Ely Mae B.

Abunin BSN-4A
CT Stonogram

This is the gold standard for the diagnosis of stones. This CT scan of the urinary tract can
accurately detect the small stones that are often missed by ultrasound or X-ray.

 Symptoms

Most urinary stones do not present with symptoms at first. Small stones can be passed
unnoticed in the urine. However, as the stone enlarges, it begins to obstruct the urinary tract and starts
producing symptoms. These symptoms can worsen as the stone passes down along the urinary tract.
These symptoms include:

 Severe pain on the back or on the side that is not relieved or aggravated by movement or change
in position
 Pain that is waxing and waning in character
 Pain that slowly migrates from the back to the lower abdomen then to the groin
 Dysuria: Painful urination or a burning sensation during urination
 Cloudy or bloody urine
 Frequency: Frequent but often scanty urine
 Fever and chills
 Nausea or vomiting

The price of CT stonogram in the Philippines ranges from Php 4,900 to Php 7,500 and above.
Core Needle Biopsy

A core needle biopsy is a medical procedure used to obtain a small sample of tissue from a suspicious or
abnormal growth (lesion) in the body. This procedure is typically performed to diagnose and assess the
nature of the tissue, especially in cases where cancer or other diseases are suspected. Core needle
biopsies are less invasive than surgical biopsies and can provide valuable diagnostic information.

Here's how a core needle biopsy is typically performed:

 Preparation: The patient may undergo some preparatory steps, such as providing medical
history, signing consent forms, and, in some cases, refraining from eating or drinking for a
specified period before the procedure.
 Imaging Guidance: In many cases, the procedure is guided by imaging techniques such as
ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI to precisely locate the lesion and plan the biopsy. This ensures that
the needle is accurately positioned for sampling.
 Local Anesthesia: Before the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the skin and
tissue around the biopsy site. This helps minimize pain and discomfort during the procedure.
 Biopsy: A special core biopsy needle is inserted through the skin and into the lesion. The needle
has a cutting edge that allows it to extract a small, cylindrical core of tissue. Multiple samples
may be taken from different angles to increase the accuracy of the biopsy.
 Tissue Collection: The obtained tissue samples are typically sent to a pathology laboratory for
analysis. Pathologists examine the samples under a microscope to determine the nature of the
tissue, whether it is cancerous or benign, and provide other important information.
 Closure: After the biopsy, the skin may be closed with stitches or adhesive strips, and a bandage
is applied to the biopsy site.

Core needle biopsies are commonly used for diagnosing breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung nodules,
and various other conditions where tissue sampling is necessary for diagnosis and treatment planning.
They offer several advantages over surgical biopsies, including less pain, shorter recovery time, and
reduced risk of complications. However, the choice of biopsy method depends on the specific medical
circumstances and the location of the lesion.

GeneXpert

The GeneXpert system, often referred to as the "GeneXpert," is a molecular diagnostic platform
developed by Cepheid, a leading biotechnology company. It is designed to perform rapid and accurate
testing for a wide range of infectious diseases and genetic conditions.

Key features and applications of the GeneXpert system include:

 Molecular Diagnostics: The GeneXpert system uses real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
technology to detect the presence of specific DNA or RNA sequences. This allows for highly
sensitive and specific testing.
 Automated and Easy-to-Use: The system is automated and user-friendly, making it accessible to a
wide range of healthcare settings, including clinical laboratories, hospitals, and point-of-care
facilities.
 Rapid Results: One of the primary advantages of GeneXpert is its ability to deliver results quickly,
often within a few hours. This rapid turnaround time is especially valuable in diagnosing
infectious diseases where timely treatment can be critical.
 Broad Test Menu: GeneXpert assays are available for various infectious diseases, including
tuberculosis, HIV, hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, respiratory infections, and more. It is
also used for detecting genetic mutations associated with certain cancers.
 Quality Control: The system includes built-in quality control measures to ensure the accuracy
and reliability of test results.
 Point-of-Care Use: GeneXpert instruments are often used at the point of care, allowing for
testing in remote or resource-limited areas where access to centralized laboratories may be
limited.
  Tuberculosis Testing: The GeneXpert system gained particular recognition for its contribution to
tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. It offers a highly sensitive and rapid TB testing solution, especially for
diagnosing drug-resistant TB strains.

The GeneXpert system has played a significant role in improving diagnostic capabilities, especially in the
context of infectious diseases, by providing fast and reliable results. Its versatility and ease of use have
made it a valuable tool in healthcare systems worldwide for diagnosing and monitoring a range of
conditions.

Anti-HCV

Anti-HCV stands for "Antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus." It refers to the presence of antibodies in a person's
blood that are specifically produced in response to an infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Testing
for Anti-HCV antibodies is a crucial part of diagnosing hepatitis C infection.

Here's how it works:

 Exposure to HCV: When a person is exposed to the hepatitis C virus, their immune system
responds by producing antibodies against the virus. These antibodies are part of the body's
defense mechanism to fight the infection.
 Anti-HCV Testing: To determine if someone has been exposed to HCV, a blood test is conducted
to detect the presence of Anti-HCV antibodies. If these antibodies are detected in the blood, it
indicates that the person has been infected with HCV at some point in the past. It's important to
note that the presence of Anti-HCV antibodies does not necessarily mean the person is currently
infected with hepatitis C; it indicates past exposure.
 Confirmation: If the Anti-HCV test is positive (indicating exposure), further tests, such as HCV
RNA testing, are typically conducted to confirm whether the infection is still active. HCV RNA
testing checks for the actual genetic material (RNA) of the virus in the blood and confirms
whether the virus is actively replicating in the body.

