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CommonPass enables you to document your COVID-19 status to satisfy country entry requirements while protecting your health privacy. With CommonPass, it’s easy to access your lab results and vaccination records and show your COVID-19 health status when you need it. Plus, CommonPass never reveals any other underlying personal health information in your credential.

The CommonPass Certificate is digital proof that a person:

• is vaccinated against COVID-19, or
• has a negative test result

CommonPass confirmation is:

• in digital and / or printed form
• with QR code
• free
• in English
• safe and secure

CommonPass is designed to protect data privacy and satisfy data privacy regulations, validating your COVID-19 status without revealing any other underlying personal health information. We adhere to the following privacy principles:

– Data is stored or shared only with your explicit, informed consent.

– Only the minimum amount of personal data is used for any transaction. 

– Personally identifiable health information is stored only at the source or on the user’s device.

– Data is only stored to the extent necessary and never used for any other purpose.

The CommonTrust Network was built by The Commons Project Foundation and The World Economic Forum. The global network of testing providers, vaccination providers, and public health registries was created as part of a larger effort to safely reconnect the world, establishing standard formats and certification systems so that governments and destinations can trust the data from health pass apps or QR codes while protecting data privacy. 

Тhis content is taken from https://commonpass.mk/mk

Get tested for COVID-19 at Avicena Laboratory

2. Download the CommonPass app

3. Import your test results

In the CommonPass app, indicate whether you need your pass for travel or general use. If you’re using CommonPass for travel, your destination may require a specific invitation code. Anyone can use CommonPass to store their test results. Then, retrieve your health status using one of two methods:

4. Your CommonPass is ready to use!

Chlamydia infection is caused by the pathogenic bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, that causes infections of the urogenital tract, eyes and joints in adults, as well as infections in newborns.

Chlamydiae are gram-negative, immobile bacteria that are unable to synthesize ATP and, thus, exist as obligate intracellular parasites in eukaryotic cells. There are four known species of Chlamydia: C. trachomatis, C. psittaci, C. pecorum and C. pneumoniae (TWAR). C. psittaci and C. pecorum are primarily animal pathogens .

Today, C. trachomatis is regarded as the second most common causative agent of sexually transmitted diseases with about 89.1 million infections worldwide each year. About 3 million cases are registered each year in the United States. It is known that C. trachomatis can cause cervicitis, adnexitis, neonatal conjunctivitis, neonatal pneumonia, urethritis, epididymitis and proctitis. Moreover, C. trachomatis is the most frequent cause of nongonorrhoeal urethritis in men (ca. 25 – 55 % of the cases).

Untreated chlamydial infections in women can lead to serious consequences. As many of these infections are asymptomatic, many cases remain unrecognized and untreated. Chronic infection can lead to serious complications and inflammation in women, as well as inability to conceive and sterility. Newborn children of women infected with chlamydia have a high risk for conjunctivitis and pneumonia.

The symptoms of chlamydia infection can be mild or severe, but in some people they are completely absent. The presence of an asymptomatic infection leads to the transmission of the infection from one person to another before being diagnosed.
In men, the bacterium lives mainly in cells of the urethra (urinary tract), prostate, and seminal vesicles, causing urethritis, epididymitis, and prostatitis. Chlamydia infections in men are often asymptomatic, but there are studies that suggest they cause secondary infertility.

How to make an accurate diagnosis to prevent the spread of infection in a timely manner?

1. Detection test for C. trachomatis by direct immunofluorescence- Highly specific and sensitive test in routine detection of chlamydia, done from genitourinary samples and conjunctival swab.
2. Immunoassays for chlamydia antibodies detection for immune response to acute or past infection
3. PCR test for detecting Chlamydia trachomatis – Molecular tests are highly specific and highly sensitive tests to detect the genetic material (DNA) of the microorganism itself, and the result is obtained in just 2 hours.

