Author Archives: Dr Charandeep Singh Sahni

Laboratory tests are the quickest and generally the most common solution to figure out any underlying health issues. The data lab tests provide doctors and health professionals to enable them to decide the next course of action for your treatment. This means that laboratories around the country hold a tremendous amount of responsibility on their shoulders.

Naturally, they must maintain accuracy and credibility, particularly when it comes to health checkups. This is where NABL steps in. When NABL accredits a laboratory, it essentially is setting up the bar to ensure high and accurate services. These standards push laboratories to upgrade their equipment and work as per recognized national standards. Let us take a look at why you should opt for a NABL accredited lab for all your tests and your routine health checkups.

What are NABL accredited labs?

NABL is an autonomous body that stands for National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories. It works directly under the Dept. Of Science & Technology, Govt. of India and its objective is to furnish accreditation to calibration and testing of clinical laboratories in India.

It enables various labs throughout the country to offer affordable and accurate calibration-based testing services.

What is the difference between NABL and ISO?

ISO stands for International Organization for Standardization and its certification is based upon verification of proper documentation whereas NABL accreditation is solely based on evaluation of technical competence. Helix Path Labs is a top NABL accredited and ISO certified lab in tricity that assures only international standard Quality Management systems.

Benefits of choosing a NABL accredited laboratory for your routine health checkup

• Feel assured about the genuineness of your reports: As NABL essentially certified laboratories based on accurate calibrated testing, it offers you a sense of trust and faith in the reports. NABL Accreditation is a standard as per which a lab needs to maintain its services. It behaves like identification and certification of great credibility and service. When you visit a NABL accredited lab like Helix Path Labs, Mohali for a routine health checkup, you get an assurance of quality and don’t need to second guess the procedure or results.
• Feel confident in the technicians performing your tests: Accreditation acts like a filter that brings the best people forward. You can think of it as a way to ensure that the people who will perform your tests are qualified professionals. An unaccredited laboratory on the other hand has no credibility since they don’t meet the standards and regulations set by NABL. Visiting an accredited lab will play a role in enhancing your experience in the laboratory.
• Eliminate re-testing due to high accuracy and save time and money: An accredited laboratory functions to uphold the highest standards of precision and proficiency. Therefore, you can feel confident about your results and their accuracy. Accurate results can make a lot of difference in helping you and your doctor make relevant decisions. Since accredited labs work with professionals whose priority is to maintain the accuracy of their results, you can get access to quality service. NABL accredited labs often have the latest state-of-the-art equipment and work with qualified staff. Many labs also provide you with a very comprehensive analysis along with accurate results.

Helix Path Labs— Certitude Assured!

• Helix Path Labs is a renowned ISO 15189:2012 medical laboratory having NABL qualified and trained s
• Successfully served more than 25000 clients.
• Hands-on experience of 40 skilled staff in implementing NABL ISO 15189:2012 under various disciplines.

When it comes to your health, trust quality and expertise that aligns with national and international standards. Helix Path Labs is the name and workmanship you can count on.

Amidst the battle against dengue that the city has encountered for a while now, new reports as per the National Center for Vector Borne Disease Controlstate (as of December 2021) that Punjab records the second-highest count in India.

While only 116 cases were recorded last year,more than 900 cases in Tricity were reported by November alone.

As per the district medical health records, while a total of 193 had contracted dengue in 2017 till October, with only 14 dengue cases being reported last year.The number this time crossed the 200 mark in the second week of October, 500 mark within a week on October 27, and 800 mark on November 14.This is the case with Panchkula alone. In Chandigarh, the count crossed 425 cases in November.

Mohali witnessed some staggering numbers as November saw a total of 1094 cases reported taking the total number to a whopping 3725.

The cases are continuing to rise in the district. Helix Pathlabs has been closely tracking and combating this lethal disease ever since its detection of the first positive case this year in early July. With an estimate of approximate 350 positive cases detected in the lab alone till now, it is safe to say that the situation is still conducive for mosquitos to breed. Nevertheless, we at Helix Pathlabshave aimed at spreading awareness.

The Dengue Peril – What went Wrong?

