Tests
Skin self-exam
Skin self-exam means checking your own skin regularly for any abnormal growths or unusual changes. This helps you detect and treat skin cancer (or other skin abnormalities) as early as possible.
Skin self-exam means checking your own skin regularly for any abnormal growths or unusual changes. This helps you detect and treat skin cancer (or other skin abnormalities) as early as possible.
Digital rectal exam
A digital rectal exam is an examination of the lower rectum to check for hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and stool abnormalities such as frank (evident) or occult (hidden) blood. The term "digital" refers to the clinician's use of a lubricated finger (digit) to conduct the exam. This examination is also used to evaluate the prostate gland in males.
A digital rectal exam is an examination of the lower rectum to check for hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and stool abnormalities such as frank (evident) or occult (hidden) blood. The term "digital" refers to the clinician's use of a lubricated finger (digit) to conduct the exam. This examination is also used to evaluate the prostate gland in males.
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
Fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
Flushable reagent stool blood test
This is a test performed at home with disposable pads that detects the presence of hidden (occult) blood in the stool. The pads are available at drugstores without a prescription.Brand names include EZ-Detect and ColoCARE.
This is a test performed at home with disposable pads that detects the presence of hidden (occult) blood in the stool. The pads are available at drugstores without a prescription.Brand names include EZ-Detect and ColoCARE.
Bone marrow biopsy
Bone marrow is soft tissue found inside some of the larger bones in the body. The marrow produces and red and white blood cells. A is a method of removing a small tissue sample from the body to have it examined under a microscope and possibly analyzed by other tests.
Bone marrow is soft tissue found inside some of the larger bones in the body. The marrow produces and red and white blood cells. A is a method of removing a small tissue sample from the body to have it examined under a microscope and possibly analyzed by other tests.
Lymph node biopsy
Lymph node biopsy
Lymph node biopsy
EEG
EEG
EEG
Nerve biopsy
A nerve biopsy is the removal of a small piece of a nerve for examination.
A nerve biopsy is the removal of a small piece of a nerve for examination.
Carpal tunnel biopsy
Carpal tunnel biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small portion of tissue is removed from the carpal tunnel (part of the wrist).
Carpal tunnel biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small portion of tissue is removed from the carpal tunnel (part of the wrist).
Muscle biopsy
Muscle biopsy
Muscle biopsy
Synovial biopsy
The synovial membrane is tissue that lines a joint. In this , a sample is taken of the joint lining.
The synovial membrane is tissue that lines a joint. In this , a sample is taken of the joint lining.
Breast biopsy
A breast biopsy is a procedure that obtains a sample of breast tissue and analyzes it in a laboratory for signs of or other disorders.
A breast biopsy is a procedure that obtains a sample of breast tissue and analyzes it in a laboratory for signs of or other disorders.
Endometrial biopsy
Endometrial biopsy is a procedure in which a tissue sample is obtained from the endometrium (the inside lining of the uterus) and is then observed under a microscope. The tissue is thoroughly examined for any cell abnormalities or .
Endometrial biopsy is a procedure in which a tissue sample is obtained from the endometrium (the inside lining of the uterus) and is then observed under a microscope. The tissue is thoroughly examined for any cell abnormalities or .
Colposcopy - directed biopsy
A colposcopy-directed uses a colposcope to aid in the viewing of the surface of the cervix. It helps identify areas on the surface that show tissue abnormalities. A colposcope is a low-power microscope that magnifies the surface of the cervix 10 to 40 times its normal size.
A colposcopy-directed uses a colposcope to aid in the viewing of the surface of the cervix. It helps identify areas on the surface that show tissue abnormalities. A colposcope is a low-power microscope that magnifies the surface of the cervix 10 to 40 times its normal size.
Cervical biopsy
A cervical biopsy is a test in which tissue samples are taken from the (see also colposcopy directed ) and examined for disease or other problems.
A cervical biopsy is a test in which tissue samples are taken from the (see also colposcopy directed ) and examined for disease or other problems.
Pap smear
A Pap smear is a microscopic examination of cells scraped from the .
A Pap smear is a microscopic examination of cells scraped from the .