Avicena Laboratory offers a new molecular CE-IVD certified test, superior in its sensitivity and specificity. Please talk to your physician about your health concerns.

IS THE CAUSE OF YOUR PROBLEM A FOOD INTOLERANCE?

Sometimes, certain people have an unusual reaction to a certain food or food ingredient!

What is a food intolerance?

Food intolerance is a delayed reaction of the body to a certain type of food or food ingredients, during which specific IgG antibodies are created. It is a low-grade, long-term chronic inflammatory reaction that lasts as long as the food that triggers the reaction is consumed.

This test detects exactly these IgG4 antibodies, giving a clear picture of the intensity of the body’s reaction to the specific type of food.

Symptoms

Unlike allergies, which usually have an acute and intense onset of symptoms (2 hours or less) and can also be caused by the presence of traces of allergens, intolerance is slower, with a delayed and sometimes unrecognizable onset of symptoms (up to 72 hours), the intensity of which also depends on the amount of food consumed.

Although the symptoms in many cases can be very similar, with the help of this proven and certified test, a clear differentiation is made and it is possible to quickly and accurately determine the cause of the appearance of the symptoms.

Inflammatory processes can manifest in different organs and systems and cause a wide range of symptoms.

Tests for food intolerance with the latest technology, available at Avicenna Laboratory:

Precise and certified tests from a top German manufacturer for the quantitative detection of specific IgG4 antibodies.

A choice of 3 panels, each with 40 types of food or food ingredients, for targeted, fast and efficient determination.

Powerful software with the latest technology for highly sensitive detection and precise and accurate interpretation of results.

Quantitative results

Complete disappearance of symptoms and improvement of health after a diet based on a result obtained from a food intolerance test.

Panel 1:

Contains the following foods: Salmon, Cod, Herring, Shrimp, Mussels, Pork, Beef, Chicken, Wheat, Rye, Oats, Corn, Rice, Buckwheat, Amaranth, Carrot, Celery, Cabbage, Garlic, Onion, Pea, Green Bean, Soya, Peanut, Tomato, Cucumber, Potato, Mustard, Egg White, Egg Yolk, Milk, Goat’s Milk, Sheep’s Milk, Orange, Banana, Apple, Kiwi, Hazelnut, Walnut, Almond.

Panel 3:

Contains the following foods: Tuna, Trout, North Atlantic cod, Herring, Oyster, Shrimp, Duck meat, Chicken meat, Turkey meat, Rye, Buckwheat, Barley, Durum wheat, Millet, Quinoa, Gluten, Tomato, Onion, Zucchini , Green olive, Lentils, Peas, Green beans, Milk, Sheep’s milk, Goat’s milk, Banana, Kiwi, Lemon, Strawberry, Pineapple, Sunflower seeds, Pumpkin seeds, Mustard, Basil, Ginger, Coffee, Cocoa, Champignons, Rice.

Panel 5:

Contains the following foods: Pike, Sardine, Cod (fish), Halibut (fish), Venison, Veal, Anise, Buckwheat, Spinach, Kale, Eggplant, Beetroot, Asparagus, Red Bean, Japanese daikon, Broccoli, Papaya, Yogurt, Mozzarella, Sour Cream, Broth, Nectarine, Red Currant, Cranberry, Grapefruit, Raisin, Black Currant, Watermelon, Pecan, Brazil Nut, Coconut, Pine Nuts-Pine Nuts, Macadamia Nut, Walnut, Thyme oregano Sage, Coriander seed, Flax seed, Chestnut, Kelp (seaweed).

What after receiving the result?

Elimination phase

The food for which a positive result was obtained should be completely avoided, for 2 to 6 weeks depending on the reaction. In this way, the resulting inflammatory processes can be reduced or completely withdrawn.

The remaining foods to which there are no elevated levels of IgG antibodies can be consumed in a 4-day rotation cycle. (For example, if certain types of food are eaten one day, they should be avoided for the next 3 days.) This helps prevent the development of new delayed body reactions.

