-test
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What Incorporates Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Test?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is usually caused by unknown reasons where the immune system functions abnormally attacking its own body’s tissues, especially the joints. This autoimmune disorder generally begins after 40; however, cases of juvenile idiopathic arthritis are also seen where children as young as 16 years are affected by the disorder.

To dig out more information on it including the RA factor test, let us hear from the doctor’s mouth. Here’s Dr. Pratibha Karande!


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What Does Renal Profile Reveal About Kidneys?

Renal profile incorporates diagnostic blood and urine tests conducted to evaluate the functionality of kidneys. Kidneys play the significant role of regulating the salts and water of our body. The doctor could order a renal profile if he suspects any chronic kidney disease or other forms of kidney diseases. Let’s see what Dr. Pratibha Karande has to say about renal profile.

What do kidneys do?

As we all understand, kidneys are the very important organs of our body. The main function of our kidneys includes the filtration of blood. There are multiple and millions of nephrons present in our kidneys. With the help of these nephrons, kidneys filter the blood – they basically filter the waste out of the blood. The waste is then thrown out of the body via urine.

renal-profile-kidney-function
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What to Do When the Fever is Glandular?

Glandular fever is a self-limiting sickness which is caused by Epstein-Barr virus. It is also known as infectious mononucleosis. Following a recovery from this illness, the patient is usually immune to it for a lifetime due to the antibodies produced by the immune system during recovery. So, it is rare to contract the fever after going through the first episode.

Young adults and teenagers are common customers of glandular fever. Symptoms vary from a usual headache to sore throat and fever to swollen glands in the armpits or on the neck. It takes 4-8 weeks to incubate and is mainly spread by close contact – kissing, coughing, sneezing, and sharing things (cups, glasses, etc).

glandular-fever
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Have You Heard of Vitamin Cobalamin?

Vitamin B12 stands as the most complex and largest variant of vitamins which is only sourced from animal products naturally; however, certain foods like cereals could make it available for man, but in synthetic forms. Any person who is deficient of vitamin B12 could permanently damage his central nervous system. Learn more about this most vital vitamin with informed professional Dr. Pratibha Karande.


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Quick Glance Over Blood Sugar Test

Blood sugar test is generally conducted when a doctor suspects that the patient could be suffering from diabetes (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It may also be performed to check the progress of medications for controlling sugar levels and overall treatment goals. Ace medical professional Dr. Pratibha Karande runs us through this important test and its significance. Enlighten yourself!


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Have You Got Mumps Lately?

Mumps is a contagious medical condition caused due to an infectious virus of the same name. Having the incubation interval of 1-2 weeks, the condition is followed by swelling on both sides of tell-tale neck and the face with intense pain extending up to the ears. It usually begins with mild muscle aches, headache, and fever.

mumps
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Quick Facts About Lipid Profile Tests

There are “good” and “bad” cholesterol that could affect the risk of having heart diseases and lipid disorders. Know the importance of lipid panel or lipid profile tests as veteran medical professional Dr. Pratibha Karande sheds light on it.

What are lipids? Why are they important?

Lipids, in other words, are generally called as fats. These fats that we are always worried about are nothing but the presence of fats which are actually generated by our liver. These fats are very essential for the normal functioning of our body. They need to be within their normal limits. When these fats or lipids rise on the higher side than the normal requirement of our body, then it proves to be problematic. For this purpose, it is necessary that we keep our lipids in control. Hence for this, it is important that we check our lipid profile or fats in our body.
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