Accuprobe Awareness

  Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and potentially joint damage. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and prevention of long-term complications. In the realm of RA diagnosis, two important blood tests often come into play: the rheumatoid factor (RA factor) and the anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) test. Understanding the nuances and differences between these tests is essential for healthcare professionals and patients alike. RA Factor: The RA factor is an autoantibody that targets immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, forming immune complexes that contribute to inflammation and joint damage in RA. While the presence of RA factor is a hallmark of RA, it is not specific to the disease and can also be found in other conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjögren's syndrome. Furthermore, approximately 20-30% of patients with RA may ...

  Typhoid fever , caused by a gram negative bacteria Salmonella typhi , remains a significant global health concern. Accurate and timely diagnosis of typhoid fever is crucial for appropriate patient management and effective control of the disease. Current methods of diagnosis include Serology based tests like the convenonal WIDAL test and Rapid Card Tests (Typhidot Or Enterocheck) and the Blood Culture test. In recent years, molecular testing techniques, particularly Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), have emerged as a significant advancement in typhoid diagnosis.  The Limitations of Traditional Methods:  The Widal test , based on the detection of antibodies against S. Typhi and S. paratyphi antigens, has long been used for typhoid diagnosis. However, it has several limitations, including cross-reactivity, lack of specificity, unable to diagnose in early stage (first week) and the inability to differentiate between current and past infections. Serol...

Both serum IgE (Immunoglobin E) level and blood Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC) are useful tests in evaluating and diagnosing allergies, but they serve different purposes and have their own strengths and limitations. So, they are often measured together in clinical practice. While IgE and eosinophils are both associated with allergic responses, they do not always change in tandem. It is possible for a person to have high levels of IgE but a normal AEC, or vice versa. This is because allergic reactions are complex and involve multiple components of the immune system, and the specific immune response can vary depending on the type and severity of the allergic condition. IgE is an immunoglobulin that plays a key role in allergic reactions. When a person is expose to an allergen, such as pollen or dust mites, IgE levels in the blood may rise as the immune system mounts an allergic response. High levels of IgE in the blood are often seen in people with allergies, asthma, and other allergic ...

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease where the lining of the small intestine is damaged by exposure to gluten (a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, barley and oats) in genetically predisposed children and adults. The reaction to gluten causes inflammation and atrophy of intestinal lining, which can lead to malabsorption of nutrients and related health issues. The diagnosis of Celiac disease is classically based on a combination of findings from a patient’s clinical history, serologic testing and duodenal biopsies. SEROLOGY TEST: Serologic tests are for screening purposes and do not confirm the diagnosis of coeliac disease. Serologic tests for celiac disease include anti-transglutaminase IgA & IgG antibody, anti-endomysium IgA antibody, and Deamidated Gliadin Peptide IgA & IgG antibodies.  The serologic tests that check for IgA antibodies are more sensitive for celiac disease than the tests for IgG antibodies. However, in people who have IgA deficiency, IgG test...

  Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. It is commonly the result of a viral infection (hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E), but there are other possible causes of hepatitis like autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary to medications, drugs, toxins, and alcohol. Hepatitis markers (Antigens, Antibodies & PCR) are useful for determining diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and vaccination status and for monitoring treatment.  Viral Hepatitis Markers: Hepatitis A virus-IgM Antibodies (anti-HAV IgM) : Serum IgM antibody to the hepatitis A virus (antiHAV) appears at about four weeks after initial infection and usually persists for 2-6 months as the initial phase of the immune response. (Test code H018) Hepatitis A virus-IgG Antibodies (anti-HAV IgG) : Serum IgG antibody to HAV generally persists for lifetime, conferring immunity to further HAV infection. (Test code H017) Hepatitis A virus-Total Antibodies (Anti-HAV-Total Ab) : The total HAV antibody te...

The SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody (COVID-19 IgG) test is intended for the qualitative detection of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in human blood. The SARS-CoV-2 IgG test is intended for use as an aid in identifying individuals with an adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2, indicating prior infection. Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system in response to an infection and are specific to that particular infection. They are found in the blood. SARS-CoV-2 IgG Test may help identify if you were exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 and, if so, whether or not your body has developed antibodies. Although having antibodies usually gives immunity from further infection, there is a lack of evidence on whether having antibodies means you are protected against reinfection with COVID-19 in future.  This antibody develops in most patients at around two weeks after infection and remains in the blood after you have recovered although we do not presently know how long it may ...

An Allergy is an immune system response to a substance that is not typically harmful to our body. These substances are called allergens . The immune system overreacts to these allergens and produces a chemical, histamine that causes allergy symptoms, mild to a life-threatening reaction (known as anaphylaxis ). Approx 20% population will suffer from allergy at sometime in their life.  Symptom: The symptoms of an allergic reaction can vary from mild to severe.  • Skin rashes • Itching • Nasal congestion  • Sore throat • Watery or itchy eyes • Abdominal cramping or pain • Difficulty in swallowing • Nausea or vomiting • Diarrhea • Difficulty in breathing • Wheezing or cough • Dizziness • Anxiety • Flushing or swelling of the face or eye • Weakness • Unconsciousness Sometime severe and sudden allergic reaction can develop within seconds after exposure to an allergen. This type of reaction is known as anaphylacti...