Food reintroduction phase

In this phase, a provocation diet is started, through which the avoided foods are gradually included.

Foods are introduced one at a time, in order to more easily identify foods that still cause symptoms. If a reaction occurs again, the food on the menu is avoided.

Stabilization phase

During this phase, foods that cause a reaction during the re-introduction process are avoided for at least one year in order to reduce IgG antibodies and improve the body’s condition.

After this, the patient starts the food introduction phase again. Some patients may need to avoid one or more foods for life.

For more detailed information about the panels, contact us on 02 3179 001.

Price for making 1 panel: 4200 MKD

Price for making 2 panels at once (80 types of food): 7900 MKD

Price for making 3 panels at once (120 types of food): 10500 MKD

Without an appointment, available in all laboratories of Avicenna Laboratory

View the E-brochure here.

What are the most common laboratory tests performed in Avicena Laboratory from the beginning of the pandemic until today?

From the beginning of the pandemic until today, as the situation changed in the world and in our country, so did the demands of patients and doctors, in terms of laboratory tests.

Molecular PCR tests have been performed in the Avicena Laboratory since the very beginning of the pandemic, and are still demanded and performed daily. In addition to these tests, doctors and patients need and do tests for concentration of antibodies in the blood of patients who know (or do not know) that they have been in contact with the virus. A wide range of biochemical and immunological tests are performed daily to monitor the condition of patients with COVID-19.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic still lasts, of course there are all the other patients who visit our laboratory for any other condition not related to SARS-CoV-2. Let’s not forget the patients who have various chronic non-communicable diseases and who need to monitor their condition.

Then there are all the routine and specific tests for children and adults, pregnant women, all kinds of microbiological tests, other molecular diagnostics and more.

Can COVID-19 positive patients come to the lab for other laboratory tests?

In the past few months we have provided a new and completely separate space for receiving patients for COVID-19, completely physically separated from the rest of the laboratory space, with an area of 260m², and we have made more investments in powerful ventilation systems, disinfection, protective equipment, latest material processing technology. COVID-19 positive patients who request other laboratory tests are admitted in this section. There is also the possibility for our mobile teams to take material for analysis at home, whether it is for patients who are positive for the virus or regular laboratory tests.

All patients in need of laboratory tests not related to COVID-19 are admitted regularly through the main entrance of the laboratory. Recently, the capacity to receive a larger number of patients has been expanded in this area as well, so that we currently have 9 rooms available for taking material for analysis, only in the laboratory in Taftalidze. This reduces the waiting time, given the fact that in a pandemic, the number of people waiting for an indoor service must be limited.

What other laboratory tests are needed in patients with COVID-19 and what do they tell us?

Biochemical monitoring of patients with COVID-19 using laboratory tests is crucial for assessing the severity and progression of the disease, as well as for monitoring treatment. Certain laboratory tests are associated with adverse progression of COVID-19 and provide important prognostic information. Usually, it is necessary to make the basic set of laboratory tests, which give us an insight into the general condition of the organism, indicate whether it is a bacterial or viral infection, but also provide information on the severity of the disease and possible prognosis in which direction the disease is moving, in order for the doctors to intervene in a timely manner.

Most often, patients have a blood count with sedimentation, markers of inflammation (CRP, D-Dimers, ferritin), analysis of certain enzymes and tests that indicate the function of the liver, kidneys, heart muscle and more. (ASAT, ALAT, LDH, CK-MB, Troponin).

There are also specific analyzes such as Interleukin-6, which provides information on the degree of immune response and is a predictor of the so-called “Cytokine storm”, which is actually an excessive immune response of the body and is the cause of many adverse outcomes. By monitoring this parameter, it is possible to monitor when the patient’s condition is deteriorating and to undertake appropriate treatment in a timely manner.

In patients who have COVID-19 or have recovered, D-dimers test is often mentioned. What is important to know about D-dimers?

