Meningitis can affect anyone and may be fatal if not diagnosed promptly. The first step is consulting a doctor regarding the symptoms. The doctor may recommend lab tests such as complete blood count, CRP, blood culture, and procalcitonin to assess the infection and its severity. These tests help determine whether the meningitis is caused by a virus or bacteria. The best prevention includes meningitis vaccination, maintaining hygiene, and a healthy lifestyle.  

For those with a family history of thalassemia, regular blood tests are strongly recommended. These include a complete blood count (CBC), peripheral blood smear, iron level monitoring, and hemoglobin electrophoresis. Each test plays a key role in identifying red blood cell abnormalities, iron overload from transfusions, and hemoglobin disorders. Screening is also essential for teenagers, couples planning to marry, and pregnant women to prevent thalassemia transmission to the next generation. Don...

In distinguishing chest pain caused by heart disease from GERD, a doctor will conduct an anamnesis to inquire about the patient's medical history and perform a physical examination. To diagnose heart disease, the following examinations are necessary: Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a recording of the heart’s electrical activity. This test can assess ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart muscle) due to coronary artery disease. Echocardiogram is a heart examination using ultrasound. Ex...

Hello PRAMITA friends, for every patient suspected of having lupus, laboratory tests are essential to confirm the diagnosis and assess the disease activity. These include complete blood count, urinalysis, kidney and liver function tests, and glucose levels. Autoantibody tests such as ANA, anti-dsDNA, and complement levels (C3, C4) are also required. Screening for comorbid conditions like HIV, Hepatitis B/C, and tuberculosis is important before initiating treatment. These results guide the right...

Autoimmune diseases present a wide range of symptoms, often making diagnosis challenging. Comprehensive evaluation is essential, including patient history, physical examination, and laboratory tests like complete blood count, urinalysis, kidney function tests, inflammatory markers, and autoantibody profiles (ANA, Anti-dsDNA). Accurate diagnosis helps guide proper treatment and monitor disease progression. Early detection and appropriate management significantly improve patients’ quality of life....

Hello PRAMITA friends. Did you know that persistently high blood sugar levels can lead to serious health complications? According to the Indonesian Endocrinology Association, diabetes is diagnosed when random blood sugar exceeds 200 mg/dL or fasting blood sugar is over 126 mg/dL. An HbA1c level above 6.5% also confirms diabetes. Uncontrolled blood sugar can damage blood vessels and affect the heart, eyes, kidneys, and brain. Regular screening, including ECG, kidney and liver function, complete b...