Diagnostic Methods Flashcards
Covers imaging, blood tests, biopsy techniques, and microbiological testing.
What are the main types of medical imaging?
X-ray, CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear imaging (PET/SPECT).
What is the main advantage of X-ray imaging?
Fast, inexpensive, good for bone fractures and lung pathologies (e.g., pneumonia, pneumothorax).
When is a CT scan preferred over an X-ray?
For detailed cross-sectional imaging (e.g., stroke evaluation, abdominal pathology, trauma).
What are MRI scans best suited for?
Soft tissue evaluation (brain, spinal cord, joints, tumors).
When is ultrasound the imaging modality of choice?
Pregnancy, gallstones, cardiac function (echocardiography), DVT evaluation.
What is PET imaging used for?
Cancer staging, metabolic activity assessment (glucose uptake using FDG tracer).
What are the main types of blood tests used in diagnostics?
Complete blood count (CBC), metabolic panel, coagulation tests, inflammatory markers, cardiac markers.
What does a Complete blood count (CBC) measure?
RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, WBC count, platelet count.
What are common inflammatory markers?
C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin.
Which blood markers indicate myocardial infarction (heart attack)?
Troponins (high specificity), CK-MB, myoglobin.
What is a D-dimer test used for?
To rule out deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE).
What are the main types of biopsy procedures?
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNA): Cells from a lesion.
- Core needle biopsy: Larger tissue sample.
- Excisional biopsy: Entire lesion removal.
- Incisional biopsy: Partial lesion sample.
What type of biopsy is used for breast cancer diagnosis?
Core needle biopsy (most common), FNA if necessary.
What is a bone marrow biopsy used for?
Diagnosis of leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, anemia.
What are the main types of microbiological tests?
1) Gram stain & culture – Identifies bacterial infections.
2) PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) – Detects viral and bacterial DNA/RNA.
3) ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) – Detects antigens or antibodies.
4) Blood culture – Identifies bloodstream infections (sepsis).
What is the gold standard test for tuberculosis?
Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear & culture, followed by PCR testing.
What is the diagnostic test for HIV?
ELISA screening + confirmatory Western blot or PCR.
