High Alkaline Phosphatase: An Early Sign of Osteosarcoma? Dear readers, have you heard of osteosarcoma? This bone cancer often affects children and teenagers during their growth spurt. One early indicator detected through lab tests is elevated Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP). But what’s the connection? What Is Alkaline Phosphatase? ALP is an enzyme found in bones and the liver. In bones, ALP levels rise during active bone formation. According to Cancer of the Bone: Diagnosis and Treatment by W...

Hello, Pramita Friends! Did you know that the Anatomical Pathology Examination (PA) is crucial and even considered the gold standard in the medical field, particularly for diagnosing various types of cancer? What is the Gold Standard? In the medical world, a gold standard refers to the best, most accurate, and reliable method, test, or procedure for diagnosing or evaluating a specific condition or disease. It serves as the benchmark because of its high validity, accuracy, and dependability...

Hey, sahabat PRAMITA! Before undergoing surgery, your doctor will usually recommend a series of tests to make sure your body is ready for the procedure. Two of these are the Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) tests. They may sound unfamiliar, but both play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth surgery process. What Are PT and APTT? PT and APTT are tests to measure how quickly your blood can clot. PT looks at the extrinsic and common pathways in the...

What’s the Difference Between CRP and hs-CRP? Hello, Sahabat Pramita! Have you ever come across the terms CRP and hs-CRP in lab tests? These tests often appear in health assessments, especially those related to inflammation or internal body conditions. But what exactly is the difference between CRP and hs-CRP? Let’s break it down in a simple and informative way! What is CRP? CRP, or C-Reactive Protein, is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. When there is...

Hey, Sahabat Pramita! This time we will discuss the CD4 test. Some of you might have heard of this term, but do you know how important the CD4 test is for monitoring your health? Let’s dive into the explanation!   What is CD4? CD4 is a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the immune system. These cells help fight infections and keep the body healthy. CD4 tests are usually done to monitor the health of individuals with HIV because the CD4 count can indicate how strong th...

Hey, Sahabat Pramita ! Some might think that a negative AIDS test means we're completely free from HIV infection. But did you know that a negative result doesn't always mean your body is entirely clean? Let’s dive deeper!   Window Period: The Critical Waiting Time HIV testing has what's called a “window period.” This is the time when HIV is already present in the body but isn’t yet detectable by tests. This period can last anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks after exposure. So, even if your tes...