In June 2023, Premier Integrated Labs, formerly known as Pantai Premier Pathology, celebrated a momentous occasion with its official launch, marking a significant milestone. We take great pride in being the quadruple-crowned clinical laboratory in Malaysia, having attained the distinguished accreditations of the College of American Pathology (CAP), MS ISO 15189, Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) and Joint Commission International (JCI).

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About HIV and AIDS | Symptoms, Transmission and Diagnosis

About HIV and AIDS | Symptoms, Transmission and Diagnosis

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that targets the body’s immune system and weakens the individual’s defence against many infections and some types of cancer.1, 2, 3, 4, 5 HIV remains as a major public health issue globally, having infected an estimated 38 million lives at the end of 2019.2, 6

 

HIV infection can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) as the virus gradually destroys and compromises the immune system of infected individuals when not treated. Immunodeficiency occurs as a result of heightened susceptibility to a wide range of infections, cancers and other diseases which presents with severe long term clinical manifestations.1, 2, 4, 7

 

HIV symptoms may vary depending on the stage of infection, however, many will not be aware that they are infected until later stages or during an acute infection.1, 2  Some individuals may experience an influenza-like symptoms including fever, chills, rash, sore throat, headache, mouth ulcer, fatigue, muscle aches and swollen lymph node in the first few weeks after an initial infection. These individuals can also develop severe illnesses such as tuberculosis, cryptococcal meningitis, severe bacterial infections, lymphomas and Kaposi’s sarcoma when the HIV infection is left untreated.2

 

Most individuals who get infected with HIV get it through the exchange of body fluids from infected people through sexual intercourse, sharing needles or syringes and receiving blood transfusions and tissue transplantation from an infected person. HIV can also be transmitted from a mother to her baby during pregnancy and delivery, experiencing accidental needle stick injuries among health workers as well as having other sexually transmitted infections will increase having HIV infection.2, 5, 9 However, an individual cannot become infected through common daily contact such as kissing, hugging, shaking hands and sharing food and water.2, 5, 10

 

The only way to find out if you are infected with HIV is to get tested. The HIV diagnostic test that is most widely used, detects antibodies made by the individual as an immune response to fight HIV. In most cases, the antibodies to HIV will develop within 28 days of infection. During this time, the individual will experience a ‘window period’; when the HIV antibodies have not been produced in high enough levels to be identified by standard tests or when they do not exhibit signs of HIV infection but are able to transmit the virus to others. As for children below 18 months old, serological testing is not sufficient to detect an HIV infection, hence, virological testing must be performed as early as birth or at 6 weeks old.2, 5

 

Currently, there is no cure for HIV but there are efficient drug treatments which allow most individuals with the virus to live a longer and healthy life. With a timely diagnosis and effective interventions, most HIV patients will not develop AIDS- related illnesses and will be able to have a close-to-normal lifespan.5

 

There are three types of tests available such as nucleic acid tests (NAT), antigen/antibody tests, and antibody tests which are typically performed on blood or oral fluid. Nucleic acid test (NAT) or HIV viral load test involves drawing blood from a vein. 11  This test measures the actual virus load in the blood to indicate if an individual has HIV or indicate how much virus is present in the blood.  Antigen/Antibody test involves drawing blood from a vein. A rapid antigen/antibody test is also available that is performed with a finger prick. This test examines for the presence of HIV antibodies and antigens. The antibodies for HIV are produced by the immune system when an individual is exposed to HIV viruses. The p24 antigen is produced even before the antibodies are formed when HIV is present causing the immune system to be activated. HIV antibody test involves drawing blood from a vein, from a finger prick or with oral fluid. This test examines for the presence of HIV antibodies only which is produced when an individual is exposed to HIV viruses. It is the most rapid test which is the only approved self-test currently.

 

 

References:

  1. About HIV. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 24, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html
  2. HIV/AIDS. (2020, July 6). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids
  3. Cheng, D. C. K. C. (n.d.). What is HIV? MyHealth Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia. Retrieved November 23, 2020, from http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/hivaids-2/
  4. Wan Mohammad, D.W.M.W.M. (n.d.). http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/hiv-aids/.
  5. HIV and AIDS. (n.d.). NHS. Retrieved November 24, 2020, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/
  6. Wang, H., Wolock, T. M., Carter, A., Nguyen, G., Kyu, H. H., Gakidou, E., … & Coates, M. M. (2016). Estimates of global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and mortality of HIV, 1980–2015: the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015. The lancet HIV, 3(8), e361-e387.
  7. Basant Singh, D. H. K. (n.d.). HIV/AIDS. MyHealth Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia. Retrieved November 23, 2020, from http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/teen-hivaids/
  8. MyHealth Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia. Retrieved November 23, 2020, from http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/hiv-aids/
  9. HIV Transmission. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 25, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/transmission.html
  10.  Ways HIV is not transmitted. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 25, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-transmission/not-transmitted.html
  11. Types of HIV tests. (2020, October 20). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Retrieved November 25, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/hiv-testing/test-types.html

Pantai Premier Pathology | Infographic Summary of Covid-19 PCR Tests

Infographic summary of Covid-19 PCR tests done by Pantai Premier Pathology as at October 2020

Since February 2020 until October 2020, Pantai Premier Pathology has performed 213,000 of Covid-19 PCR tests overall which make it 8.1% from the total Malaysia’s total Covid-19 PCR tests conducted throughout Malaysia.

