IGRA (Interferon-Gamma Release Assay) Test-Introduction, Principle, Test Requirement, Procedure, Result-Interpretation, and Keynotes

Introduction An Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) is a modern blood test used to identify if a person is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is primarily used to detect latent TB infection (LTBI) and to aid in the diagnosis of active tuberculosis disease.  Principle The test is based on the fact …

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Line Probe Assay (LPA) for Tuberculosis -Introduction, Principle, Test Requirements, Procedure, Result-Interpretation, and Keynotes

Introduction The Line Probe Assay (LPA) is a rapid molecular diagnostic test used to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and its resistance to anti-tuberculosis drugs. It identifies specific mutations in the genes associated with drug resistance by hybridizing amplified DNA onto membrane strips.  The LPA is a …

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COVID-19 Antigen Test- Introduction, Principle, Test Requirements, Procedure, Result Interpretation, Clinical Significance and Disadvantage

COVID-19 Antigen Test-Positive

Introduction of COVID-19 Antigen Test SARS-CoV-2 antigen test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is used as a screening test on asymptomatic persons to detect or exclude Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) or to determine whether a person who previously was diagnosed with COVID-19 …

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Candida-Antibody Testing-Introduction, Principle, Purpose, Types of antibody tests, Limitation, and More

Candida albicans growth on Biphasic medium (BHI agar and broth)-right (turbid)- No growth on left (clear)

Introduction Candida antibody testing measures immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM) antibodies in the blood to help detect current or past Candida infections. These antibodies are produced in response to the presence of Candida in the body, assisting the immune system in fighting off the fungus. Principle Purpose …

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Direct Microscopy Examination of Clinical Samples- Introduction, Purpose and Benefits, Methods, Applications, and Limitation

Direct Microscopy Examination of Clinical Samples- Introduction, Purpose and Benefits, Methods, Applications, and Limitation

Introduction of Direct Microscopy Examination of Clinical Samples Direct microscopy examination of clinical samples, or wet mount examination, involves examining clinical specimens under a microscope without prior staining or culturing. This technique provides a rapid assessment of the presence and morphology of microbes, facilitating preliminary diagnosis and …

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Cryptococcal Antigen (CrAg) Testing-Introduction, Principle, Sample used, Detection Methods, Clinical Significance, Limitations, and Keynotes

Cryptococcal Antigen (CrAg) Testing-Introduction, Principle, Sample used, Detection Methods, Clinical Significance, Limitations, and Keynotes

Introduction of Cryptococcal Antigen (CrAg) Testing  Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) testing detects the presence of antigens produced by the Cryptococcus fungus in body fluids, aiding in the diagnosis of cryptococcosis, particularly meningitis. This test helps identify infection early, even before visible symptoms appear, and is crucial for timely …

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Candida albicans-Introduction, Morphology, Pathogenicity, Lab Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, and Keynotes

Yeast cells, budding yeasts, and pseudohyphae in KOH mount of sputum microscopic examination

Introduction Candida albicans is a common fungal pathogen in humans. It inhabits mucosal surfaces naturally and colonizes the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system frequently. The organism causes infections in both healthy and immunocompromised individuals and adapts quickly to environmental changes within the host. Clinicians report …

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Coccidioides-Antibody Testing: Introduction, Clinical Significance, Test methods, Result-Interpretation, and Additional Information

Coccidioides-Antibody Testing: Introduction, Clinical Significance, Test methods, Result-Interpretation, and Additional Information

Introduction For diagnosing coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever), AI-assisted Coccidioides antibody testing uses enzyme immunoassays (EIA) and immunodiffusion (ID) or complement fixation (CF) tests to detect antibodies against the fungus Coccidioides immitis.  Clinical Significance Types of Tests Used:  How the Tests Work:  Result-Interpretation AI in Coccidioides Antibody Testing …

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