Blood clotting (coagulation) is a natural and protective mechanism of the body from bleeding. When there is damage to the wall of blood vessels, there occurs adhesion of the platelets (thrombocytes), fibrin (fibrin filament network) and activation of many mechanisms, the ultimate goal of which is to create a “plug” that will stop bleeding.

D-dimers represent fragments, parts of fibrin degradation, and detection of elevated levels are a sign that the coagulation system is being activated (possibly excessively).

Normal levels of D-dimers in healthy adults are 0.5 mg / L FEU.

Elevated levels of D-dimers in patients with COVID-19 are often a sign that there is a risk of blood clots forming, which can explode with the circulation and cause a blood vessel to clog. Therefore, after an examination by a specialist doctor, appropriate therapy should be given and this condition should be treated.

It is very important to note that different laboratories may use different methods, instruments, technologies, so there may be different reference values and tests for the determination of D-dimers and therefore results from different laboratories should not be compared and care should be taken in which units the value is expressed.

Why COVID-19 antibody tests are important?

The combination of both types of tests (with swabs – PCR and antibodies) gives a complete and realistic picture of what is happening in the human body, so that the immunity tests and molecular tests are complementary and complement each other. If molecular tests detect the presence of the virus itself or even just the RNA sequence of the virus, by measuring the concentration of antibodies, you can see if the organism has been in contact with the virus and what the body’s immune response is in the fight against this virus.

The immunology tests performed in Avicena Laboratory are “CE” certified and are performed on a fully automatic immunoassay analyzer manufactured by Siemens Healthineers.

The tests have extremely high clinical sensitivity and specificity.

It is extremely important to note that only Avicena Laboratory performs tests to measure the concentration of so-called neutralizing IgG antibodies to COVID-19 by the manufacturer Siemens – as the latest generation of tests of this type.

COVID-19 usually stimulates the immune response by producing many antibodies that act as an army to help fight the virus — however, only a small subset of those antibodies are capable of being neutralized, that is, a small number of these antibodies can block the virus thus preventing it from infecting extra cells.

The IgG antibody test of Siemens Healthineers has been proven to measure these neutralizing antibodies and provide information on their exact concentration.

 Finally, I would like to mention that it is very important for patients to be in constant communication with their doctor and to follow all the recommendations and guidelines of doctors, to take care of their health, to make the necessary controls and checks and to keep their health and the health of their loved ones.

Preparing children for laboratory tests can be a real challenge. A caring grownup can help the child cope with any physical pain or discomfort as well as any fear, anxiety, or emotional reactions that may occur as the sample is collected. Below are some general recommendations on helping children through these medical procedures as well as some specific tips on blood, urine and stool specimens, and throat culture sample collections.

BE INFORMED

Be aware of everything that may cause you anxiety or is not clear enough to you. If you are upset yourself, it is very likely that your child will be upset too. 

SET REAL EXPECTATIONS

Tell the child that it will hurt a little bit, but it will be over very quickly and then the pain will go away. Before you enter the room, talk about who the child will see (some people in uniforms) and what they are going to do so the child has realistic expectations. It is okay to tell children that having blood drawn is difficult even for grownups, but avoid coaxing the child with statements such as “be good” that can make the child feel ashamed.

You can make a promise of some fun activities you can do after visiting the lab. Thus, the child will know what to expect, and the thought of the activity, reward or encouragement will make the child want to cooperate with the medical staff.

After taking a sample, feel free to praise the child for his behavior.

PLAN THE TIME OF VISIT

Schedule a visit when your child is not tired and hungry. If you need to do a fasting test, do it as the first thing in the day, and bring a snack that you will offer to your child after taking a sample.

TALK TO YOUR CHILD

Talk to your child before you come to the lab. Imagine a game in which you will compete who will endure sitting still for a long time. Teach your child to take a deep breath until you count to 3 and exhale. Breathing exercises will only help the child to have control over his body.

