Medical dictionary

What is analysed in a blood ketones analysis? The blood ketones analysis aims to detect the presence and concentration of ketone bodies, which are byproducts of fat metabolism. These ketone bodies include acetone, acetoacetate, and beta-hydroxybutyrate. What does the result mean? The result of the blood ketones analysis indicates the concentration of ketone bodies present. A normal re

What is a blood pressure test? A blood pressure test is performed to measure your blood pressure over a prolonged period of time, usually 24 hours. The aim is to monitor your blood pressure and to identify at what times, or during which activities, sudden changes in blood pressure occur. What does a blood pressure test involve? A blood pressure monitoring test involves wearing a blood

Why are blood tests performed? Blood tests are extremely common and are performed for a variety of reasons. They can be used for general health assessments, checking for infections, evaluating organ functionality and screening for genetic conditions.  How to prepare for a blood test Before your test, you will be given specific instructions to follow to help you prepare for your

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