Cold knife cone biopsy
A cold knife cone biopsy is a procedure to obtain a sample of abnormal tissue from the cervix for further examination. This procedure obtains a larger sample than that obtained by or . An alternative procedure known as LEEP (loop electrocautery excisional procedure) uses electric current instead of a knife to remove the cervical tissue.
A cold knife cone biopsy is a procedure to obtain a sample of abnormal tissue from the cervix for further examination. This procedure obtains a larger sample than that obtained by or . An alternative procedure known as LEEP (loop electrocautery excisional procedure) uses electric current instead of a knife to remove the cervical tissue.
Testicular self-examination
Testicular self-examination
Testicular self-examination
Testicular biopsy
Testicular biopsy is a procedure to obtain a sample of tissue from the for examination. The testicles are the male reproductive organs, which produce sperm and the hormone .
Testicular biopsy is a procedure to obtain a sample of tissue from the for examination. The testicles are the male reproductive organs, which produce sperm and the hormone .
Renal biopsy
A renal biopsy is a way to obtain a sample of kidney tissue. The sample is then examined in the laboratory.
A renal biopsy is a way to obtain a sample of kidney tissue. The sample is then examined in the laboratory.
Ureteral retrograde brush biopsy cytology
Ureteral retrograde brush biopsy cytology
Ureteral retrograde brush biopsy cytology
Cytology exam of urine
A cytology exam of urine is used to detect and inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract.
A cytology exam of urine is used to detect and inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract.
Bladder biopsy
Bladder biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue from the bladder for examination.
Bladder biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue from the bladder for examination.
Adrenalectomy
Adrenalectomy
Adrenalectomy
Thyroid nodule fine needle aspirate
Thyroid nodule fine needle aspirate
Thyroid nodule fine needle aspirate
Parathyroid biopsy
A parathyroid biopsy is a diagnostic test in which a small piece of parathyroid gland is removed for examination.
A parathyroid biopsy is a diagnostic test in which a small piece of parathyroid gland is removed for examination.
Liver biopsy
Liver biopsy
Liver biopsy
Biopsy - biliary tract
A procedure that involves taking a sample of tissue or material from the , ducts, pancreas or pancreatic duct to test for or other diseases.
A procedure that involves taking a sample of tissue or material from the , ducts, pancreas or pancreatic duct to test for or other diseases.
ERCP
ERCP
ERCP
Rectal biopsy
Rectal biopsy
Rectal biopsy
Small bowel biopsy
Small bowel biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a portion of the lining of the small intestine is removed for examination.
Small bowel biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a portion of the lining of the small intestine is removed for examination.
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Myocardial biopsy
Myocardial biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of heart muscle tissue is removed for examination.
Myocardial biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of heart muscle tissue is removed for examination.
Cytology exam of pleural fluid
This is an examination of pleural fluid to detect the presence of malignant (cancerous) cells. The pleural space surrounds the lungs and normally contains only enough fluid to lubricate the pleura, the lining of the lung.
This is an examination of pleural fluid to detect the presence of malignant (cancerous) cells. The pleural space surrounds the lungs and normally contains only enough fluid to lubricate the pleura, the lining of the lung.
Mediastinoscopy with biopsy
Mediastinoscopy with biopsy
Mediastinoscopy with biopsy
Open pleural biopsy
Open pleural biopsy
Open pleural biopsy
Pleural needle biopsy
The pleura is a thin membrane that lines the lungs and the inside of the chest wall. A pleural biopsy involves taking a sample of the pleural tissue to be examined under a microscope. The pleural needle biopsy is done under a local anesthetic.
The pleura is a thin membrane that lines the lungs and the inside of the chest wall. A pleural biopsy involves taking a sample of the pleural tissue to be examined under a microscope. The pleural needle biopsy is done under a local anesthetic.
Open lung biopsy
Open is a test in which a small piece of the lung tissue is removed through a surgical incision in the chest. The sample is then examined for , infection, or .
Open is a test in which a small piece of the lung tissue is removed through a surgical incision in the chest. The sample is then examined for , infection, or .
Lung needle biopsy
A lung needle biopsy is the process of obtaining and examining a sample of lung tissue.
A lung needle biopsy is the process of obtaining and examining a sample of lung tissue.
Bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy
Bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a bronchoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth to collect multiple specimens of lung tissue.
Bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a bronchoscope is inserted through the nose or mouth to collect multiple specimens of lung tissue.
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure in which a tube with a tiny camera on the end is inserted through the nose or mouth into the lungs. The procedure provides a view of the airways of the lung and allows doctors to collect lung secretions or tissue specimens (biopsy).
Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure in which a tube with a tiny camera on the end is inserted through the nose or mouth into the lungs. The procedure provides a view of the airways of the lung and allows doctors to collect lung secretions or tissue specimens (biopsy).
Upper airway biopsy
A diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the upper airway (nose, mouth, throat) for examination.
A diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the upper airway (nose, mouth, throat) for examination.
Gum biopsy
A gum biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of gingival (gum) tissue is removed for examination.
A gum biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of gingival (gum) tissue is removed for examination.
Oropharynx lesion biopsy
An oropharynx lesion biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which tissue from an abnormal growth or lesion (such as a mouth sore) is removed for analysis.
An oropharynx lesion biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which tissue from an abnormal growth or lesion (such as a mouth sore) is removed for analysis.
Tongue biopsy
Tongue biopsy
Tongue biopsy
Nasal mucosal biopsy
A nasal mucosal biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the mucosal lining of the nose.
A nasal mucosal biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the mucosal lining of the nose.
Salivary gland biopsy
Salivary gland biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of salivary gland is removed for examination.
Salivary gland biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small piece of salivary gland is removed for examination.
Abdominal wall fat pad biopsy
This procedure involves removing a small portion of the abdominal wall "fat pad." The procedure is done most often to test for .
This procedure involves removing a small portion of the abdominal wall "fat pad." The procedure is done most often to test for .
Skin lesion biopsy
A skin lesion biopsy is the process of removing a portion of skin from a patient for diagnostic examination.
A skin lesion biopsy is the process of removing a portion of skin from a patient for diagnostic examination.
Radionuclide cystogram
A Radionuclide cystogram is a test () using radioactive material (radioisotope) that is placed into the bladder. A scanner then detects radioactivity to evaluate bladder and urinary tract functions.
A Radionuclide cystogram is a test () using radioactive material (radioisotope) that is placed into the bladder. A scanner then detects radioactivity to evaluate bladder and urinary tract functions.
Upper GI and small bowel series
Upper GI and small bowel series
Upper GI and small bowel series
Abdominal film
Abdominal films are images of the abdomen. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation (like light). They are of higher energy, however, and can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray.
Abdominal films are images of the abdomen. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation (like light). They are of higher energy, however, and can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray.
Bone X-ray
An used to detect , tumors, or degenerative conditions of the bone.
An used to detect , tumors, or degenerative conditions of the bone.
Chest X-ray
An of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and the diaphragm.
An of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and the diaphragm.
Skull X-ray
The skull is used to examine the bones of the skull, including the facial bones, the nose, and the sinuses. See also .
The skull is used to examine the bones of the skull, including the facial bones, the nose, and the sinuses. See also .
Cerebral angiography
The arteries are not normally seen in an , so a contrast dye is injected into one or more arteries to make them visible. For the cerebral angiography, the contrast dye is injected into one or both of the carotid and/or vertebral arteries that are in the neck.
The arteries are not normally seen in an , so a contrast dye is injected into one or more arteries to make them visible. For the cerebral angiography, the contrast dye is injected into one or both of the carotid and/or vertebral arteries that are in the neck.
Lymphangiogram
Lymphangiogram
Lymphangiogram
Abdominal MRI
A procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct pictures of the abdomen and its organs. () produces pictures of the inside of the abdomen without exposure to ionizing radiation (X-rays).
A procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct pictures of the abdomen and its organs. () produces pictures of the inside of the abdomen without exposure to ionizing radiation (X-rays).
Heart MRI
A procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct pictures of the heart. () produces pictures of the heart without exposure to ionizing radiation (X-rays). The heart may be scanned by itself, or a heart MRI may be part of a .
A procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct pictures of the heart. () produces pictures of the heart without exposure to ionizing radiation (X-rays). The heart may be scanned by itself, or a heart MRI may be part of a .
