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Showing posts from September, 2025

Understanding Thyroid Function Tests: A Complete Guide

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Introduction The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It absorbs  iodine from the diet  to produce hormones that control vital metabolic activities, such as converting food into energy, regulating calorie burn, maintaining heart rate, stabilizing blood pressure, and managing body temperature. When thyroid hormone levels drop below normal, body functions slow down—leading to fatigue, weight gain, and sluggish metabolism. On the other hand, excess hormones speed up processes, causing weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and nervousness. In India, thyroid disorders are increasingly common. Research suggests that  1 in 10 adults suffer from hypothyroidism , a condition where the gland fails to produce sufficient hormones. Women, particularly those of childbearing age, are twice as likely to develop this condition compared to men. To assess thyroid health, doctors often recommend a  thyroid function panel , a set of blood tests design...

Procalcitonin (PCT) Test: A Key Biomarker in Detecting Severe Bacterial Infections

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Introduction P rocalcitonin (PCT) is a small protein made by certain cells in the body, mainly in the thyroid gland , lungs, and intestines. Normally, healthy people have almost undetectable amounts of PCT in their blood. PCT has emerged as one of the most reliable biomarkers for the early detection of systemic bacterial infections and sepsis. Initially identified by Le Moullec in 1984 as a 116–amino acid residue, its clinical importance was not recognized until 1993, when Assicot and colleagues demonstrated a strong correlation between elevated serum PCT levels and bacterial infections , particularly sepsis confirmed by blood cultures. Unlike other inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) , which lack the specificity to differentiate between bacterial and non-bacterial infections, PCT has proven to be more precise. It remains low in viral infections and decreases once effective antibiotic treatment begins, making it a useful tool in guiding antimicrobial therapy. T...

ESR Test – A Comprehensive Guide to This Inflammation Marker

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  Introduction The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test is a widely used, simple, and cost-effective blood test that helps doctors detect inflammation in the body. While it has been performed for decades, it remains an essential tool in modern diagnostics. ESR is particularly helpful in identifying health problems linked to infections, cancers, autoimmune conditions, and chronic inflammatory disorders. However, ESR is called a non-specific test because it cannot pinpoint the exact cause or location of inflammation. Many factors beyond inflammation can also influence results. For this reason, ESR is often used in combination with other tests—such as the C-reactive protein (CRP) test —to give doctors more accurate insights. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the ESR test, including its purpose, procedure, interpretation, normal ranges, influencing factors, limitations, and commonly asked questions. What is ESR? The Erythrocyte Sedimen...

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test: Understanding Its Importance in Detecting Inflammation

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  The human body has an inbuilt defense mechanism that fights against infections, injuries, and other harmful stimuli. This process is known as inflammation , and while it is necessary for healing, persistent or excessive inflammation can signal an underlying health issue. To detect such conditions, doctors often rely on laboratory investigations, one of the most important being the C-reactive protein (CRP) test . CRP is a protein manufactured by the liver and released into the bloodstream when the body experiences inflammation. Its concentration in the blood can rise sharply within a few hours of infection, trauma, or tissue injury. Because it reflects the presence and severity of inflammation, measuring CRP levels is crucial for diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and prognosis in several medical conditions. This blog explores the meaning of CRP, its role in health and disease, testing procedure, interpretation of results, and why it remains a cornerstone in clinical diagnostic...

Unraveling Fertility: Understanding Semen Analysis in Men’s Reproductive Health

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  Introduction Infertility is an emotional and medical challenge affecting couples worldwide. In India, studies by the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR) estimate that 10–14% of couples face infertility issues . While both men and women can be equally affected, male infertility often remains overlooked. A key diagnostic tool in evaluating male reproductive health is the semen analysis —a test that assesses sperm quality, quantity, and overall semen composition. This simple yet highly informative test provides valuable insights into potential causes of infertility and guides the next steps in treatment. What is Semen Analysis? Semen is the fluid ejaculated during sexual activity, carrying sperm cells that are essential for fertilization. A semen analysis evaluates multiple parameters of sperm and semen to determine reproductive potential. Doctors typically recommend this test for: Couples facing difficulty conceiving after one year of unprotect...