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How to prevent tick bites

What to do if you find a tick on you, how to recognize a tick bite and more.

As we enjoy the outdoors this summer, we should remember that we are not the only ones taking advantage of the warm weather. Warmer and longer summers mean a longer tick season. Health officials are warning of a particularly bad year for ticks, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported earlier this year that cases of tick-borne diseases are on the rise.

The best way to avoid a tick-borne disease is to avoid being bitten by a tick.

Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from ticks and what to do if you’re bitten.

How to protect yourself from ticks?

A key factor is to wear the right clothes.

For example, if you are walking through tall grass, in parks or forested areas, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and tuck your pants into your socks so that ticks cannot touch your skin, then check your clothes and skin for ticks when you come back. When checking yourself, be sure to pay attention around your ankles or feet. If you’ve been out for a few hours or are getting checked after a few days, they could migrate anywhere, so have a friend or family member help you check your back and hairline.

What to do if you find a tick on yourself?
The tick should be removed immediately! But the entire organism must be removed. Your doctor or urgent care team can help you get this bug off your skin safely!

Avoid removing it yourself!

Never let the tick break (leave any part of its body in your skin), grab the tick by the middle, or push its contents back into your body, doctors recommend. Also, never use petroleum jelly or matches or any item mentioned in old myths to remove a tick.

How do you know you’ve been bitten by a tick?
Unfortunately, there is no way to easily distinguish a tick bite from another animal bite, such as a spider or mosquito bite. The only way you really know if you’ve been bitten by a tick is if you find the tick embedded in you while it’s biting you.

They settle down to feed on blood, and the adults stay for a day or two before fully molting, so many people find the tick before it falls off.

A tick bite is usually a red raised bump like the nasty sting of a mosquito bite. If there is a rash, you have developed an infection and go to the nearest medical facility immediately for care.

What should you do if you are bitten by a tick or suspect a tick-borne disease?
Symptoms of the tick-borne disease include fever, headaches, joint pain and rashes.

If you develop a fever, malaise or rash after being in an area where ticks are active, it is recommended that you be seen by your doctor immediately.

You can be tested for tick-borne diseases, tests detect antibodies, or the presence of tick-borne bacteria. If you find a piled up tick on your body that has obviously been there for a while, you are at greater risk for disease. You must see a doctor right away who can help prevent Lyme disease from developing.

What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease is a multisystem disease that has a subacute and chronic course, and is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted by the tick to the host through its bite. This disease primarily affects the skin, followed by the heart, joints and central nervous system. Lyme disease is manifested by the appearance of local swelling and redness at the site of the sting and in the surrounding area, 3-32 days after the incident.

Local redness is warm and usually not painful. In 50% of patients, identical changes may occur in other parts of the body, and in 15% of patients, skin changes may not occur. In addition to skin changes, elevated temperature, fever, malaise, headache and enlargement of regional lymph nodes may also occur.

If the disease is not recognized and treated, after 6-8 weeks the second stage of the disease develops, which is characterized by neurological symptoms, joint pain and cardiac symptoms.

The third stage occurs in untreated persons who develop permanent damage to the affected organs after ten months or more.

In the microbiology laboratory at Avicenna Laboratory, its portfolio of tests includes a highly specific, indirect immunofluorescence test for the detection of IgG and IgM antibodies to Borrelia Burgdorferi sensu lato from serum (blood).
Sample required: blood
The examination should be done 1-8 weeks after a tick bite.
Price: 1500 denars

From now on, a test for molecular detection of Borrelia Burgdorferi sensu lato complex with real-time PCR through blood, which can directly prove the presence of the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The results are issued in 1 day.
Sample: blood
Price: 1950 MKD

HPV (Human papillomavirus)

What is HPV?

HPV is the name of a group of viruses. There are about 40 types of HPV (Human papillomavirus) that are sexually transmitted, affecting the genitals of men and women. Some types of HPV (for example type 6, type 11, cause changes called genital warts, while other types, which are called high risk for example type 16, type 18 and others, can cause CIN changes (abnormal cell growth) which lead to the development of cervical cancer.