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that can lead to liver damage and other serious health complications if left
untreated. It's important to identify and diagnose hepatitis C as early as possible so that appropriate
medical interventions and treatments can be initiated to manage the infection and prevent further liver
damage.
Treatment for hepatitis C has advanced significantly in recent years, with antiviral medications that can
cure the infection in many cases. However, early detection and diagnosis through tests like the Anti-HCV
antibody test are crucial steps in managing and treating hepatitis C effectively. If you or someone you
know is at risk of hepatitis C or has symptoms suggestive of the infection, it's advisable to seek medical
attention and get tested for the virus.

Renal diet

A renal diet, also known as a kidney-friendly diet, is a dietary plan specifically designed for individuals
with kidney disease or impaired kidney function. The goal of a renal diet is to help manage the various
health complications that can arise from kidney dysfunction while maintaining overall nutrition and well-
being. Kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, and when they are
not functioning properly, certain dietary adjustments become necessary. Here are some key principles of
a renal diet:

 Protein Control: Protein intake may be restricted, especially if the kidneys are severely impaired.
This is because the breakdown of protein can produce waste products that the kidneys must
filter out. High-quality protein sources, such as lean meats and poultry, are often preferred. The
amount of protein allowed depends on the stage of kidney disease and individual factors.
 Sodium (Salt) Restriction: Sodium can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure,
which can worsen kidney disease. Therefore, a renal diet typically involves limiting salt intake.
This means avoiding high-sodium foods, processed foods, and excessive use of salt during
cooking.
 Potassium Management: Abnormal potassium levels can be a concern for people with kidney
disease. A renal diet may include restrictions on high-potassium foods like bananas, oranges, and
potatoes. It's essential to manage potassium intake to prevent complications like irregular heart
rhythms.
  Phosphorus Control: Elevated phosphorus levels are common in kidney disease and can lead to
bone problems. A renal diet may involve limiting foods rich in phosphorus, such as dairy
products and certain meats. Phosphorus binders may also be prescribed to help control
phosphorus levels.
 Fluid Management: People with kidney disease may need to restrict fluid intake, especially in
advanced stages when the kidneys struggle to remove excess fluids. The amount of fluid allowed
depends on individual needs and the stage of kidney disease.
 Calorie Balance: Maintaining a healthy weight is important, but calorie needs may vary
depending on the stage of kidney disease and other health factors. A registered dietitian can
help tailor calorie intake to individual needs.
 Nutrient Supplements: Some individuals may require specific vitamin and mineral supplements,
such as water-soluble vitamins (e.g., vitamin C, B-complex) and iron. However, these should be
managed under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

It's crucial for individuals with kidney disease to work closely with a healthcare team, including a
registered dietitian, to develop a renal diet plan that meets their specific needs. The diet should be
adjusted based on the stage of kidney disease, lab results, and other individual factors. Proper nutrition
management can help slow the progression of kidney disease, manage symptoms, and improve overall
quality of life.

Aptt

APTT stands for Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time. It is a laboratory test used to evaluate the
blood's ability to clot properly. APTT measures the time it takes for blood to form a clot after specific
clotting factors are activated. This test is primarily used to assess the functioning of the intrinsic and
common pathways of the coagulation cascade, which is the series of chemical reactions that lead to
blood clot formation.

Here's how the APTT test is typically performed and what it can indicate:
  Blood Sample: A healthcare provider takes a blood sample, usually from a vein in the arm.

 Mixing: The blood is mixed with a substance that activates the intrinsic pathway of coagulation.
This typically involves the addition of substances like phospholipids and an activator like kaolin or
ellagic acid.
 Measurement: The laboratory technician measures the time it takes for a clot to form. This is
usually done by using a coagulation analyzer.
 Results: The APTT results are reported in seconds. The normal range can vary depending on the
laboratory and reagents used, but it typically falls within 25-35 seconds.

APTT is a valuable test for several reasons:

 Monitoring Anticoagulant Therapy: APTT is used to monitor the effectiveness of anticoagulant

medications like heparin, which are given to prevent or treat blood clots. The test helps
healthcare providers adjust the dosage of these medications to maintain the desired level of
anticoagulation.
 Assessing Bleeding Disorders: Abnormal APTT results may indicate a bleeding disorder, such as
hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, where certain clotting factors are deficient or
dysfunctional.
 Liver Disease and Vitamin K Deficiency: Liver disease and vitamin K deficiency can affect clotting
factor production, leading to prolonged APTT results.
 Screening for Certain Conditions: APTT may be used as part of a broader coagulation panel to
screen for clotting disorders or to investigate unexplained bleeding or clotting symptoms.

It's important to note that while APTT provides valuable information about the clotting process, it is just
one of several tests used in assessing coagulation and clotting disorders. The interpretation of APTT
results should always be done in conjunction with other clinical information and laboratory tests to form
a comprehensive assessment of a patient's coagulation status.