The total number of positive cases detected by Pantai Premier Pathology from February until October 2020 is 649 cases.

For October 2020 alone, Pantai Premier Pathology has conducted PCR Covid-19 tests for 46,000 throughout the month.

Types of Diabetes | Causes, Risk Factors and Symptoms

Types of Diabetes | Causes, Risk Factors and Symptoms

Diabetes is a chronic disease which affects how your body converts food into energy.1 It is a condition when your blood sugar level is higher than normal.2 The three main types of diabetes are diabetes type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.1, 2, 3

 

The global prevalence of diabetes in 2014 is 8.5% among adults above 18 years old with an increase in the premature mortality rate by 5% between 2000 and 2016.3 In Malaysia, a survey has indicated that more than 3 million Malaysians suffer from diabetes.2

 

Most of the food you eat will be broken down into glucose and released into your bloodstream which will then be taken up by your cells to be used as fuel.3, 4 Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas to regulate your blood sugar level.3 It acts like a key which allows blood glucose to enter into your cells for use as energy.4 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body is not able to use the insulin produced effectively, hence, unable to transport the glucose to the cells, leaving the amount of glucose in the blood raised.2, 3, 4

 

Hyperglycemia or raised blood glucose is a common result of uncontrolled diabetes where too much blood glucose stays in the bloodstream which overtime will lead to serious damage to many body systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.3, 4  

 

Diabetes Type 1

Type 1 diabetes is caused by an immune response (body attacks itself by mistake). This causes a deficiency in insulin production, hence, requires daily administration of insulin. The risk factors of type 1 diabetes includes having family history and age. You can get type 1 diabetes at any age, but more likely to develop it during childhood.2, 3, 5

 

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes may occur suddenly which includes excessive urination (polyuria), excessive thirst (polydipsia), constant hunger, weight loss, vision changes and fatigue.3 There is currently no known cure or prevention for type 1 diabetes.3, 5

 

Diabetes Type 2

Type 2 diabetes occurs when your cells do not respond to the insulin produced by your body effectively. This condition is called insulin resistance.3, 6 The risk factors of type 2 diabetes includes having prediabetes, being overweight, 45 years old or older, having family history, physically inactive, have had gestational diabetes and have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.5

 

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes may be similar to type 1 diabetes which often develop over several years and sometimes can be asymptomatic. Therefore, it is important to know the risk factors and to consult your doctor to get your blood glucose level tested early before the onset of diabetes.2, 3, 6

 

Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by having a healthy lifestyle such as losing weight, eating healthy food and being active.4

 

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy in women who do not already have diabetes when the body cannot produce enough insulin.3, 7 A pregnant woman’s body goes through changes such as weight gain. These changes will cause the cells in the body to use insulin less efficiently (insulin resistance). Insulin resistance is common in pregnant women during late pregnancy, however, some women who develop insulin resistance even before getting pregnant will have an increased need for insulin during pregnancy, resulting in them to more likely have gestational diabetes.7 The risk factors of gestational diabetes are being overweight, have a family history of type 2 diabetes, have a hormone disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), had gestational diabetes during previous pregnancy and have given birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds.5

 

The risk of complications during pregnancy and at delivery is high for women with gestational diabetes. These women and their children are more likely to have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.3, 5, 7 Hence, it is important to manage gestational diabetes to make sure you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.7

 

Gestational diabetes is commonly diagnosed through prenatal screening than through reported symptoms.3

 

What are the common screening tests for Diabetes?

  1. Glucose
  2. Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c)

 

For more information on the tests provided, please contact us at +603-42809115 (Customer Service) or email us at info@premierpathology.com.my

 

 

References:

  1. Diabetes Basics. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/index.html
  2. Ismail, D. F. (n.d.). Diabetes Mellitus. MyHealth Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysian. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/diabetes-mellitus-4-2/
  3. Diabetes. (n.d.). World Health Organization. Retrieved October 29, 2020, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
  4. What is Diabetes? (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved October 28, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetes.html
  5. Diabetes Risk Factors. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 4, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/risk-factors.html
  6. Type 2 Diabetes. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 4, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html
  7. Gestational Diabetes. (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 5, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/gestational.html