HOW CAN I GET INFECTED WITH HPV?

HPV is transmitted by genital contact, most often through vaginal or anal sex. Most people do not know that they have the virus or that they are transmitting it to their partner. Therefore, it is often not possible to know who transmitted the virus and when the infection occurred.

IS THERE ANY OTHER WAYS OF INFECTION WITH HPV?

There are many misconceptions about how you can get HPV. However, it is important to know that condoms do not provide 100% protection against HPV. Since the virus is also found in the skin around the genitals, the virus can very easily pass from the genital region of a man to the vagina, vulva or anus of a woman.

How does HPV cause cervical cancer?

The HPV virus causes abnormal growth of cervical cells. In most cases, HPV goes away on its own. However, when the HPV infection lasts for some time, the abnormal cells can develop into cancer (cancer of the cervix or other parts of the body).

Can I prevent cervix cancer?

Yes. There are tests that can find early signs, even before symptoms develop. In this way, the problem will be found and solved before it turns into cancer. SUCH TESTS ARE PAP TEST AND HPV TEST.

What is the difference between PAP and HPV test?

Both tests allow screening for cervical cancer. The PAP test looks for cell changes that may lead to cancer. The HPV test looks for and detects the HPV virus that causes these changes.

Can I have civics cancer if I have HPV?

Those women who have HPV are advised to follow the advice and instructions of their gynecologists for appropriate testing and treatment.

If you have HPV, your gynecologist will recommend more frequent controls and tests, all in order to find possible changes early and treat them accordingly. Therefore, follow the advice of your gynecologist.

If I have HPV can I get pregnant and have healthy child?

Having HPV does not reduce the chance of pregnancy. The type of HPV you have should not affect the health of the fetus. However, if you need treatment for abnormal cervical cells (caused by HPV), the treatment itself may affect your chances of getting pregnant. Always consult your gynecologist.

TETS FOR DETECTION OF HPV IN AVICENA LABORATORY

The correct diagnosis of HPV is of great importance and is crucial for the further treatment of the patient. At Avicenna Laboratory, state-of-the-art tests are performed with Multiplex real-time PCR technology for highly sensitive and specific molecular detection and genotyping of the HPV virus (Human papillomavirus). This test is the only qualitative and semi-quantitative clinically proven test recommended by the WHO for the detection and individual genotyping of the largest number of HPV types:

19 HIGH RISK TYPES (16, 18, 26, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 69, 73, 82)

9 LOW RISK TYPES (6,11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 70)

These HPV genotypes are responsible for over 97% of cases of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer.

The tests have an internal control based on the detection of the human β-globin gene, which completely eliminates the possibility of false negative results. The tests are validated and CE certified, run with fully automated Real Time PCR instruments and are approved for diagnostic use.

Sample: Cervical and urethral swab.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE TEST, CONSULT YOUR GYNECOLOGIST.

Urinary infections

The urinary tract represents the body’s filter for disposal of excess fluids. Due to the anatomy of the urinary tract, women are particularly susceptible to bacteria that can settle in the urinary tract and multiply – resulting in an infection of the urinary tract. Urinary infections are usually bacterial infections of the kidneys, urethra, and bladder. The most common way of spreading the infection (90%) is by penetration of bacteria through the skin around the genitals and rectum toward the bladder, which is a fertile environment for bacteria growth due to the presence of proteins, sugars and favorable temperature.

Causes:

Many different microorganisms can cause kidney and urinary tract infections, but most infections are caused by Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Proteus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas). The bacteria Escherichia coli is detected in 80% of patients with acute infection of the urinary tract.

The other Gram-negative bacteria may cause acute urinary tract infections in patients with urinary catheters, after urological interventions, in the presence of kidney stones (calculi) and urine flow obstruction through the urinary tract.

Bacteria can reach the urinary tract from an infection elsewhere in the body through the bloodstream (hematogenous dissemination of bacteria). High-risk groups of more frequent urinary infections are patients with diabetes, pregnant women, and women in menopause due to estrogen deficiency, etc.

