Medical dictionary

What is a Doppler Ultrasound? A Doppler ultrasound is a non-invasive test to measure blood flow through blood vessels. The device combines a regular ultrasound, which bounces sound waves off objects, with the Doppler effect to determine the speed at which the objects (in this case red blood cells) are moving.  The test is known as a Doppler ultrasound after Christian Doppler, who descri

What is double balloon enteroscopy? Double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) is an advanced endoscopic procedure which allows doctors to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system, and can be performed from either end of the digestive tract (mouth or rectum). It is notable in that it allows examination of the entire small bowel in real time without invasive surgical intervention. Also known

What is Down's syndrome? Down's syndrome is a condition where a human is born with an extra copy of their twenty first chromosome, and is also known as trisomy 21. It causes physical and developmental delays and disabilities.   However, the learning and developmental disabilities that people with Down's syndrome have can range from needing care on a more regular basi

What is analysed in a drug abuse analysis? A drug abuse analysis aims to detect the presence of psychoactive substances in the body. Compounds such as marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, benzodiazepines, and methamphetamines are evaluated. Drug analyses may also be requested for legal reasons, such as DUI tests or criminal investigations. They are also used in forensic settings to determ

What is drug addiction? Drug addiction is a health problem caused by the frequent consumption of addictive substances. Drug addiction can cause both physical and psychological changes, often leading to a change in lifestyle. This is characterised by compulsive and continuous use. Not all drug users are addicts – many people experiment with drugs, particularly young people, and others m

What is a drug allergy? Drug allergies are the immune system’s response to certain drugs where drugs or medications are mistakenly perceived as harmful invaders. The body responds with certain chemicals and releases large amounts of histamine to destroy the invaders, causing symptoms such as a skin rash or nausea. What are the signs of a drug allergy? Symptoms of drug aller

What is a drug-induced liver injury?   Drug-induced liver injury (or hepatic drug reaction) is an injury to the liver that is caused by prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, vitamins and herbs, recreational drugs, and environmental toxins.      What are the risk factors for drug-induced liver injury?   Risk factors for drug-ind

What is drug monitoring and poisonings analysis? Drug monitoring and poisoning analysis involve the systematic evaluation of drug levels in the body and the detection of toxic substances or their metabolites. This analytical process helps healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of medication therapies, ensure patient safety, and identify and manage cases of poisoning or overdose.  

What is being analysed? Drug overdose and poisoning are analysed to detect, quantify, and occasionally, monitor drugs that cause acute overdose symptoms. The results of emergency and overdose tests are mainly used for therapeutic purposes. In the case that the results are required for legal reasons, other specific legal procedures are performed (forensic), which are usually accompanied by speci