Marcela Lemos - Page 2

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Marcela Lemos
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Recent Articles by Marcela Lemos

Leukocytosis: Types, Causes & High WBC in Pregnancy

Leukocytosis is a condition marked by an elevated white blood cell count, often signaling that the immune system is responding to infection, inflammation, or physical stress. This overview covers the five specific types of high counts, common causes like allergies or medication, and normal pregnancy.

Tests

HIV Test: When to Test, Types & What Results Mean

The HIV test detects the virus through blood or saliva samples. Accuracy depends on the 30-day window period to avoid false negatives. Common methods include 4th generation ELISA, rapid tests, and molecular NAT screenings. Early detection allows for PEP and viral load monitoring to prevent AIDS.

Tests

Fecal Occult Blood Test: How to Prepare & What Results Mean

Fecal occult blood test finds hidden blood in stool that may point to ulcers, colitis, Crohn’s disease, polyps, hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, or colorectal cancer. Covers 3-day prep, avoiding certain foods/meds, and interpreting results.

Diseases and Conditions

Cerebral Hemorrhage: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Cerebral hemorrhage is a medical emergency stroke caused by bleeding in or around the brain. Symptoms include sudden severe headache, weakness, vision changes, seizures, or loss of consciousness. Covers diagnosis, types, causes, treatment, and complications.

Diseases and Conditions

Eye Parasites: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Eye parasites (loiasis) occur when Loa loa larvae migrate to the eye, causing itching, pain, redness, blurred vision, dark spots, and light sensitivity. Diagnosis may include eye exam and blood tests; treatment can involve eye drops, oral antiparasitics, or surgery.

HIV

Rapid HIV Test: How It's Performed (Saliva & Blood Tests)

A rapid HIV test identifies antibodies in blood or saliva to provide results in under 30 minutes. Accuracy depends on the 30-day window period required for detection. A positive result requires confirmatory clinical testing, while negative results after high-risk exposure should be repeated.

Diseases and Conditions

Toxoplasmosis: Symptoms, Transmission & Treatment

Toxoplasmosis is a Toxoplasma gondii infection spread through contaminated food, water, or cat feces. Often symptom-free, but can cause fever, swollen nodes, vision problems, and serious risks in pregnancy or weak immunity; diagnosis and treatment options explained.

Hyperthyroidism

TSH Blood Test: High vs Low Levels & What They Mean

TSH blood test checks thyroid function by measuring pituitary TSH and its relationship with T3 and T4. Covers why it’s ordered, prep, reference ranges (including pregnancy), and what high or low results may suggest.

Tests

Bacteria in Urine: What It Means (& Possible Causes)

Bacteria in urine may result from specimen contamination or conditions like urinary tract infections. Urine microscopy helps confirm findings, while culture tests identify bacteria type and antibiotic sensitivity to guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Diseases and Conditions

Elephantiasis: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Elephantiasis is a chronic parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes that can block lymphatic vessels, causing swelling of limbs or scrotum. Covers symptoms, diagnosis with night blood tests or ultrasound, treatment options, and prevention.

Healthy Pregnancy

Fetal Doppler: What It's Used For & When It's Indicated

Fetal doppler is an ultrasound-based test that checks a baby’s heartbeat and blood flow in the fetus, umbilical cord, and placenta. Covers when it’s indicated, how it’s done, and safe use of portable devices.

Tests

Nitrites in Urine: What It Means & Treatment Options

Nitrites in urine may suggest a urinary tract infection when bacteria convert nitrate to nitrite. Covers type 1 urinalysis sample collection, why urine culture may be needed, common symptoms, who to see, and treatment options, including in pregnancy.

Tests

CPK Test: Why It's Ordered & What Results Mean

CPK test measures creatine phosphokinase, an enzyme released into the blood after muscle, heart, or brain injury. High levels may suggest heart attack, stroke, or muscle damage. Results are interpreted with other tests, and normal ranges vary by lab.

Diseases and Conditions

Nipah Virus: Symptoms, Transmission, Outbreak & Treatment

The Nipah virus is a member of the Paramyxoviridae family that causes severe respiratory and neurological illness. Identified in Malaysia, it spreads via infected bats, pigs, or humans. Symptoms can lead to fatal encephalitis. No specific treatment or vaccine is currently available.

Tests

GGT Blood Test: What It Is & How to Prepare

GGT blood test measures gamma-glutamyl transferase to help assess liver injury or biliary obstruction, which often elevates GGT. Levels can also rise with pancreatitis, heart attack, or cirrhosis and are read with AST, ALT, bilirubin, and ALP. Typical range: 7–50 IU/L; prep: 8-hour fast, no alcohol 24 hours.