Symptoms:

Usually symptoms manifest in the form of frequent and painful urination, burning sensation when urinating, often followed by nighttime urination, and pain in the pelvis and back. The urine may be cloudy or with traces of blood.

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of urinary tract infections is made by using:

– Laboratory analysis of blood and urine

– Microbiological urinalysis-urine culture with antibiogram

– Ultrasound of the urinary tract

Correct sampling of the material for microbiological analysis of urine it is of outmost importance. After proper washing of the external parts of the genital tract, a small amount of midstream (not first) urine is collected. The container in which urine is collected must be sterile. The sample (urine) must reach the laboratory for analysis in no later than two hours.

Accurate diagnosis is essential because similar symptoms may be a result of an infection of the genitals. Only your physician can make this distinction and make an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment

If a bacterial infection is confirmed, the treatment is antibiotic therapy in a way and duration as prescribed by a doctor. After completion of the prescribed therapy, a urine culture checkup should be conducted (at least one week after completion of the therapy). If it is not sterile, you should continue the antibiotic therapy, and if sterile, treatment ends. It is recommended to consume more fluids (water) and herbal teas, reduce intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates, and maintaining good personal hygiene.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a special type of diabetes that manifests itself with elevated glucose levels in the blood and occurs for the first time during pregnancy. It usually occurs in the later stages of pregnancy, often in women who have not had a history of diabetes.

Gestational diabetes most often occurs as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy (more precisely because of hormones secreted by the placenta), which can create a predisposition for the development of insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone of specific cells in the pancreas and enables the efficient use of glucose as fuel (energy). When the level of insulin is low, or the body can not use it effectively – due to the developed insulin resistance, the level of glucose in the blood increases.

Unlike other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes is not persistent. In most cases, gestational diabetes disappears after childbirth, but women who have gestational diabetes are at increased risk of developing it again with subsequent pregnancies and developing another type of diabetes in the future.

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?

Most pregnant women have no obvious or noticeable symptoms. The problem with this type of diabetes is that the pregnant woman does not notice these symptoms or associates them with another condition, so many gestational diabetics remain undiagnosed.

The most common symptoms of gestational diabetes are:

► Unusual thirst

► Frequent and excessive urination (unlike early pregnancy when urination is frequent but scarce)

► Unusual fatigue (which is sometimes difficult to distinguish from normal pregnancy fatigue)

► Elevated glucose levels in the urine detected during a routine urine test

Which women are at increased risk for developing gestational diabetes?

Тhese women are at increased risk:

– Women over 40 years;

– Have become pregnant with overweight or who have gained significant weight (more than recommended) during pregnancy;

– Suffer from high blood pressure;

– Тhey have previously given birth to a child over 4 kg;

– Manifested gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy;

– Have diabetics in the immediate family;

– Have had multiple abortions, premature births;

 Why is it important to do an oGTT test?

oGTT (Оral Glucose Tolerance Test) helps diagnose gestational diabetes – an elevated glucose levels in the blood that develops during pregnancy.

It is recommended to be done in the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy. The test can be done earlier, if there are signs and symptoms of diabetes or there is a history of gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy.

How is the test performed and how should you prepare for the oGTT?

Before visiting the laboratory

The patient should be on a balanced diet (moderate carbohydrate intake) for a few days before the test and should not be exposed to more physical exertion. Some medications that affect glucose metabolism (eg corticosteroids, diuretics) should be discontinued, but only in consultation with the doctor. The test is performed with pre-preparation which involves fasting for 12-14 hours, before taking the sample for testing.

In the laboratory

The oGTT test is performed in a laboratory, lasting 120-180 minutes. During the test, the patient should rest, can not eat, drink or smoke.

A venous blood sample is first taken to determine the levels of glucose in the serum after fasting. After that, the patient is given to drink a pre-prepared glucose solution of known concentration, then the glucose level is measured at certain intervals (after 1 hour and after 2 hours). For all this time of the test, the patient needs to rest and sit.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

For patients who perform oGTT test in Avicena Laboratory at the expense of the Health Insurance Fund, with a referral from a doctor, it is necessary to make an appointment in advance at ?02 3179 001 or at a reception desk in the laboratory.