DISTRACT YOUR CHILD’S ATTENTION

During the blood draw, it is best that the child’s thoughts and eyes are not focused on the lancet or needle itself. Keep in mind an alternative focus, such as looking at an interesting book you brought or singing a favorite song. Take a toy from the area or offer to look at the cartoon.

For both adults and children, a diet 24 hours before a lab visit is essential. Most laboratory blood tests require preparation that involves taking a sample (on an empty stomach) in the morning, 12 hours after the last meal. This is necessary because the consumption of food in the period before taking blood leads to an increase in certain biochemical parameters.

One day before laboratory tests:

► You should consume clean and light food (best cooked, not fried);

► Food should not be overloaded with fats and sugars;

► The last meal should not be large and should be no later than 19:00;

Children are often very energetic and full of life, and some of them are involved in certain sports. However, it is recommended to avoid intense sports one day before the visit to the laboratory, as the activity may affect the results of individual enzymes.

In the winter, during a COVID-19 pandemic, when seasonal colds and flu are common, many people wonder what are the key symptoms that can distinguish these diseases.

COVID-19, influenza and colds share a number of features and a wide range of similar or identical symptoms that make it difficult to differentiate in the early stages of the disease.

For proper treatment of any respiratory disease, it is always very important to know the true cause of the disease, which allows a timely response directed to the appropriate pathogen.

There are many different symptoms that occur in people with COVID-19. Many of them appear the same or similar in colds and seasonal flu, and less often in allergies. The most common symptoms characteristic of SARS-CoV-2 virus and influenza A and B viruses (Influenza A / Influenza B) are: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, stuffy nose, muscle aches, headaches, and in some people, diarrhea and vomiting.

The main difference in symptoms is the loss of taste and smell, reported in a certain percentage of people infected with SARS-CoV-2. Of course, there is a difference in the incubation period of the viruses, the time when the symptoms of the risky contact appear, their intensity and duration.

However, due to the similarity between the symptoms of these infections, it is very difficult to distinguish, so the most accurate diagnostic tool is laboratory tests, in consultation with a doctor.

In addition, you can find the table with the most common symptoms that occur with COVID-19, flu, colds and allergies.

Symptoms	COVID-19	Flu	Cold	Allergy
Fever	Usually	Usually	Sometimes	Never
Muscle aches	Usually	Usually	Sometimes	Never
Tiredness	Usually	Usually	Sometimes	Sometimes
Cough	Usually (dry)	Usually	Usually	Sometimes
Runny or staffy nose	Usually	Usually	Usually	Usually
Sore throat	Usually	Usually	Usually	Rarely
Itchy nose, eyes, mouth or inner ear	Never	Never	Sometimes	Usually
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing	Usually	Usually	Sometimes	Sometimes
Headache	Usually	Sometimes	Sometimes	Rarely
New loss of taste or smell	Usually (early – often without a runny or staffy nose)	Sometimes	Sometimes (especially with a stuffy nose)	Sometimes
Nausea and vomiting	Sometimes	Sometimes (more common in children)	Never	Never
Diarrhea	Sometimes	Sometimes (more common in children)	Never	Never

*https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm

*https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/covid-19-cold-flu-and-allergies-differences/art-20503981

*https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-similarities-and-differences-with-influenza

New high-specific molecular multiplex Real-Time PCR test is available at Avicena Laboratory for simultaneous detection, identification and differentiation between the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and seasonal influenza.

Detection of the cause of the respiratory infection from only one sample (throat and nose swab):

– SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

– Influenza A and B virus 

– Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Samples for this are being taken only in Avicena Laboratory in Taftalidze every working day and Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and in the laboratory in Tetovo from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m from Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m on Saturday. Please schedule an appointment on: ?071/278-529, ?078/218-731, ?071/269-623 и?072/319-850.

Avicena Laboratory has a wide range of microbiological and molecular tests for respiratory infections.

