Ovarian torsion refers to the rotation of an ovary, cutting off its blood supply. It most commonly affects women ages 20-39 and can occur at any age. Risk factors include ovarian tumors, pregnancy, assisted reproduction, and abnormally large or positioned ovaries. The twisting of the ovary leads to venous congestion and ischemia over time. Patients experience sudden, severe, unilateral abdominal pain that may radiate to the back. Ultrasound and surgery are used to diagnose and treat the condition by detorsion of the ovary within 8 hours to restore blood flow before tissue necrosis occurs. Delayed diagnosis can lead to loss of ovarian function or infection.
Medical laboratories play an important role in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. They are divided into two main sections - anatomical pathology and clinical pathology. Clinical pathology contains several units that study microbiology, chemistry, hematology, and other areas. Microbiology units include bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and mycology which identify microbes in specimens. Clinical chemistry analyzes blood components and other substances. Hematology studies blood cells and coagulation.
Ovarian torsion refers to the rotation of an ovary, cutting off its blood supply. It most commonly affects women ages 20-39 and can occur at any age. Risk factors include ovarian tumors, pregnancy, assisted reproduction, and abnormally large or positioned ovaries. The twisting of the ovary leads to venous congestion and ischemia over time. Patients experience sudden, severe, unilateral abdominal pain that may radiate to the back. Ultrasound and surgery are used to diagnose and treat the condition by detorsion of the ovary within 8 hours to restore blood flow before tissue necrosis occurs. Delayed diagnosis can lead to loss of ovarian function or infection.
Medical laboratories play an important role in disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. They are divided into two main sections - anatomical pathology and clinical pathology. Clinical pathology contains several units that study microbiology, chemistry, hematology, and other areas. Microbiology units include bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and mycology which identify microbes in specimens. Clinical chemistry analyzes blood components and other substances. Hematology studies blood cells and coagulation.