The test is available from Monday to Friday in our laboratory in Skopje, Taftalidze.

#WorldCancerDay

🌏Every February 4th is marked as World Cancer Day, to encourage greater awareness of early prevention, diagnosis and treatment, in order to reduce the global impact of the disease.

🔬As a leader in laboratory diagnostics, the past year we have been dedicated to find the latest generation of genetic tests that will help patients to predict the risk of the disease as well as to help those patients who have already been diagnosed with cancer, to find out the reason for the occurrence of this condition.

🧬 For this purpose, we have introduced the new portfolio of tests for hereditary cancers, which have been developed in our laboratories for the past 6 months. The so-called “Presentia” genetic panels can help patients get the best possible diagnostic service, which does not require visiting laboratories abroad, but from now on world-scale tests applied in the most modern medical centers in the world are available. and in our laboratory.

Know your genes, know your choice!

WorldCancerDay2023 #Avicenalab

Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, hereditary and often life-threatening disease that causes serious damage to the organs of the respiratory and digestive systems. It is estimated that more than 70,000 people worldwide have cystic fibrosis, and the figure varies on different continents.
Cystic fibrosis is caused by mutations in a special gene called the CFTR gene. Although more than 1700 different mutations can cause cystic fibrosis, approximately 120 are responsible for most cases of cystic fibrosis. These mutations affect the movement of salt and water in and out of cells that are responsible for the production of sweat, mucus and digestive fluids. In people with cystic fibrosis, these fluids become thick and sticky and thus clog the channels, tubes and other places in the body where they are excreted and thus affect the function of the white intestines, the pancreas, the black intestine, the intestine and the digestive system.

A person with cystic fibrosis may have more symptoms that vary depending on the severity of the disease. Some people experience mild to no symptoms until adolescence or adulthood. Symptoms can include salty sweat, frequent respiratory infections, cough, difficulty breathing, malnutrition and intolerance to physical activity, among others. Cystic fibrosis can cause continuous pulmonary respiratory infections that can lead to respiratory insufficiency.

Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessive disease, so two copies of the genetic mutation – one from each parent – are needed to inherit the disease. Even if your parents do not have cystic fibrosis, they could be carriers of the disease. Being a carrier means that someone has one copy of the genetic mutation. Even if twins are born as carriers, there is a 25% chance that the child will be born with cystic fibrosis, a 25% chance that the child will not be affected, and a 50% chance that the child will only be a carrier.

Most countries with a high prevalence of cystic fibrosis use a screening test for newborns that includes the most common mutations of the CFTR gene. Neonatal screening is part of the public health program in every country, the purpose of which is to check newborns for genetic conditions, shortly after birth. In addition, cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed at any age with a sweat chloride test or a genetic test.

There are several treatment options that can relieve symptoms and limit complications in patients with cystic fibrosis. Different types of drugs are used, and among the most used treatments are antibiotics to prevent infection, anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling of the respiratory tract, drugs to thin mucus, drugs to reduce mucus in the body, taking pancreatic enzymes. People with cystic fibrosis can use techniques for assisted reproduction, such as in vitro fertilization, to overcome the problem of infertility. Also, there are techniques that help in keeping the airways and white intestines clean, such as deep breathing exercises or drainage through devices for cleaning the airways. People with cystic fibrosis must also seek advice on nutrition, since they have problems with digesting food and absorbing the necessary nutrients. For people who have more intense symptoms, treatment options usually include surgical interventions on the affected organs.

Modular therapy will reveal what is intended to repair or correct the defective protein that is made from the CFTR gene. Since different mutations cause different defects in the protein, the drugs that are developed are effective only in people with specific mutations. The earlier cystic fibrosis is diagnosed and this therapy is implemented, the better the prognosis will be for the affected individual.

Advances in medicine have made it possible for people with cystic fibrosis to live much longer than they did in the past. Many institutions and research centers around the world are working hard for new achievements in the study of this disease and finding cures.
Oreana neonatal screening, which is available in the Avicena Laboratory, can detect mutations that cause the classic phenotype of cystic fibrosis, along with many other conditions.
This content is informative and should not be construed as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about your condition.

