Hepatitis C is a viral infection that affects the liver, caused by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Individuals at risk of Hepatitis C infection or needing routine screening should undergo this test.

No, the test involves a simple blood draw, which may cause slight discomfort but is generally well-tolerated.

A positive result indicates the presence of antibodies against the Hepatitis C virus, suggesting either current or past infection.

No, additional tests such as HCV RNA PCR may be required to distinguish between acute and chronic infection.

DBS is commonly used to treat Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and dystonia, particularly when medications are not effective.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is a method of measuring blood pressure at regular intervals over a 24-hour period, typically using a portable device.

ABPM provides a more comprehensive assessment of blood pressure throughout daily activities and sleep, offering insights into variations that may not be detected in clinic settings.

ABPM is recommended for patients suspected of having white coat hypertension, masked hypertension, resistant hypertension, or fluctuating blood pressure patterns.

The patient wears a small cuff attached to a portable monitor that automatically inflates and records blood pressure at regular intervals, usually every 15-30 minutes during waking hours and less frequently during sleep.

Most patients find ABPM comfortable, as the device is lightweight and designed for minimal disruption to daily activities. The cuff may inflate periodically but does not cause pain.