World Cancer Day as we know it, falls on February 4 each year, marking the prevalence of top cancers that affect the population in India – among which lung, breast, cervical and colorectal cancers lead the way. Cervical Cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix – the tunnel-like tissue that connects the uterus…
Of about a hundred different strains, some of them from the sexually transmitted infection Human Papillomavirus or the HPV virus as commonly known, are responsible for causing cervical cells to transform into cancerous ones. Cervical Cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix – the tunnel-like tissue that connects the uterus with the vagina…
Leading regulatory agencies recommend the role of hand hygiene for the prevention of pathogenic transmission. The ability of hand hygiene, including hand washing or the utilization of alcohol based hand sanitizers to prevent infections is related to decrease in the number of microbes that contaminate the hands. Hand washing removes pathogens, while research demonstrate that…
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. But what is more dangerous is a series of breast cancer myths that invoke doubts and suspicions, leading to lack of timely detection and action. Young women are often seen too unwary of breast cancer under the assumption that it may not affect them…
Better late than never is not just an adage. It’s a wakeup call for self-assessment and early supervision of a confused circumstance that could translate into a positive one. So is the case with early detection of breast cancer. Because when detected early, it can lead to the best chances of effective treatment associated with…
In the world of Clinical Chemistry, tests often require sophisticated equipment in addition to clinical reagents. Blood gas analysers, electrophoresis and chromatography, among others, are used alongside self-testing equipment to enable patients to self-monitor different compounds. The Electrophoresis technique is used extensively in DNA, RNA and protein analysis – wherein the technique is used to…
Adverse health outcomes are either adapted or innate. The latter however is a consequence of genetic disorders, where specific enzyme defects interfere with the normal metabolism of exogenous (dietary) or endogenous protein, carbohydrate or fat intake. These disorders hence earn the term Inborn Errors of Metabolism or IEM. What this disorder does is reduce or…
How to avoid cross-contamination? COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease which can easily and rapidly be transmitted from one person to other, if proper precautions are not taken. In a hospital setting where COVID-19 patients are treated, hospital staffs are the first ones who come in contact with infected patients therefore, clear infection control guidelines…
Introduction The cells are the building blocks of all living things. Group of these cells unites to perform a specific function. These groups of cells are called tissues. The microscopic study of cells in a smear is called Cytology and the study of tissue is called Histology. Histology Histology is a department of anatomy that…
The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is an antibody/antigen test or in simpler terms, is a test for immune response to foreign particle attacking the body like virus, bacteria and allergens. ELISA tests involve trained professionals and specialized instruments to be carried out. Among the most significant and widely used instrument to conduct ELISA test include…