Read more about Oreana

RESPIRATORY INFECTION SEASON – WHAT SHOULD WE KNOW?

Respiratory infections are the most common reason for patients to see their doctor. Although these infections occur throughout the year, the autumn-winter period is the season when colds and more serious respiratory diseases are most common.


We live in a COVID-19 pandemic, but many other pathogens are all around us and can cause respiratory infections in both adults and children.


For proper treatment of the disease, it is always very important to know the true cause of the disease, in order to act in a timely and targeted manner with appropriate therapy. Particular attention should be paid to atypical triggers of respiratory infections, which cannot be demonstrated by classical microbiological methods but by immunofluorescence techniques and / or molecular methods.


Avicena Laboratory has a wide range of tests for detection and identification of different types of bacteria and viruses by various methods. But first let’s see what are the first signs of respiratory infections?

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS?

Depending on which part of the respiratory tract they occupy, respiratory infections can be upper respiratory or lower respiratory infections. Common symptoms include:

  • nasal secretions
  • stuffy nose
  • sneezing
  • coughing
  • scratching, burning or sore throat
  • pain when swallowing
  • general weakness
  • headache
  • difficulty breathing

In addition, there may be muscle pain, mild fever or chills, nausea and loss of appetite. These symptoms last for several days, and if complications occur, even longer.
Respiratory infections are transmitted through close contact with an infected person, through the secretions from sneezing, coughing or objects in the immediate vicinity of the patient. This is especially evident in the winter, when most of the day is spent indoors.


In many cases it is difficult to identify the exact cause of a respiratory infection, especially when it comes to mixed infections. In addition, the symptoms of respiratory infections, whether it be the flu virus, SARS-CoV-2 or another cause, are very similar.

WHICH LABORATORY ANALYSIS DETECT DISEASES OF CAUSES OF RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS?

Causes of respiratory infections are many microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi. The diagnosis should always be based on a detailed examination by a doctor and of course, an accurate laboratory result.
A number of highly sensitive and specific tests are available at Avicenna Laboratory, designed to detect a number of causes of respiratory infections.

  • PNEUMOSLIDE – test for simultaneous detection of antibodies to 9 bacteria and viruses, causes of respiratory infections, which are not detected by conventional microbiological swabs. The test is done through blood, and the results are obtained the same day.

With the right choice of appropriate test and consultation with a doctor, it is found out exactly and in time what caused the respiratory infection and appropriate therapy is given. In doing so, the possible development of complications is prevented and valuable time and resources are not lost.

HOW ARE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS TREATED?

If it is a viral infection, antibiotics are not needed! Medications are taken to help reduce fever, muscle pain, nasal congestion drops, etc., accompanied by rest and proper nutrition.
If it is a bacterial infection, take medication on the recommendation of a doctor, aimed at the appropriate cause.

Know your genes, know your choices!
Avicena Laboratory expands its portfolio and begins the production of genetic panels for hereditary cancers.

The new portfolio of genetic tests, which will help patients get the best possible diagnostic service, which does not require them to visit laboratories abroad, but from now on world-scale tests applied in the most modern medical centers in the world are also available in our country.

“Presentia” – Genetic panels for the detection of mutations that cause hereditary types of breast, ovarian and uterine cancer. The tests represent a revolutionary solution for predicting the risk of cancer as well as helping those patients who have already been diagnosed with the disease to find out the cause of the occurrence of this condition.

PreSENTIA presents a portfolio of hereditary cancer testing panels. Each panel focuses on a particular group of genes that determine your chances of developing cancer in the future. Genetic changes (mutations) in genes that cause cancer can be passed on to children from their parents.

Why PreSENTIA?

  • Clinically important genetic mutations are evaluated
  • Short processing time of the biological material
  • Safe and easy test
  • By focusing only on the genetic changes tested, PreSENTIA is accurate and precise.