Despite constant efforts at public awareness, the outbreak of dengue fever continued to sting due to several shortcomings-

• The biggest drawback, in this case, would be the condition laid down due to covid protocols and pile of dirt at many places. Especially empty bottles, disposable glass and plastic rubbish scattered in areas and on roof of houses. Plastic waste is most suitable breeding ground for mosquitoes. Because rain water collects in empty bottles, glasses, etc, they become natural breeding ground for mosquito.
• Many people store large amount of water in homes where mosquito larvae are gathering

With such harmful implications, it would be best to take the matter into your hands and practice preventive measures, and get tested today..

What is the best treatment for dengue fever?

The best treatment would be to see your healthcare provider from time to time. Along with that, treating the body according to the first visible symptoms. The minute you receive a positive test report for dengue, you must not waste any time and discuss the matter with your doctor immediately. Along with that-

• Take plenty of fluids. Stay hydrated.
• Ask the prescription for vitamin supplements from your doctor
• Monitor your blood pressure.
• Include natural forms of Vitamin C in your diet.
• A protein-rich diet is a must for dengue patients. 

Helix Heroes thrive Triumphantly

With the ongoing scenario, it is up to us, the frontline healthcare workers who can detect, manage, and hopefully curb this mosquito-borne pathogen. It was only after diagnosing the first positive case of the season in July 2021 that we realized it is going to be a routine ride with lots of potential patients. Considering the given situation, we left no stone unturned to trace the symptoms, follow up with a case study and help the required authorities to further assist in a mission against this rather dangerous disease.

What came as an aid, were some reports thatstrictly from ecological, entomological, and epidemiological parameters prove that we as the inhabitants of Tricity are the living proof of fast-paced or rapid urbanization, and there is a rather significant need to consider curating effective public health approaches.

Fortunately for the Tricity residents, by the time dengue had its grip over Punjab, Haryana, and the surrounding area, we established accurate diagnosis, tracing, and post-diagnosis protocol and management of dengue virus infection. This enabled timely information which further helped medical/government authorities in tracking the cases.

Tricity trusted our gold standard of laboratory diagnosis for dengue virus infection due to better sensitivity rate and higher positive detection of illness. We knew and understood well in advance, in every parameter, mortality or morbidity, that dengue is a critical arbovirosis.

FAQs

• Can dengue happen twice?

Dengue can strike you umpteen times. The worrisome part is that dengue infection gets deadlier with each subsequent infection.

• What are the 4 types of dengue fever?

According to World Health Organization– “Dengue is caused by a virus of the Flaviviridae family and there are four distinct, but closely related, serotypes of the virus that cause dengue (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4).”

• What is the first sign of dengue fever in adults?

There are a series of “first signs” when it comes to dengue fever. The symptoms include rashes, vomiting, pains, aches, and constant nausea.

• What are the stages of dengue fever?

There are typically three phases-

• • Febrile- Day 1 to Day 5 that is the acute fever stage along with the first signs of dengue. Immediate medical attention is required.

• • Critical– Day 5 to Day 7 where the body temperature and blood pressure drops. Extreme restlessness and fatigue. High chances of internal hemorrhage and low platelets could further lead to circulatory or respiratory failure.

• • Convalescent-Post Day 7 or the recovery phase which takes a few days. Although the patient has a slow pulse rate, the body recuperates through better appetite and immunity.

• Can dengue be left untreated?

Dengue hemorrhagic fever cannot and should not be left untreated or else it would progress to dengue shock syndrome. This includes restlessness, extreme abdominal pain, vomiting, and fatigue.

• Who is prone to dengue?

Although children older than 6 years of age are more prone to dengue, everyone should be careful and get themselves tested.

Helix Pathlabs provide rapid test results with 100% specificity for suspected acute dengue illness. Times are tough but trusting our healthcare providers at the initial stage would help in overcoming the lethal consequences of the infection.

Book Your Test Today!

Vitamins are nutrients that the human body needs in small quantities to grow and develop. While vitamins are not the building blocks of our body like protein or fat is, however they are essential for the normal growth and functioning of the body. Lack or excess of a vitamin can disrupt the biochemical functions of the body.

While most of your essential nutrients are derived from a healthy balanced diet, the diet may supply an insufficient quantity. That is where supplements come into the picture.

Some vitamins and minerals can be water-soluble which means that the excess vitamin received via diet or supplements (after absorption of the necessary quantity) will be excreted by the body. However, the ones that are not water-soluble (they are fat-soluble) can accumulate in the body over time.