Chest MRI
Chest MRI
Chest MRI
MRI of the head
MRI of the head
MRI of the head
Abdominal CT scan
An abdominal scan involves images of the abdomen from many angles. The X-ray beams are detected by the scanner and analyzed by a computer. The computer reconstructs the data into a picture of the body area being scanned. These images can be viewed on a monitor or reproduced as photographs.
An abdominal scan involves images of the abdomen from many angles. The X-ray beams are detected by the scanner and analyzed by a computer. The computer reconstructs the data into a picture of the body area being scanned. These images can be viewed on a monitor or reproduced as photographs.
Thoracic CT
Thoracic is a computed tomography scan of the chest and upper abdomen.
Thoracic is a computed tomography scan of the chest and upper abdomen.
Cranial CT scan
A cranial CT scan involves of the head, including the skull, brain, orbits (eyes), and sinuses.
A cranial CT scan involves of the head, including the skull, brain, orbits (eyes), and sinuses.
Intravenous pyelogram
Intravenous pyelogram
Intravenous pyelogram
Testicle ultrasound
Testicle ultrasound
Testicle ultrasound
Thyroid ultrasound
The thyroid is a gland located in the neck that regulates . is a painless method of examining the thyroid. This test involves high-frequency sound waves that are emitted and received by a transducer (a handheld instrument), and the sound waves penetrate the body. The sound waves are arranged into an image seen on a screen, based on the way they bounce off of the various body structures.
The thyroid is a gland located in the neck that regulates . is a painless method of examining the thyroid. This test involves high-frequency sound waves that are emitted and received by a transducer (a handheld instrument), and the sound waves penetrate the body. The sound waves are arranged into an image seen on a screen, based on the way they bounce off of the various body structures.
Lung needle biopsy culture
This is a laboratory test to isolate and identify organisms that cause infection from a lung specimen.
This is a laboratory test to isolate and identify organisms that cause infection from a lung specimen.
PTH-related protein
PTH-related protein is a blood test that measures the amount of PTH-related peptide (a protein molecule similar to ).
PTH-related protein is a blood test that measures the amount of PTH-related peptide (a protein molecule similar to ).
Bone marrow culture
This is a laboratory test performed on a bone marrow specimen to isolate and identify organisms that cause infection.
This is a laboratory test performed on a bone marrow specimen to isolate and identify organisms that cause infection.
TRAP - Tartrate Resistant Acid Phosphatase
A test of blood cells or bone marrow (biopsy) conducted to support a diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia. This test can also be done on blood plasma, in which case it is used as a marker of bone breakdown, for example to measure bone destruction caused by cancer.
A test of blood cells or bone marrow (biopsy) conducted to support a diagnosis of hairy cell leukemia. This test can also be done on blood plasma, in which case it is used as a marker of bone breakdown, for example to measure bone destruction caused by cancer.
Bone marrow aspiration
The bone marrow is the tissue that manufactures the blood cells and is in the hollow part of most bones. This test is done by suctioning some of the bone marrow for examination.
The bone marrow is the tissue that manufactures the blood cells and is in the hollow part of most bones. This test is done by suctioning some of the bone marrow for examination.
Blood differential
The blood differential test measures the relative numbers of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. It also includes information about abnormal cell structure and the presence of immature cells. (See also , peripheral smear, and .)
The blood differential test measures the relative numbers of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. It also includes information about abnormal cell structure and the presence of immature cells. (See also , peripheral smear, and .)
WBC count
This is a blood test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs). It is almost always part of the (complete blood count). See also .
This is a blood test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs). It is almost always part of the (complete blood count). See also .
CBC
The platelet count is also usually included in the CBC.
The platelet count is also usually included in the CBC.
CSF total protein
CSF total protein is a test to determine the amount of in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that circulates in the space surrounding the spinal cord. An abnormal protein level in the CSF suggests that there is an abnormal process occurring in the central nervous system.
CSF total protein is a test to determine the amount of in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that circulates in the space surrounding the spinal cord. An abnormal protein level in the CSF suggests that there is an abnormal process occurring in the central nervous system.