PreSENTIA panels are used to test for many genetic changes that are responsible for causing hereditary cancers. If patients want to know more about their risk of developing cancer, or if a patient has already been diagnosed with cancer and wants to know if the cancer is inherited, PreSENTIA can help.

PreSENTIA can potentially identify genetic changes that would cause cancer. It has a number of benefits in terms of planning, prognosis and making better decisions about the treatment of the disease:

  • Targeted cancer monitoring – recommended screening tests at key time intervals in order to detect cancer early, when treatment is far more effective
  • Preventing cancer by taking prophylactic measures
  • Obtaining useful information about family members who might carry the same genetic mutation
  • Improved disease classification for better clinical disease management
  • Drug therapy (chemoprevention), where possible

PreSENTIA Panel 1: BREAST, UTERUS AND OVARIAN CANCER
The PreSENTIA Breast/Gynecologic Cancer Panel tests for multiple gene mutations that could cause breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer in the future. By early detection of these mutations, PreSENTIA helps patients make better and more informed decisions about their health.

Who is this test for?

  • Patients who have several family members with cancer
  • Family members with early onset cancer
  • Family members with rare cancers
  • A family member with multiple types of cancer
  • A family member diagnosed with a mutation associated with ovarian, uterine, or breast cancer
  • Personal history of previous malignant diseases
    Price: 29,500 denars.
    Issuance of results: 2 – 4 WEEKS
    SPECIMEN REQUIRED: BUCCAL SWIPE (mouth swab).

PreSENTIA Panel 2: BREAST CANCER (BRKA1 & BRCA2 MUTATIONS)
An inherited genetic panel that detects BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations that can cause breast and ovarian cancer. By early detection of these mutations, PreSENTIA helps patients make better and more informed decisions about their health.

Who is this test for?

  • Several family members with cancer on the same side of the family
  • Multiple cancers in the same family member
  • Family members with early onset cancer
  • Family members with rare cancers
  • A family member diagnosed with a germline mutation associated with cancer susceptibility
  • History of previous malignant tumors
    Price: 24,900 denars.
    Issuance of results: 2 – 4 WEEKS
    SPECIMEN REQUIRED: BUCCAL SWIPE (mouth swab).

Oreana – neonatal screening

A detailed genetic picture of your little one’s health!

“Oreana” – A test that provides a detailed genetic picture of the health of newborns, infants and small children. The test was developed with the help of the latest generation of bioinformatics analysis and helps to detect 106 disorders that can cause developmental obstacles in children.

Oreana Neonatal Screening can detect treatable or controllable conditions before the first symptoms appear. With early treatment and a disease prevention plan, symptoms can be avoided and health problems can be minimized or prevented altogether.

Oreana can also be used in newborns, infants and children showing symptoms of a genetic disease that is difficult to identify. In such cases, Oreana can help choose the appropriate therapy that will help the child.

The Oreana neonatal screening test is intended for 106 genetic disorders that are treatable or whose condition can be improved thanks to early detection. Among others, Oreana is used to test:

With Oreana, early detection of conditions that can change a child’s life is carried out, and can have a great contribution to health and quality of life. Initial symptoms of many of these conditions include lack of energy, breathing problems, vomiting, feeding difficulties, and episodes of metabolic crisis that warrant emergency care. Although treatment can begin after the child begins to show the first symptoms, which can happen weeks or months after birth, the child’s growth and development are already affected by the condition. Early detection and starting treatment as early as possible is the most appropriate way to prevent the onset of symptoms or to minimize the impact of the condition.

142 genes and 106 autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant and X-linked chromosomal disorders can be tested using Oreana. Disorders tested for with Oreana are included in the Panel of Recommended Uniform Screenings, which is a list of disorders selected based on the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) recommendations for newborn screening, whose early detection can prevent or to reduce the serious consequences of certain conditions, such as developmental delay, cognitive disorders, neurological and physical difficulties.

The Oreana test is useful for:
• Asymptomatic infants
for early identification of conditions that initially cause no symptoms, with babies showing no signs of illness. However, once symptoms appear, the damage they can cause can be irreversible and lead to a rapid deterioration in a child’s health, which is why early detection is so helpful.

