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MRSA Throat Swab PCR

MRSA Throat Swab PCR

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is a crucial biomarker for neurons and peripheral neuroendocrine cells, primarily used in diagnosing and managing neuroendocrine tumors and neurological disorders. As a gamma-homodimer isoenzyme of enolase, NSE plays a significant role in glycolysis, catalyzing the conversion of 2-phosphoglycerate to phosphoenolpyruvate. Clinically, NSE is instrumental in diagnosing neuroendocrine tumors like small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and neuroblastoma, where elevated levels correlate with tumor burden and metastatic spread. It also aids in assessing brain damage and neurological conditions, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, by indicating neuronal destruction. NSE levels are typically measured in serum or cerebrospinal fluid using immunometric assays, with results guiding tumor diagnosis, treatment response, and neurological evaluations. Proper specimen handling and consistent assay methods are essential for accurate interpretation. Overall, NSE's specificity and sensitivity make it an invaluable tool in clinical diagnostics and patient management.

Price of test:£55

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £55

Awaiting result:

One day

Collect material:

Blood

Prepare:

Learn more

Purpose of the test

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) serves as a crucial biomarker for neurons and neuroendocrine cells, aiding in the diagnosis and management of various conditions. Key clinical indications include:

- Neuroendocrine Tumors: Reliable marker for staging and treatment monitoring.
- Small Cell Lung Cancer: Correlates with tumor burden and treatment response.
- Neuroblastoma: Present in all stages, useful for early diagnosis.
- Neurological Disorders: Elevated levels indicate neuronal destruction.

Specimen collection involves serum or CSF, with specific handling requirements. NSE levels are measured using immunometric assays, providing valuable insights into tumor presence and neurological conditions.

Who Should Get Tested

The MRSA throat swab PCR is essential for identifying individuals who may be colonized with MRSA, especially in healthcare settings. Key groups who should be tested include:

- Patients with compromised immune systems
- Individuals undergoing medical procedures
- Healthcare workers in environments where MRSA is prevalent

This test helps prevent the spread of MRSA by identifying asymptomatic carriers. Its rapid turnaround time allows for timely interventions, such as isolation and treatment, thereby reducing the risk of serious infections and improving patient outcomes.

Blood Test Preparation Guidelines

Time of day

It is recommended to schedule your appointment for blood tests in the morning hours between 7:00-10:00.

Fasting

It is recommended to fast for approximately 12 hours before blood sampling. The last meal of the previous day should ideally be consumed around 6:00 p.m. On the day before the test, avoid heavy and fatty meals as well as alcohol.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water prior to testing can help with sample collection.

Other factors

Tests should not be performed after a sleepless night or intense physical activity. It is recommended to avoid exercise and stress immediately before blood collection and to not smoke. A short rest is recommended.

Medications and supplements:

Blood samples should be collected before the morning dose. Some drugs can interfere with test results. Consult with your doctor whether you can delay your dose because of lab tests.

Biotin supplements:

High doses of biotin supplements can affect test results, causing false elevation or reduction. It's recommended to avoid taking biotin for at least 72 hours before blood collection. If you are taking biotin, inform the personnel collecting the blood so that they can provide specific instructions.

Interpreting Test Results

Understanding test results for neuron-specific enolase (NSE) involves interpreting levels in the context of clinical indications and assay methods. Key points include:

- Tumor Diagnosis: Elevated NSE levels suggest NSE-secreting tumors. Successful treatment should reduce levels, with persistent elevations indicating recurrence.

- Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: High NSE levels in patients with lung masses suggest SCLC, but false positives can occur due to other conditions.

- Neurological Conditions: Elevated NSE may indicate neuronal destruction, but tumors can cause false positives.

- Consistency in Testing: Use the same assay for serial follow-ups to ensure accuracy. Changes in assays require reestablishing baseline levels.

Price of test:£55

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £55

AI-Powered Insights and Expert Validation

Advanced AI Interpretation

Diagu's AI system represents a breakthrough in medical test analysis, employing state-of-the-art algorithms meticulously trained on a vast spectrum of authoritative medical literature and data. This system intricately analyses laboratory test results, extracting nuanced insights that might elude conventional methods. Our AI delves into complex interrelations between various health markers, offering a comprehensive understanding that supports accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. The foundation of our AI's analytical prowess lies in its extensive training, encompassing data from globally recognised medical journals, trusted healthcare databases, and breakthrough scientific studies. This ensures that every analysis is grounded in the latest and most comprehensive medical knowledge.

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At the core of Diagu's AI system is an advanced language model, engineered to transform complex medical data into clear, comprehensible, and informative descriptions. This model is adept at articulating detailed test analyses in a way that is accessible to both healthcare professionals and patients. The model's development involved the meticulous processing of high-quality sources, including reputable medical websites, renowned medical textbooks, and peer-reviewed research papers. This ensures that the language used in test descriptions is not only accurate and informative but also up-to-date with the latest medical findings and trends. By leveraging this rich tapestry of trusted sources, our AI system provides a deeper understanding of each test, fostering informed decision-making and enhanced patient care.

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