Medical laboratory scientist canvasses regular screening for hepatitis

A medical laboratory scientist, Mr Chineye Nwekpe, has urged Nigerians to go for regular screening for hepatitis and to confirm that they are healthy always.

Nwekpe, who is with the National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Enugu.

Nwekpe explained that hepatitis was a highly contagious disease usually caused by the inflammation of the liver and could easily lead to death of its victim if not treated.

“It is important for everyone to go for regular screening; the disease can only be diagnosed through examination by the medical laboratory scientists.

“Regular screening will help everyone to know his or her health status,’’ the former chairman of the Association of the Nigerian Medical Laboratory Scientists, Enugu State chapter, said.

He advised those diagnosed with hepatitis to go for medical treatment and avoid self-medication.

He also said that they should avoid patronising quacks in the medical laboratory profession.

He said they should patronise registered medical laboratory scientists that could guarantee them perfect results of whatever laboratory examinations being carried out on them.