• Symptomatic infants
showing signs and symptoms of a disease that is difficult to clearly identify precisely because of the complexity or variability of symptoms. In such cases, the Oreana test can accurately identify the genetic mutation (change in DNA) that is responsible for the disease and can help the child receive the optimal health treatment.

A SIMPLE SAMPLE

Testing is quick and safe for children. For the production of Oreana, specialized soft sticks are used in Avicenna Laboratory, with which biological material is taken from the inside of the child’s cheek, with circular movements. The procedure is painless and takes only a few seconds.

FAST RESULTS

The results are obtained quickly, so if necessary, your baby can start the appropriate treatment in the shortest possible time.

SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGY

Superior technology developed by top experts that delivers accurate results.

PRECISE DETECTION

It tests for genetic mutations that cause diseases accompanied by serious health problems.

DETECTED 106 disorders

It complements routine newborn screening programs that test for fewer disorders.

WHEN IS THE IDEAL TIME TO TAKE THE TEST?

Your child can be tested after birth, right through to early childhood. Ideally, the earlier testing is done, the sooner it will be known if the child is affected by a given condition and treatment can be started, thereby preventing symptoms or minimizing the impact of the disease.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BE TESTED WITH Oreana?

With the help of Oreana, 106 genetic conditions can be tested, with the early detection of which can prevent or reduce the serious consequences of certain conditions, such as developmental delay, cognitive disorders, neurological and physical difficulties. Tested conditions may occur as a result of an inherited condition from parents unaware of their carrier status, with or without a prior family history of such a disorder.

HOW MUCH DOES THE Oreana TEST COST?

Price: 27,900 denars.

What is the release time for Oreana results?

Issuance of results: 2-3 WEEKS

IS AN APPOINTMENT NECESSARY?

An appointment is not required to take the test. You can visit us during the working hours of our laboratories.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

If you have additional questions regarding the test, contact your doctor or contact us at lab@avicenalab.com.mk or through our contact center: 02 3179 001.

Rodinia – Male and Female Infertility Panels

Avicena Laboratory expands its portfolio and begins the development of genetic tests for male and female infertility.

The new portfolio of genetic tests, which will help patients get the best possible diagnostic service, which does not require them to visit laboratories abroad, but from now on world-scale tests applied in the most modern medical centers in the world are also available in our country.

“Rodinia” – Genetic panels to discover the cause of infertility in men and women. These two panels, panel for “female” and panel for “male” infertility can help couples and young people to successfully detect the genetic cause of infertility, prevent this condition and start timely treatment.

Rodinia is a screening test for genetic changes (mutations) associated with infertility. By identifying the genetic cause of infertility, you can make informed and accurate decisions that will result in the best clinical treatment plan for the patient, which will help increase the chances of conception.

The Rodinia test is suitable for couples or individuals who cannot achieve pregnancy, young people with a suspected disorder of sexual development and people with a family history of infertility.

Who is Rodinia for?
Couples or individuals who cannot achieve pregnancy.
Women with irregular periods or women who have no periods at all.
Men with a low number of sperm in the semen, irregular shape or movement of the sperm.
Individuals with external characteristics suggestive of a syndrome related to sexual development.
Couples or individuals intending to undergo assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment.
Candidates for sperm or oocyte donation, as well as individuals with a family history of infertility.

Rodinia FEMALE INFERTILITY PANEL:
It includes X-chromosome testing and disorders such as primary ovarian failure, polycystic ovary syndrome, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
Price: 30,500 denars
Issuance of results: 2 – 4 WEEKS
SPECIMEN REQUIRED: BUCCAL SWIPE (mouth swab).

Rodinia MALE INFERTILITY PANEL
It includes X and Y chromosome testing, including Y chromosome microdeletions and disorders such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, such as Kallmann syndrome.
Price: 30,500 denars
Issuance of results: 2 – 4 WEEKS
SPECIMEN REQUIRED: BUCCAL SWIPE (mouth swab).
Price with discount (if both partners are tested together): MKD 58,500