CSF cell count
A CSF cell count is a test to measure the number of red and white blood cells that are in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that circulates in the space surrounding the spinal cord and brain.
A CSF cell count is a test to measure the number of red and white blood cells that are in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that circulates in the space surrounding the spinal cord and brain.
Urinalysis
A urinalysis is an examination of the urine by physical or chemical means. Urinalysis comprises a battery of chemical and microscopic tests that help to screen for , , and diseases of other organs that result in abnormal metabolites (break-down products) appearing in the urine.
A urinalysis is an examination of the urine by physical or chemical means. Urinalysis comprises a battery of chemical and microscopic tests that help to screen for , , and diseases of other organs that result in abnormal metabolites (break-down products) appearing in the urine.
CEA
This is a test that measures the amount of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in blood.
This is a test that measures the amount of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in blood.
B-cell leukemia/lymphoma panel
This is a test that looks for characteristic "marker" proteins on the surface of B-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). These markers may be helpful in the diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma.
This is a test that looks for characteristic "marker" proteins on the surface of B-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). These markers may be helpful in the diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma.
Prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP)
The PAP test is a blood test that measures prostatic acid phosphatase (an found primarily in men in the prostate gland and semen) to determine the health of the prostate gland. Prostate dysfunction results in the release of PAP into the blood.
The PAP test is a blood test that measures prostatic acid phosphatase (an found primarily in men in the prostate gland and semen) to determine the health of the prostate gland. Prostate dysfunction results in the release of PAP into the blood.
Gallium (Ga.) scan
A gallium scan is a examination using a radioactive material (gallium) to look for areas of hidden infection in the body.
A gallium scan is a examination using a radioactive material (gallium) to look for areas of hidden infection in the body.
Liver function tests
Common tests that are used to evaluate liver function include:
Common tests that are used to evaluate liver function include:
Kidney function tests
Kidney function tests are common procedures used to evaluate renal function. Refer to the following documents for details as to how each test is performed:
Kidney function tests are common procedures used to evaluate renal function. Refer to the following documents for details as to how each test is performed:
Biopsy
Biopsy
Biopsy
Biopsy - polyps
A polyp biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that removes polyps (abnormal growths of tissue that may be cancerous) for examination.
A polyp biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that removes polyps (abnormal growths of tissue that may be cancerous) for examination.
Stool guaiac test
Stool guaiac test
Stool guaiac test
X-ray - skeleton
A skeletal is used to detect , tumors, or degenerative conditions of the bone.
A skeletal is used to detect , tumors, or degenerative conditions of the bone.
Mammography
A mammogram is an picture of the breasts. It is used to detect tumors and and to help differentiate (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) disease.
A mammogram is an picture of the breasts. It is used to detect tumors and and to help differentiate (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) disease.
Breast Ultrasound
Breast ultrasound is the use of ultrasonic sound waves (sounds that cannot be heard by humans) to produce an image of breast tissue.
Breast ultrasound is the use of ultrasonic sound waves (sounds that cannot be heard by humans) to produce an image of breast tissue.
PSA
The PSA test measures the amount of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in the blood.
The PSA test measures the amount of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in the blood.
Urine chemistry
Urine chemistry is a generic term used to reference a group of tests that may be performed on a urine sample. See also .
Urine chemistry is a generic term used to reference a group of tests that may be performed on a urine sample. See also .
Endoscopy
Endoscopy
Endoscopy
X-ray
The basic science of X-ray generation and detection is the key behind general radiographs of the body, mammography, fluoroscopy (real-time imaging on video screens), and computed tomography (CT).
The basic science of X-ray generation and detection is the key behind general radiographs of the body, mammography, fluoroscopy (real-time imaging on video screens), and computed tomography (CT).
Ultrasound
Ultrasound
Ultrasound
MRI
MRI
MRI
CT scan
CT scan
CT scan
Abdominal exploration
Abdominal exploration is a type of surgery where the abdomen is opened (laparotomy) and explored (exploratory laparotomy) for examination and treatment of problems.
Abdominal exploration is a type of surgery where the abdomen is opened (laparotomy) and explored (exploratory laparotomy) for examination and treatment of problems.
Mammogram - recommended age
Mammogram - recommended age
Mammogram - recommended age