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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Stories of the Hidden Heroes in Covid-19 Battle

Stories of the Hidden Heroes in Covid-19 Battle

The Covid-19 pandemic has been challenging and has caused significant impact to healthcare industry including Pantai Premier Pathology’s front liners. Nevertheless, our nation’s frontline heroes have continuously dedicated their time and energy to contain this global pandemic. We are humbled by their commitment, dedication and relentless efforts in handling the outbreak, even by risking their own lives every day to fight for the nation. To sum up the year 2020 that is full of challenges, we would like to share some personal challenges and accomplishments of Pantai Premier Pathology’s frontline heroes throughout 2020 year in the fight against Covid-19 in Malaysia.

Gunasundari Kunasekaran, Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist

“My colleagues have always reminded me to take care of myself and my 7-month-old unborn baby’s safety while handling the Covid-19 cases”

I was 7 months pregnant when I joined the Covid-19 team at the beginning of the year. It was an extremely busy period as we had to work for very long hours to stay on par with the turn-around-time (TAT). Nevertheless, it did not stop me from working given that I have a very supportive family who had my back and understood the nature of my work and long working hours. I also received words of encouragement and motivation from people around me during this time which really boosted my spirit and made me even stronger. Besides, I did not feel anxious when working with the Covid-19 samples while being pregnant as much as how others were worried about the safety of me and my child as I was fully donned with the complete set of PPEs and complied to the SOP at all times.

Noor Idayana, Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist

“I have decided to volunteer myself to help my husband in the Covid team as he works overtime, even without coming back home at times”

My husband, Abdul Razak, PIC for the Covid team, has been involved in the battle against Covid-19 since the beginning of the cases’ arrival on site. He has been working almost every day ever since with minimum amount of rest. This has affected my emotions indirectly as it got me worried about his wellbeing. I felt the need to help him out in any ways I could. As a result, I volunteered to go over to the Covid sample processing site to help him out over the weekends after working during my normal shifts at weekdays. In fact, everyone in the Covid team, including the dispatch riders, clerks, marketing executives, medical laboratory technicians, scientists and the CEO himself were helping out in this battle by sharing the workload. Everyone played a huge role and made sure no one was left behind. When we helped each other, the load was much easier to bear. I feel so proud of myself and my team to be able to fight for the nation together during this unprecedented time.

Suhafiza Sudin, Senior Medical Laboratory Scientist

“The only precious 30 minutes I spend with my children throughout the day is when I get them ready for the day, early in the morning before leaving to work as they would be sound asleep by the time I reach home after settling the Covid-19 samples in the lab”

Ever since the pandemic started earlier this year, I have been working overtime due to the high number of samples coming in. On some occasions I have to standby on weekends and even have to work for a week straight, this has limited the time I spend with my children. In spite of all of that, I still felt the responsibility to help the people because that is what my job is all about. This pandemic has also made the bond between me and my team stronger as we worked together.

Woo Yee Suet, Assistant Manager

“We try to cheer ourselves by going out to have a meal together after work”

Even Though I have been working tirelessly during this pandemic, I have found moments of joy through my team who are very supportive and understanding. They will cheer you up when you are feeling down and will make sure you do not feel like you are alone in this battle. Though we were facing an increasingly complicated set of challenges, the spirit of teamwork has caused an outsized impact on our success in overcoming each challenge. Besides, the company has provided Covid incentives to all their staff who had been involved directly or indirectly in handling the Covid-19 samples for the past few months as a token of appreciation which had really motivated the team to contribute to ease the workload.

Mohd Falihin, Medical Laboratory Scientist

“The Covid-19 outbreak has given me the opportunity to learn new things and experiences as well as the skills to overcome challenges”

This year has definitely been more challenging compared to the previous years, as we had to handle not only the routine test but also the Covid test. The high volume of samples for both the routine and Covid test had us working overtime. Nevertheless, amidst this bustle I had the opportunity to gain more experience and knowledge, especially in handling new equipment and machines while working with the Covid-19 samples. This has personally boosted my self-esteem and confidence indirectly.

Ashraf Hakim Dzulkarnain, Medical Laboratory Scientist

“To all front liners out there; keep fighting and never give up. We are in this battle to fight for our nation together”

To all front liners, keep calm and stay strong whenever and wherever you are. Continue to be patient and have passion in your work as the nature of our job is not only in helping people but also the country in curbing this global pandemic. Just like the saying goes, look for the rainbow in every storm. I know each one of us has our own limitations and may be affected differently, but have faith that in the end God will repay your sacrifices in ways you would never imagine.

We are immensely grateful for the noble contributions and sacrifices of all front liners. It is our hope to continue to fight and win this battle against Covid-19 together. Even during the darkest days, there are moments of levity too.

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

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

Since February 2020 until November 2020, Pantai Premier Pathology has performed 255,000 of Covid-19 PCR tests overall which make it 8.3% 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 November 2020 is 1,445 cases.

For November 2020 alone, Pantai Premier Pathology has conducted PCR Covid-19 tests for 42,000 throughout the month.

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
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