Pantai Premier Pathology | Forward in the Fight Against Covid-19

Pantai Premier Pathology | Forward in the Fight Against Covid-19

  • Pantai Premier Pathology (PPP) was among the first four private labs in Malaysia approved by MOH to perform Covid-19 testing.
  • Since February 2020:
    • PPP performed 183,000 COVID-19 samples (As at 19th October 2020).
    • Samples from PPP contributed 7.6% from total Malaysia’s COVID-19 tests conducted.
    • PPP runs average of 800 COVID-19 samples per day (As at 19th October 2020).
  • Result LTAT: 12 – 24 hours
  • Samples received from Pantai Gleneagles hospitals,  Non Pantai Gleneagles Private hospitals, MOH, and Corporate Clients.
  • Drive-Thru testing facilities in collaboration with Pantai Gleneagles hospitals.
  • Coordinating and hosting the COVID preparedness / sample collection training for medical practitioners. This was in collaboration with MOH/BPKK.
  • Setting up a hotline call center to address the public concerns after the 2nd wave.
  • Contributing to communities by sharing the Covid-19 information and updates in Pantai Premier Pathology’s website and social media platforms.
  • Types of Covid-19 tests offered by Pantai Premier Pathology:
    • COVID RT-PCR Test
    • COVID Rapid PCR Test
    • COVID Antigen Test
    • COVID Antibody Test

Breast Cancer | Symptoms and Risk Factors

Breast Cancer | Symptoms and Risk Factors

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide which is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018.1

Breast cancer ranks as the second most common cancer and the fifth most common cause of deaths due to cancer globally.2, 3, 4, 5 In Malaysia, this disease has accounted for 34.1% of all cancer among the females.6        

Breast cancer can occur at different parts of the breast like the lobules, ducts and connective tissue. The lobules are the milk producing gland, the ducts are tubes that allow milk to reach the nipple and the connective tissue which consists of fibrous and fatty tissues surrounds and keeps everything together. Breast cancers most commonly occur in the ducts or lobules.4, 7    

Different people experience different symptoms of breast cancer and some does not experience any signs and symptoms at all.8 Some of the warning symptoms are changes in the shape or size of breasts, presence of lump in the breasts or underarm areas, changes in nipples (appearance of nipples, pointing direction or presence of any clear or blood discharge), swelling of part of the breast, dimpling or irritation on the breasts skin area, redness, rash or eczema on breasts skin and nipples area, continuous pain in any area of breast, nipples or axilas.4, 8, 9, 10, 11

Breast cancer risk increases with age and a majority of those diagnosed are post-menopausal. Other factors that increases the risk of breast cancer include being a female, inherited genetic mutation, first pregnancy at a later age, low parity, early menarche, late menopause, having dense breast, being overweight or obese in post-menopausal women, physically inactive, previous history of radiotherapy to the breasts and drinking alcohol.9, 12

Breast cancer screening examines a vast number of asymptomatic individuals to identify positive cancer cases and to prevent deaths due to breast cancer by detecting the cancer at an early stage when treatment will be more effective. The cancer can be controlled by early detection through routine self-breast exams, mammographic screening, reducing prevalence of known risk factors and improved treatment.4, 5, 9

 

At Pantai Premier Pathology, we provide screening tests for Breast Cancer. Here are some tests related to breast cancer offered by Pantai Premier Pathology:

Breast CA Screening Test Prognosis
1.      BRCA Heredity Germline Testing 1.      Immunohistochemistry Testing

2.      HER2 Fish Testing

3.      BRCA1 & 2 Testing (Somatic & Germline)

4.      PIK3CA Testing for hormonal positive, HER2 negative

 

For more information on the tests provided, please contact us at +603-42809115 (Customer Service) or email us at info@premierpathology.com.my.

 

 

References:

  1. Cancer. (2018, September 12). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
  2. Liu, F. C., Lin, H. T., Kuo, C. F., See, L. C., Chiou, M. J., & Yu, H. P. (2017). Epidemiology and survival outcome of breast cancer in a nationwide study. Oncotarget, 8(10), 16939–16950. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.15207
  3. Moodley, J., Cairncross, L., Naiker, T., & Constant, D. (2018). From symptom discovery to treatment-women’s pathways to breast cancer care: a cross-sectional study. BMC cancer, 18(1), 312.
  4. Winters, S., Martin, C., Murphy, D., & Shokar, N. K. (2017). Breast cancer epidemiology, prevention, and screening. In Progress in molecular biology and translational science (Vol. 151, pp. 1-32). Academic Press.
  5. Torre, L. A., Siegel, R. L., Ward, E. M., & Jemal, A. (2016). Global cancer incidence and mortality rates and trends—an update. Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Biomarkers, 25(1), 16-27.
  6. National Cancer Registry Department. (2019). MALAYSIA NATIONAL CANCER REGISTRY REPORT (MNCR) 2012-2016. Retrieved from https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BuPWrb05N2Jez6sEP8VM5r6JtJtlPN5W/view
  7. What is Breast Cancer? (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 25, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/what-is-breast-cancer.htm
  8. What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer? (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 25, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/symptoms.htm
  9. Harmer, V. (2016). Signs and symptoms of breast cancer: The practice nurse role. Practice Nursing, 27(8), 377-382.
  10. Waks, A. G., & Winer, E. P. (2019). Breast cancer treatment: a review. Jama, 321(3), 288-300.
  11. Morrow, M. (2004). Physical examination of the breast. Diseases of the Breast, 3rd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 29-32.
  12. What Are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer? (n.d.). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved September 25, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
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