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Showing posts with the label Autoimmune Disorders

What Is Anti-TPO? Causes, Symptoms & High Levels Explained

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  Introduction Anti-TPO (Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies) are important markers in the diagnosis of autoimmune thyroid diseases. These antibodies are produced when the immune system mistakenly targets thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme crucial for thyroid hormone production. Elevated Anti-TPO levels are commonly associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease , both of which impact thyroid function. Testing for Anti-TPO antibodies, along with TSH, Free T4, and Free T3 levels , helps in confirming thyroid disorders, predicting disease progression, and guiding treatment plans. 🔬 What Is Anti-TPO? Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme that helps produce thyroid hormones. When the immune system mistakes this enzyme as harmful, it produces Anti-TPO antibodies. Over time, these antibodies can damage thyroid tissue, leading to inflammation, hormone imbalance, and in some cases, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). 📈 Causes of Elevated Anti-TPO Seve...

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...