Glossary

hepatitis – an infection that causes liver inflammation, usually a virus.

percutaneous – umbilical cord sampling see cordocentis.

X-ray – an abbreviation for x-radiation. An X-ray lung scan is a common way to look for evidence of TB infection. X-rays can also diagnose bone fractures.

nanotechnology – science working with tiny particles at the level of manipulating individual molecules. This is an exciting field of medicine. Drugs developed with nanotechnology would need much lower drug doses (hopefully cheaper and having fewer side effects) and would be longer lasting (perhaps being taken every2–4 weeks).

albumin – a protein made by the liver. It carries drugs, hormones and waste products through the blood and maintains fluid levels within the body. An abnormally low level of albumin is a sign of serious liver damage.