Knowledge Hub
What happens @ PathCare?
Have a look behind the scenes to see how patient specimen
flow is regulated in our laboratory system.
Categories:
- Allergy [1]
- Antimicrobials & infection [2]
- Autoimmune [1]
- Chemical Pathology [10]
- Endocrinology [1]
- Epidemiology [3]
- Gastrointestinal [2]
- Genetic Analysis [6]
- Genitourinary [2]
- Haematology [8]
- HIV/TB [3]
- Infectious Diseases [9]
- Neurology [4]
- Obstetric and Neonatal care [5]
- Oncology [4]
- Ophthalmology [1]
- Respiratory [3]
- Serology [2]
- Virology [12]
D-Dimer (UG/ML) Change of Method and specimen requirement
The D-Dimer test will be offered on the MINI VIDAS ®.
The report will state on which instrument the D-Dimer test result was obtained.
D-Dimer (NG/ML) Change of Method and specimen requirement
The D-Dimer test will be offered on the MINI VIDAS ®.
The report will state on which instrument the D-Dimer test result was obtained.
Flow cytometry for accurate detection and quantitation of fetal maternal haemorrhage
Transplacental or fetomaternal haemorrhage (FMH) may occur during pregnancy or at delivery and lead to immunisation to the D antigen if the mother is D negative and the baby D positive. This can result in haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDN) in subsequent pregnancies. It is important to assess the volume of FMH to determine the dose of anti-D immunoglobulin (anti-D Ig) required by a D negative woman to prevent sensitisation.
Diagnostic Testing for Autoimmune Liver Diseases
The autoimmune liver diseases include the triad of Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH), Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). These conditions represent perhaps only 5% of all liver diseases, although the true prevalence in South-Africa is uncertain. Autoimmune liver conditions should be considered as a diagnosis after viral, metabolic and drug induced liver injuries have been excluded.
Genetic Counselling: Understanding Genetics Together
Genetic counselling provides people with information about genetics and risks, the benefits, possibilities and limitations of genetic testing, potential outcomes of testing and management options.
Genetics International Referral Service
Your doctor/genetic counsellor has ordered an Invitae genetic test for you or your child through PathCare. invitae Laboratory, based in the USA, will be performing your testing and PathCare is here to coordinate the process. The attached information will guide you through the process.
Porphyria Testing Update
The porphyrias arise from enzyme defects in the haem biosynthetic pathway. Accumulation of the precursors (ALA and PBG) lead to acute neurovisceral attacks, marked by severe abdominal pain and autonomic neuropathy, which may progress to a potentially fatal motor neuropathy. Accumulation of the porphyrins lead to photocutaneous sensitivity, which presents with skin fragility, blistering and erosions in sun-exposed areas.
Sweat Test for CF
A sweat test measures the amount of salt in the sweat of the patient. It is used to diagnose cystic fibrosis (CF). Patients with CF have high levels of salt in their sweat. CF is a disease that causes mucus build-up in the lungs and other organs. It damages the lungs and makes it
difficult to breathe.
Update on Laboratory testing of Ophthalmology Samples
Key considerations:A key issue is the small volume of sample that is available. It is not feasible to perform all tests on all samples whilst maintaining optimum sensitivity.Therefore, it is the clinician's responsibility to prioritise testing for each...