A normal TSH level Normal TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) blood level A normal TSH is 0.5 – 5.0 mU/L. TSH is the most important thyroid test. But it has to be interpreted with other thyroid tests including thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroid antibodies. Explanation High or low TSH levels can indicate a thyroid problem What […]
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Is normal saline the same as sodium chloride? A bag of normal saline, used as an IV fluid No, ‘normal saline’ is not exactly the same as ‘sodium chloride’. Whilst sodium chloride is the chemical compound that is salt, ‘normal saline’ refers to a solution where a specific concentration (usually 0.9%) of sodium chloride is […]
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What causes high blood pressure? For most people, the cause is unknown. In this article we will describe what causes of high blood pressure – and how to investigate a patient with high blood pressure. Primary (essential) high blood pressure (hypertension) Accounts for about 90% of cases. And there is no identifiable cause. It is […]
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What causes low blood pressure (hypotension)? Definition of low blood pressure Low blood pressure (hypotension), is defined as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) below 90 mmHg (or a mean arterial pressure (MAP) below 60 mmHg). Low blood pressure might cause no symptoms that you notice. Or it might cause dizziness and fainting. Sometimes, low blood […]
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A normal arterial blood gas (ABG) Taking arterial blood gases What is an ABG? For analysis a small sample of arterial blood (approximately 2ml) taken via an intermittent ‘stab’ into an artery (usually at the wrist, see above); or from an arterial sampling device (arterial line) situated in an artery (if on intensive care). […]
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10 prostate cancer facts In this article we will describe 10 facts about prostate cancer. 5 Key Points Most common cancer in men – with over 52,000 new cases in the UK diagnosed each year More common in older men – with 75% of cases diagnosed in men over 65 years Majority of prostate cancers […]
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A normal chest x-ray – the basics In this article we will describe what is a normal chest x-ray and how to interpret it. This is a normal chest x-ray (CXR). It is a PA and lateral chest x-ray of a healthy woman. Note mild pectus excavatum on the lateral image (arrows). Why is this […]
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A normal blood creatinine level A normal blood creatinine level is 60-120 mcmol/L (micromoles per litre). It is used to assess kidney function (i.e. how well your kidneys are filtering your blood) – the higher the number, the worse the function. But. Creatinine level does not just depend on someone’s kidney function. It is also […]
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A normal blood GFR level A normal eGFR number is 90-120 ml/min – the higher the GFR, the better the kidney function, the better. What is GFR used for? The GFR is used to: Diagnose CKD Monitor – changes in kidney function over time Decide – whether you need dialysis or a kidney transplant. But […]
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A normal ECG – the basics The electrocardiogram (ECG) is a key diagnostic tool in medicine; providing information on cardiac function and structure. But what does a normal one look like? I.e. a normal ECG. Let’s start with some basics. A normal ECG. The longer version of II at the bottom is called the ‘rhythm […]
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