You can see the full menu of tests for COVID-19 at the following link.

Usually, the role of vitamin D is associated with bone health and bone metabolism. However, the role of Vitamin D is much broader, because it participates in many complex processes in the human body.

WHY VITAMIN D IS IMPORTANT? 

FOR HEALTHY AND STRONG BONES

One of the most important roles of vitamin D is to maintain the serum concentration of calcium and phosphorus, through their proper absorption / utilization. This ensures normal bone mineralization, and bone growth and development. Vitamin D deficiency alters the metabolism of these minerals, causing low bone mineral density and increasing the risk of bone loss or fractures.

TO MAINTAIN MUSCLE STRENGTH

Muscle weakness can be another side effect of low vitamin D levels, especially in the elderly. Vitamin D significantly improves muscle performance and accelerates the healing process in various muscle injuries.

IMPROVES BRAIN FUNCTION

Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of developing dementia, and affects the secretion and amount of the hormone serotonin (happiness hormone), associated with mood in humans.

IMPROVES HEART HEALTH

Vitamin D improves heart function, and its deficiency is associated with the occurrence of certain heart diseases.

FOR NORMAL FUNCTION OF THE IMMUNOLOGICAL SYSTEM

Vitamin D receptors are present in most cells in our body, including the cells of the natural immune system, and enable them to function normally.

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES

Numerous world studies confirm the link between vitamin D deficiency and various autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, asthma, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

SOURCES OF VITAMIN D

The way the body gets the required amount of this vitamin is through exposure to sunlight, through food and with additional intake (supplements) of Vitamin D.

The sun is the main source of vitamin D!

Recent research shows that about 1 billion people or 15% of the world’s population suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Insufficient sun exposure (UV light) is considered to be the main reason for this condition.

When ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun penetrates human skin, it causes a chemical reaction that generates vitamin D. In summer we only need about 10 minutes of sun exposure to meet our daily needs. In winter, the exposure period is longer, about 2 hours.

People with darker skin will also generate vitamin D from sun exposure, but not as effectively, because darker skin contains more UV-blocking melanin. This is the main reason why vitamin D deficiency may be more common in people with darker skin. People also lose some of their ability to produce vitamin D from the sun as they age, putting older people in a higher risk of developing Vitamin D deficiency.

FOOD RICH IN VITAMIN D

– Fish oil and fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines, herring, mackerel, trout, etc. fatty fish)

– Milk and dairy products (butter, sour cream, cheese, cheese, yogurt, etc.)

– Egg yolk

– Liver

– Mushrooms (shiitake, mushrooms, fox)

Aware of the role of vitamin D in our body and its importance in many processes, regular monitoring of vitamin D levels is of particular importance.

Avicena Laboratory performs the most modern tests of the manufacturer Siemens Healthineers, according to a certified procedure according to the standardization program of Vit.D testing of CDC (Center for Disease Control, USA), for fast and accurate determination of the level of vitamin D.

The examination of vitamin D together with the analysis of ionized calcium (Ca ++) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) gives a clear insight into the occurrence in the body and the metabolism of vitamin D.

Blood clotting (coagulation)

Blood clotting, or coagulation, is an important process that prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. Platelets (a type of blood cell) and proteins in your plasma (the liquid part of blood) work together to stop the bleeding by forming a clot over the injury. Typically, your body will naturally dissolve the blood clot after the injury has healed.

In pathological conditions, excessive accumulation of platelets and fibrin on the inside of the blood vessel may occur. This leads to a disturbance in the blood circulation until it stops due to clogging of the blood vessel with a thrombus. This condition is called thrombosis. These clots can occur anywhere – from the smallest to the largest blood vessels and cause varying degrees of damage and even death.

There is a system in the human body opposite to the coagulation, it is an anticoagulation mechanism. A constant balance is maintained between the coagulation and anticoagulation systems in the body. Thus, the organism is protected from two extreme dangers from the disturbed blood circulation – bleeding and thrombosis.

