Salmah Health Talk

Salmah Health Talk MIT

17/08/2025

Good day everyone,
🩺 Before You Give or received a Tetanus Injection — Know This

A few days ago, I witnessed a scenario that made me realize how important it is to understand the difference between TT, TD, and ATS before giving or accepting any tetanus injection.

Someone had an injury and was rushed to a nearby drug outlet for first aid. An auxiliary nurse immediately prescribed a set of injections — one of them was Tetanus Toxoid (TT). I asked her, “Why TT?” She replied, “To prevent tetanus.”

I paused and smiled. But instead of arguing, I went directly to the injured person and asked a few questions about her medical history. That’s how I found out she had just received a child immunization recently — meaning she most likely already got a TT shot as part of routine maternal immunization.

At that point, I advised against giving another TT injection.

This situation made me realize how many people, even some health workers, don't fully understand when and which type of tetanus protection to use. So here’s a breakdown:

🧬 Know the Difference: TT, TD, and ATS

1. Tetanus Toxoid (TT)

What it is: A vaccine that trains the body to build long-term protection against tetanus.

Where it's found: Commonly available in pharmacies and clinics.

When to use: For routine immunization or as a booster, not suitable for immediate/emergency use.

Note: It takes days to weeks to build immunity.

2. Tetanus Diphtheria (TD)

What it is: A combined vaccine for tetanus and diphtheria, used in adults and mothers.

Where it's found: Usually in healthcare centers or immunization clinics.

When to use: For long-term protection, especially in women of childbearing age.

Note: Diphtheria can also infect wounds, so this vaccine serves a dual protective role.

3. Anti-Tetanus Serum (ATS)

What it is: A serum that provides immediate, short-term protection through ready-made antibodies

When to use: In emergencies, especially for unimmunized or partially immunized people with a tetanus-prone

Genotype Test (Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Method)1. Objective:The objective of the genotype test was to determine the ge...
07/08/2025

Genotype Test (Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Method)
1. Objective:
The objective of the genotype test was to determine the genetic type of hemoglobin present in an individual, especially to identify conditions like sickle cell disease (SS, AS) or thalassemia.
2. Principle:
The test was based on the principle of electrophoresis, where different types of hemoglobin (e.g., HbA, HbS, HbC, HbF) migrated at different rates on an electrophoretic medium due to differences in their charge and structure.
3. Materials:
• EDTA blood sample
• Hemolysing reagent
• Electrophoresis apparatus (agarose or cellulose acetate gel)
• Power supply
• Buffer solution (alkaline pH)
• Staining dye
• Sample applicator
• Capillary tubes or pipettes
• Filter paper, gloves, and PPE
4. Procedure:
1. A venous blood sample was collected in an EDTA tube.
2. Red blood cells were lysed to release hemoglobin.
3. The hemolysate was applied to the electrophoresis gel strip.
4. Electrophoresis was carried out at alkaline pH using an electric current.
5. After separation, the bands were stained and interpreted by comparing with controls.
6. The migration pattern indicated the genotype (e.g., AA, AS, SS, AC).
5. Result:
• AA – Normal hemoglobin only
• AS – Sickle cell trait (carrier)
• SS – Sickle cell disease
• AC/SC – Other variant hemoglobins
6. Uses:
• It was used to screen for sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and other hemoglobinopathies.
• Also important for prenatal counseling, marriage counseling, and blood donor screening.
7. Consultation:
Patients with abnormal genotypes were referred to a hematologist or genetic counselor. Genetic counseling, preventive advice, or treatment plans were initiated based on the results.

02/08/2025

A wonderful morning to you all

Understanding Diabetes: Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Treatment

Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic medical condition that affects how the body processes blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is the primary source of energy for the body's cells, and its levels are regulated by a hormone called insulin, produced by the pancreas. In people with diabetes, either the body doesn't produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it does produce, leading to high blood sugar levels.

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Types of Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes:
An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It usually develops in children or young adults and requires daily insulin injections.

2. Type 2 Diabetes:
The most common form, where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough. It’s often linked to obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity. It usually occurs in adults but is increasingly seen in younger individuals.

3. Gestational Diabetes:
Occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after childbirth, but it increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

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Diagnosis of Diabetes

Diabetes is diagnosed through the following tests:

Fasting Blood Sugar Test:
Measures blood glucose after at least 8 hours of fasting. A level of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher indicates diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):
Blood sugar is measured before and 2 hours after drinking a sweet liquid. A reading of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher after 2 hours suggests diabetes.

HbA1c Test (Glycated Hemoglobin):
Reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. A result of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.

Random Blood Sugar Test:
A random reading of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or more, along with symptoms, is diagnostic of diabetes.

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Symptoms of Diabetes
Continuedbin the comment section

01/08/2025

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