Why is FNAC Test Done?

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, FNAC in the short, is an easy, quick, and affordable test to sample extraneous lumps in the breast or neck. In this test, the sample is taken by inserting a fine needle into the suspected mass or lump that is later tested under the microscope. It is a type of biopsy procedure. The test basically helps doctors to detect the presence of inflammatory conditions and cancer. There are no or least chances of any complications during or after the test. Here are some vital things one must know about the FNAC test.

 Why doctors prescribe this test

The test is often done on lumps placed under the skin. A mass or lump may be detected during a doctor’s examination. Also, it can be detected on imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, and mammogram.

How to get prepared for the test

The doctors will ask the patients to:

• Avoid any anti-blood coagulants
• Keep fast for a few hours before the test
• Stop using aspirin or any other anti-inflammation medications at least 7-8 days prior to the test
• Get the routine blood check up done at least 15 days before the biopsy

Here are some more vital things that will be checked before taking the sample. These include:

• Blood pressure
• Pulse rate
• Temperature

If a patient feels discomfort or anxiety, he/she may be given sedation via an intravenous line. However, in normal cases, patients are given oral medication. 

Uses of test

The procedure is used for various kinds of testing such as body fluid sampling, chorionic villus sampling, breasts cysts, breasts abscess and seromas which is done through the support of ultrasound-guided aspiration. The test is helpful in spotting breast cancer as well as inflammation for TB, granulomatous lymphadenitis, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, lymphoma and Toxoplasmosis. It also aids physicians to evaluate the cytological changes going on in a patient.

People who are looking forward to getting the FNAC test should choose the pathology lab carefully. Most diagnostic centres provide FNAC test at the best price for people in India.

Diabetes: Overview, Symptoms and Tests

Diabetes is quite a common ailment that develops when the blood sugar or blood glucose in the body is too high. The blood glucose is the main source of energy for people, which comes from the food they consume. The hormone insulin that is made by the pancreas aids the glucose from food to get into the cells of the body so that it can be used for energy. In certain cases, the body does not make enough (or even any) insulin or does not use insulin effectively. Hence, the glucose stays in the blood and does not reach the cells. This condition is referred to as diabetes. Having too much glucose in the blood can cause several health problems over time, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye problems, dental disease, nerve damage, and foot problems. 

Symptoms of diabetes

• Increased thirst
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Unexplained weight loss

Doctors often recommend blood sugar or diabetes tests to people experiencing the symptoms of having high blood glucose levels.  Such tests are also recommended for people who are at a high risk of developing diabetes, such as overweight individuals, as well as people with high blood pressure, high triglycerides, or low good cholesterol levels (HDL). 

Types of blood sugar tests

People may take a blood sugar test in two ways. One involves drawing blood from the vein and in the other one people have to prick their finger using a glucometer. The second method is meant for daily testing and used by people who are already diagnosed with diabetes and have to monitor or manage their blood sugar levels. 

Blood samples are generally used to screen for or diagnose diabetes, and doctors generally prescribe a fasting blood sugar (FBS) test or a haemoglobin A1C test for it. The blood sugar levels or the glycosylated haemoglobin is measured through this test. Its result would show if a person has prediabetes or diabetes. This is very low to almost no side effects to this test. People just might feel a bit of swelling, bruising or/and soreness at the puncture site.