Paraproteins are abnormal monoclonal immunoglobulins produced in plasma cell disorders (e.g. Multiple myeloma), lymphoproliferative disorders (e.g. CLL, Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinaemia) and in some infections (hepatitis C).
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The overlap of clinical features in many of the rheumatic and connective tissue diseases has always complicated the task of segregating disease entities. Some recent developments in immunopathology have helped refine the process, though clinical assessment remains the cornerstone of diagnosis.
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| Listeriosis is a relatively uncommon disease caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria is widespread in nature and is commonly found in soil, water, mud, vegetation and sewerage. It can also be found in raw meat, raw vegetables and unpasturised dairy products. Some exposure to this bacteria is unavoidable. |
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| Required criteria to recieve Medicare Rebate. |
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IgM and/or IgG antibodies to outer membrane protein (OMP) and serogroup C capsular polysaccharide (CCAPS) components of N. meningitidis are currently available in Australia through South-Eastern Area Laboratory Service at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney
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In accordance with the NHMRC Guidelines (updated June 2005, for implementation July 2006), our Pap smear reports are reported using the following format, terminology and management guidelines.
The reports are concise and easy to comprehend and the current terminology is readily equated with older terms. Management recommendations are in accord with the guidelines. These guidelines apply to asymptomatic women, which we will assume to be patient’s status unless alerted otherwise by clinical notes.
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| In 2009 there were almost 30,000 laboratory confirmed cases of pertussis in Australia. This was more than double the number of cases in recent years. |
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Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease involving the respiratory tract. It is caused by Bordetella pertussis, a bacterium that is found in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person.
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Evaluation of platelet function can be of clinical importance, particularly in patients undergoing surgery who have a history of significant bleeding. The bleeding time has been used in the past as a screening test for platelet function and von Willebrand disease (vWD). It is invasive, poorly reproducable and in recent times it has been found to not correlate with patient bleeding.
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This is an overview of an important topic in cytology that, in recent years, has been brought to national attention. In Australia, cervical screening by pap smears has been available since the 1960s. It began in largely opportunistic fashion but became a more structured program in 1991 and was formalised into The National Cervical Screening Program in 1995.
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