Risk factors

There are certain conditions that increase the risk of thrombosis, such as: changes in the walls of blood vessels, cardiovascular disease, rheumatic diseases, inflammation, malignancies, trauma, childbirth, taking certain medications, genetic factors and other conditions.

Treatment

Depending on the clinical findings and the severity of the disease, treatment is performed at home or in hospital, only after examination and recommendation by a specialist

COVID-19 and the coagulation system

Although it is not uncommon for infections to increase the risk of clots, COVID-19 is associated with a very wide range of blood clotting disorders in diseased patients. Patients with COVID-19 experience severe and sometimes fatal blood clotting abnormalities.

Studies show that about 25% – or even up to 70% – of critically ill patients have confirmed venous thromboembolism or pulmonary embolism.

Therefore, it is crucial during the routine laboratory assessment to measure the parameters of the blood coagulation system, such as: blood count (platelet count), D-dimer, PT-Prothrombin time, aPTT- Activated partial thromboplastin time and more.

D-dimers

D-dimer (or D dimer) is a fibrin degradation product (or FDP), a small protein fragment present in the blood after a blood clot is degraded by fibrinolysis. It is so named because it contains two D fragments of the fibrin protein joined by a cross-link. Detection of elevated levels are a sign that the coagulation system is activated.

Normal levels of D-dimers in healthy adults are 0.5 mg / L.

Elevated levels of D-dimers in patients with COVID-19 are usually a sign that there is a risk of blood clots forming, which can spread with the circulation and cause a blood vessel to clog. Therefore, after an examination by a specialist doctor, appropriate therapy should be given and this condition should be treated.

It is very important to note that different laboratories may use different instruments, technologies, reference values and tests to determine D-dimers and therefore the results of different laboratories should not be compared.

IT IS ALL IN THE ENZYMES

Your body produces an enzyme called lactase. When you drink a glass of milk, lactase helps break down lactose into simpler sugars that are absorbed into your bloodstream. Lactose intolerance occurs when you are lactase deficient.

YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Some stomach ailments have symptoms similar to those of lactose intolerance. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and what tests to do.

NOT EVERYONE HAS SYMPTOMS

Lactose can produce a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms include bloating, nausea, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhea. However, you may be lactase deficient and have no signs.

IT USUALLY APPEARS AT A LATER AGE

Very few babies are born lactose intolerant and must drink lactose-free formula instead of breast milk. However, most people who are lactose intolerant lose the ability to digest milk sometime after birth. This usually happens between the ages of 2 and 12, although you may not experience symptoms until late adolescence or later in life.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

As many as 65% of people worldwide and 30 million Americans have some degree of lactose intolerance. It is more common in people of Asian, African or Spanish descent. People in northern or western Europe are less likely to be lactose intolerant.

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE IS NOT A MILK ALLERGY

Milk allergy is less common but more harmful than lactose intolerance. If you are allergic to milk, your body fights dairy products as if it were a harmful attacker. Symptoms are usually more severe and may include shortness of breath, itchy eyes, and a rash. People with this allergy must completely avoid dairy products.

NOT ALL DAIRY PRODUCTS ARE RESTRICTED

Many dairy products that do not contain lactose are currently available on our market. Dairy products that have lower lactose levels and can be digested in the body even easier is hard or aged chees (parmesan or cheddar) and yogurt.

DIAGNOSIS

The PHI Avicena Laboratory performs the state-of-the-art genetic testing of lactose intolerance by the method of PCR-reverse hybridization.

The test identifies two polymorphisms located on intron 9 (S / T13910) and 13 (G / A 22018) of the MCM6 gene, which are associated with lactase activity persistence in adults and children over 5 years.

Price for the test: MKD 2.690,00

* Consult your doctor before starting any diet or determining the degree of lactose intolerance.