Medical dictionary

What is being analysed? A glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test is a crucial blood test used to measure the average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. Specifically, it determines the percentage of haemoglobin coated with sugar (glucose). Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.   What does the result mean? The result o

What is gonorrhoea? Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacterium. It primarily affects the mucous membranes of the reproductive and urinary tract, as well as other areas like the throat, eyes, mouth, and rectum. Often referred to as "the clap" or "the drip," gonorrhoea is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseas

Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Below is a structured guide to understanding gonorrhoea: What is being analysed? The analysis for gonorrhoea involves testing for the presence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae bacteria in samples taken from the affected area, such as genital, rectal, or throat swabs. What does the result mea

What is gout? Gout is a type of arthritis that appears when there is a build-up of uric acid in the blood which causes joint swelling. If urate serum levels exceed the physiological zone of saturation (around 7.6 mg/dl), monosodium urate crystals form and are stored in the cartilage and periarticular tissues of the peripheral joints. From a clinical perspective, the continued deposit is

What is analysed? A Gram stain is a laboratory technique used to identify the presence of bacteria within areas of the body typically considered sterile. What does the result mean? The result of a Gram stain indicates the type of bacteria causing an infection, providing information about the bacterial morphology (shape). Bacteria are classified as either Gram-positive or Gram-negative

What is Graves’ disease? Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease which causes the thyroid gland to become overactive. Graves’ disease is the leading cause of an overactive thyroid, which affects 2% of women and 0.2% of men in the UK .     What are the symptoms of Graves’ disease? The most common symptoms of Graves’ disease include:

What is GreenLight Laser Therapy?   GreenLight Laser Therapy™ is a technique that can treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition affects roughly forty per cent of men over the age of fifty in the UK, and involves an enlargement of the prostate gland.   This leads to blocking the urethra and to a thickening of the bladder tissue. Y

What is grief? Grief is the emotional suffering people experience after losing something or someone that they love. Grief can be described as a variety of emotions, such as depression, anxiety, sadness and loneliness. How someone reacts to a traumatic or emotionally-difficult situation in losing someone is a highly individual experience but overall, they will go through ‘the grieving proc

What is group therapy?Group psychological therapy is a type of treatment in which a psychotherapist leads a session with a small group of people, with participants who typically share similar emotional problems or life contexts. The aim of group therapy is to share emotions and thoughts and hear other perspectives under the professional direction of a therapist.