Medical dictionary

What is being analysed? Blood typing is a laboratory test that determines an individual's blood group. This test identifies specific proteins, called antigens, present on the surface of red blood cells. The most important antigens for blood typing are the A, B, and Rh (or D) antigens.   What are the different possible blood types? There are four main blood types based on t

What is body contouring? Body contouring, also known as body sculpting or body remodelling, includes all techniques, surgical or non-surgical, that aim to improve the skin’s appearance and achieve smoother contours. Body contouring is commonly done following dramatic weight loss, for example, after bariatric surgery to remove excess skin. Why is it done? Body contouring allows t

What is body dysmorphic disorder? Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), also known as body dysmorphia, is a psychological condition where patients fixate on an aspect or aspects of their appearance, seeing flaws or defects that to other people are minor or non-existent. BDD can affect anyone, but is most common in teenagers and young adults. It is important to understand that it is not the same th

Body fluid tests play a pivotal role in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions. Here's an overview: Why undergo the analysis? Analysis of body fluids helps in diagnosing diseases, monitoring treatment effectiveness, and assessing overall health status. When to undergo the analysis? Patients may undergo body fluid analysis based on sympt

What is BMI? BMI, or body mass index, is a value used to determine if a person is a healthy weight in relation to their height. It can be calculated as the body mass divided by the square of the height and is expressed in kg/m2. How is BMI used? Body mass index is used to assess if a person’s weight is appropriate for their height, i.e. if they have a healthy weight or not. There ar

What are bone tumours? Bone tumours are new bone tissue growths that develop due to progressive cell multiplication. There are two types of bone tumour: Bone tumours that start in the bone may be benign or malignant, depending on if they progress or stabilise. Benign tumours are made of normal cell tissue, they grow slowly and don’t invade neighbouring structures. Malignant tumo

What are bone markers?Bone markers are substances present in the blood that reflect the activity of bone cells. Analysing these markers can provide valuable information about bone metabolism and help diagnose and monitor various bone diseases.What is analysed in this test?Bone markers include proteins and enzymes that indicate bone formation or breakdown. Common markers include osteocalcin, alkali

What is bone marrow cancer? Bone marrow cancer is a form of cancer that forms in the marrow, the spongy tissue found inside your bones. Bone marrow cancer can appear anywhere in the body. The most common types of bone marrow cancer are: multiple myeloma leukaemia lymphoma Multiple myeloma and leukaemia are also known as types of blood cancer, because the job of the bone marrow

What is analysed in a bone marrow study? A bone marrow study evaluates the health and function of this tissue. It examines the cells present in the bone marrow, their quantity, characteristics, and proportions. How is the sample obtained for analysis? There are two common procedures: Bone marrow aspiration: A small amount of liquid and cells is extracted from the bone marrow. Bone mar