Pure Red Cell Aplasia (PRCA) is a rare disorder in which there is a failure of the bone marrow to produce precursors of red blood cells (RBCs or erythrocytes) resulting in anemia. Read more about Anemia- Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Read more about Bone Marrow- Structure, Composition, and Functions The disorder may be acquired or […]
Diseases
Chorionic Villus Sampling: Indications, Limitations, Procedure and Risks
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test carried out during pregnancy to detect any chromosomal or genetic abnormality in an unborn baby. In this procedure, a small sample of chorionic villus is removed from the mother’s body and tested for the presence of any abnormality in the baby. Chorionic villus is the tissue present […]
Abnormal RBC Types and Shapes
Abnormal RBC types and shapes can be seen under a variety of conditions. Normal RBCs have a biconcave shape with a central pale area. Any variation in size, shape, structure, color or arrangement of RBCs represents an abnormal cell. These abnormalities are detected by viewing the blood smear through a microscope. Identification of the abnormal […]
Genetic Inheritance-Modes and Significance
Genetic inheritance is a basic principle of genetics. It explains how characteristics and traits are passed from one generation to the next. Every individual receives genetic material from both the parents. However, which gene will dominate to express itself or how the various genes interact with each other to express a certain trait or disorder […]
Hemochromatosis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Hemochromatosis is a condition characterized by the excessive storage of iron in the body. The condition is also known as iron overload. Primary hemochromatosis is a type of hemochromatosis when there is excessive absorption of iron due to a genetic defect. Secondary hemochromatosis occurs due to some other underlying disease. This excess iron is stored […]
Wilson Disease – Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment
Wilson disease is a rare inherited disorder in which excessive amounts of copper accumulate in the body, particularly in the liver, brain, and eyes. It is also called hepatolenticular degeneration syndrome or copper storage disease. Most people present with symptoms between 5 to 35 years of age, but it can affect younger and older people, […]
Lipid Profile Test
Lipid profile test or lipid panel or cholesterol test is a panel of blood tests that are used to detect abnormal levels of various types of lipids present in the body. It is performed to check for any risk of coronary heart disease especially in the presence of risk factors such as sedentary lifestyle, consumption […]
Prothrombin Time and International Normalized Ratio or PT/INR
Prothrombin time or PT test is a blood test that is used to measure the time it takes for blood to clot. The results of this test can be expressed in seconds or as a ratio International Normalised Ratio or INR. It is used to diagnose blood disorders which may result in a defect in […]
Conduction System of Heart
The conduction system of the heart or cardiac conduction system is a collection of nodes and specialized conduction cells that are responsible for the initiation of the normal heart cycle and coordinate the contractions of cardiac chambers. Conduction system of heart consists of the following Sinoatrial node Atrioventricular node Atrioventricular bundle (bundle of His) Purkinje […]
Lymph Node Structure and Function
The lymph node is small, oval bean-shaped structure of lymphatic system formed of lymphoid tissue enclosed in a connective tissue capsule. These occur in association with the lymphatic vessels and serve as filters for the blood. They are typically found concentrated near junctions of the major lymphatic vessels, most prominently in the neck, groin, and […]