The high-level vitamin groups are Vitamin A, B, C, D, E and K. Each vitamin has a different role to play in the functioning of the body.

Vitamin D is a special type of vitamin because its main source is not a diet. Rather, it can be produced by the human body with exposure to sunlight. There are of course some foods too like mushrooms, fatty fish like mackerels and salmon that can be the dietary source of Vitamin D. North Indian diet is highly lacking in these foods. Several studies have reaffirmed that 70% of the population in North India (adults and children alike) is Vitamin D deficient.

Vitamin D is required by the body for overall good health and in specific for bone health. Calcium as we all know is the basic building block for bones. Vitamin D helps our body absorb calcium from our diet (or supplements). With a Vitamin D deficiency, the calcium absorption is hampered resulting in poor bone density and joint health and osteoporosis in the long term. Vitamin D is also essential for the proper functioning of muscles, the nervous system as well as immunity.

While the climatic conditions in most parts of India are favourable for the body to naturally synthesize Vitamin D, however areas with extreme climatic conditions like the northern regions have a large population that is deficient in Vitamin D. In the last 15 years of my experience at Helix Pathlabs, I have observed a substantial number of patients in the Tricity tracing back their orthopaedic, osteoporosis, neurology and muscular illnesses to Vitamin D deficiency. It becomes even more pronounced in patients who have chronic kidney disease.

Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common. There are usually no immediate symptoms of the deficiency. However, people can have Vitamin D deficiency if the intake is lower than recommended over a long period of time.  The only way to know if you are getting a sufficient dose of Vitamin D is by getting yourself tested at regular intervals. Vitamin D tests have nowadays become a standard part of routine pathological testing. Helix Pathlabs offers the following Vitamin D tests:

1. Vitamin D 25 hydroxy
2. Vitamin D 1,25 dihydroxy

We also offer this as part of our standard health packages:

• Helix Vitamin Package
• Helix Healthy Package Silver
• Helix Healthy Package Gold
• Helix Bone Profile

Custom packages can also be created to meet your specific needs. Reach us to know more.

FAQs

• Can Vitamin D deficiency be a sign of cancer?

Vitamin D deficiency cannot be the cause or direct sign of cancer. However, some recent studies have indicated that low levels of Vitamin D can speed up the progression of breast cancer. A research study presentation made at the American Society for Radiation Oncology suggests that lowering the levels of Vitamin D faster the progression of cancer in the patients studied.

• Does Vitamin D Deficiency Affect Sexual Health?

Several studies have found that the deficiency of Vitamin D can lead to sexual problems, including ED, low libido, and low testosterone levels. However, most of those findings were observational and needed more research to confirm a direct link between Vitamin D levels and sexual desires.

• What are the signs and symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency?

Vitamin D deficiency can make you vulnerable to several health conditions such as getting sick often, feeling tiredness, bone and back pain, depression, and delayed wound healing.

• Does Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Depression?

Studies have shown a connection between vitamin D deficiency and depression. Low levels of vitamin D can lead to poorly regulated mood and behaviour, as a deficiency can impact cognitive function and brain health.

• Does Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Weight Gain?

A vitamin D deficiency hasn’t been linked to obesity yet.

• Does deficiency of vitamin D cause hair loss?

Vitamin D plays a vital role in stimulating new and old hair follicles. New hair growth gets stunted if you suffer from vitamin D deficiency. So yes, it can lead to hair loss.

• What are the long term effects of vitamin d deficiency?

Some of the long term effects of Vitamin D deficiency are osteomalacia or rickets. This is because it could weaken or soften the bones that could later increase the chances of broken bones resulting in skeletal deformities.

• What is the first sign of vitamin d deficiency?

Among the first signs of vitamin D deficiency are fatigue, pain, muscle weakness and even depression.

• Does Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Joint Pains?

Yes, it can. A vitamin D deficiency can impact both physical and mental health, but many people have low vitamin D levels. The signs of deficiency might include pain in joints, including RA pain, which often affects the legs, knees and hips.

• Does the Lack of Vitamin D Cause Bone Disease like Osteoporosis?

Not taking vitamin D can affect your bone health as they lead to hyperparathyroidism and bone loss. This way, it makes you vulnerable to fractures and osteoporosis.

• Is Low Vitamin D Sign of Gall Bladder Stone?

Vitamin D deficiency is often linked with gallbladder stasis.