The words you were told, explained properly.

43 entries

Packed cell volumeAlso called PCV, haematocritTests and results

The proportion of your blood made up of red cells. A low value means anaemia, which is extremely common in Nigerian pregnancy and is treatable once found.

Full blood countAlso called FBCTests and results

A panel measuring red cells, white cells and platelets. The pattern of white cells often points toward bacterial rather than viral infection.

GenotypeTests and results

Your haemoglobin type, such as AA, AS or SS. It determines whether you carry sickle cell trait or disease, and it matters for both your health and your children's.

Rhesus statusAlso called Rh factorTests and results

Whether your blood is rhesus positive or negative. A rhesus negative mother carrying a rhesus positive baby needs anti D immunoglobulin, which is why this is checked at antenatal booking.

eGFRAlso called Estimated glomerular filtration rateTests and results

A calculation from your creatinine that estimates how well your kidneys filter blood. Below 15 usually means dialysis is needed. It is a more reliable guide than creatinine alone.

HbA1cTests and results

An average of your blood sugar over roughly three months. It predicts diabetic complications far better than a single fasting reading taken on a good morning.

Widal testTests and results

An antibody test widely used for typhoid in Nigeria. In an endemic population a positive result often reflects past exposure rather than current infection, which is why blood culture is the definitive test.

Rapid diagnostic testAlso called RDTTests and results

A finger prick test giving a malaria result in about fifteen minutes. Antigen can persist for a few weeks after treatment, so a positive soon after a treated episode may reflect the old infection.

Blood cultureTests and results

Growing bacteria from a blood sample to identify the organism and which antibiotics will kill it. It takes 48 to 72 hours because the bacteria must multiply first.

UrinalysisTests and results

Testing urine for protein, glucose, blood and signs of infection. Protein in urine is often the earliest visible sign of kidney damage, appearing years before creatinine moves.

Fundal heightTests and results

The distance from the pubic bone to the top of the womb, measured with a tape at antenatal visits. It gives a quick check that the baby is growing as expected for the dates.

MyomectomyProcedures

Surgery removing fibroids while keeping the uterus, which preserves the ability to conceive. Fibroids can recur afterwards because the operation removes the fibroids, not the tendency to form them.

HysterectomyProcedures

Removal of the uterus. It is definitive for fibroids but ends fertility permanently, so it suits women who have completed their families.

Caesarean sectionAlso called CSProcedures

Delivery of a baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus, planned in advance or decided during labour when vaginal delivery becomes unsafe.

LaparotomyProcedures

An operation opening the abdomen through a single larger incision, used in emergencies and where the problem is not yet clearly defined.

Minimal access surgeryAlso called Laparoscopic, keyholeProcedures

Surgery through several small incisions using a camera. The operation inside is similar to open surgery, but pain, infection risk, scarring and hospital stay are all lower.

AppendectomyProcedures

Removal of an inflamed appendix, one of the most common emergency operations in any hospital.

FistulaAlso called Arteriovenous fistula, AVFProcedures

A surgical join between an artery and a vein in the arm, created so that dialysis can be run through it. It takes six to twelve weeks to mature and has the lowest infection risk of any dialysis access.

IntubatedCritical care

A tube has been placed into the windpipe so a ventilator can support breathing. Patients are sedated because the tube is not tolerable while fully awake.

ExtubatedCritical care

The breathing tube has been removed and the patient is breathing on their own. Some hoarseness and sore throat afterwards is expected.

WeaningCritical care

Gradually reducing ventilator support so the patient does more of the breathing themselves. It can take days or weeks, and setbacks along the way are normal.

TracheostomyCritical care

A breathing tube placed through the front of the neck for longer term ventilation. Families often hear it as bad news; usually it signals a plan for a longer recovery and it is normally temporary.

SedationCritical care

Medication keeping a patient comfortable and unaware. It is reduced regularly to assess the underlying level of consciousness, which is why a relative can seem more responsive at some visits than others.

InotropesAlso called VasopressorsCritical care

Drugs given by continuous infusion to support blood pressure and circulation when the body cannot maintain them alone.

Haemodynamically stableCritical care

Blood pressure and circulation are holding steady. It means not currently deteriorating, which is not the same as improving.

SepsisCritical care

The body's response to an infection begins damaging its own organs. It progresses quickly and the first hour of treatment matters more than any single drug given later.

Acute kidney injuryAlso called AKICritical care

A sudden loss of kidney function over hours or days. Unlike chronic kidney disease it is frequently reversible, and dialysis may be a temporary bridge rather than a permanent treatment.

LactateCritical care

A blood measurement showing whether tissues are receiving enough oxygen. A rising lactate is one of the earliest signals that a patient is deteriorating.

Nil by mouthAlso called NPOCritical care

Nothing to be given by mouth, including water. Usually because swallowing is unsafe or a procedure is planned. Always ask the nurse before giving a patient anything.

HMOAlso called Health Maintenance OrganisationPaying for care

An organisation providing health insurance in Nigeria, paying for defined care at listed hospitals. Cover varies considerably between plan tiers within the same provider.

Enrolee numberPaying for care

Your identifying number with your HMO. Bring it to every visit; it is what allows us to verify your cover before treatment.

Pre authorisationPaying for care

Approval from your HMO before certain treatments. Admissions, surgery and many investigations need it. In an emergency we treat first and settle the paperwork afterwards.

Waiting periodPaying for care

A period after joining an HMO plan before certain benefits begin. Maternity almost always carries the longest one, and it is measured from when your cover started.

Co paymentPaying for care

A portion of the cost you pay yourself even though you hold cover. We tell you the amount before treatment rather than at discharge.

RetainershipPaying for care

An annual agreement between a family or organisation and this hospital directly, covering defined care for a set fee. It sits between paying per episode and buying full insurance.

ObstetricsDepartments

Care during pregnancy, labour and the period after delivery.

GynaecologyDepartments

Care of the female reproductive system outside pregnancy, covering fibroids, bleeding, pain, infertility and menopause.

PaediatricsDepartments

Medical care of children, from newborns through to adolescence.

NephrologyDepartments

Care of the kidneys, including chronic kidney disease and dialysis. Not the same as urology.

UrologyDepartments

Care of the urinary tract and male reproductive system, including prostate, stones and urinary symptoms.

CardiologyDepartments

Care of the heart and circulation, including high blood pressure, heart failure and rhythm problems.

Internal medicineDepartments

General adult medicine. The right first stop when symptoms do not obviously belong to one specialty.

PhysiotherapyDepartments

Structured rehabilitation restoring movement and strength after stroke, surgery, fracture or injury.