Diagnostic Tests Flashcards
Papanicolauo (pap) test
Reasons why this test might be ordered
- To test for precancerous cells, as well as changes in cervical cells that may lead to cervical cancer in the future
- To test the presence of cervical cancer
- To test for HPV which is an STI that can lead to cervical cancer
Papanicolauo (pap) test
Normal values
Normal/ negative: no changes were found in cervical cells
Unclear/equivocal/inconclusive: cells look like they could be abnormal, but it was not clear
Papanicolauo (pap) test
Procedure
Patient prep: legs spread, feet in holders
Procedure: Insert the speculum Warm speculum and insert Doctor retrieved a small brush and rub it on cervix Transfer brush to a bag
Papanicolauo (pap) test
Related information
Recommended age 21-65 years old every 3 years
Barium swallow test
Reasons why this test might be ordered
- To test for cancer of head and neck, esophagus
- To test for hiatal hernia, which is a bulge in the stomach that develops due to weakened muscle tissue
- Abnormalities in the upper GI tract (polyps, narrowing, pouches)
Barium swallow test
Normal values
: no abnormalities were found in the digestive system
Barium swallow test
Procedure
Patient prep:
eat a low fibre diet 2-3 days before exam, night before no eating or smoking
Procedure:
Drink a Chalky white barium mixture-slightly radioactive
After ingestion fluoroscopy are taken
Patient will lie down or stand
Barium swallow test
Related information
Side effects:
Nausea, constipation, white stool
Can’t do this test if pregnant or have glaucoma
I’d have diabetes may skip first dose
Colonoscopy
Reasons why this test might be ordered
- To test for colon cancer
- To examine the colon in order to find causes to symptoms a patient might be experiencing (rectal bleeding, constipation, diarrhea)
- Examine colon for polyps, these are small clusters of cells that form in the lining of the colon
Colonoscopy
Normal results
No abnormalities were found in the colon
Colonoscopy
Procedure
Patient prep: Low fibre diet for 2-3 days Day before can only drink clear fluids May be prescribed laxatives to drink the night before May be given a sedation or pain meds Knees drawn towards chest
Procedure:
Insert the colonscope into the rectum
Will inspect the colon for abnormal bleeding, tumours or polyps - polyps will be removed during this procedure. Biopsies will be taken as well.
Colonoscopy
Related information
Risks:
Bad reaction to meds
Bleeding from biopsy site, or polyp removal site
Perforation of the colon or rectum due to mishandling
Recommended to get done 10 years
If negative result every 5 years of family history
Mammography
Reasons why this test might be ordered
- Screening- to look for cancer in patients who don’t have symptoms of breast cancer. Monitors changes over time
- Diagnostic- if patient finds a lump a dr would order this test
- The evaluate breast pain when physical examination and history are not conclusive
Mammography
Normal value
Density of breasts
Mammography
Procedure
Remove jewelry
Stand in front of machine and place breast on X-ray plate
A separate plate will come on top
Patient will hold breath
Mammography
Related information
Interfering factors: Breast implants Previous breast surgery Wearing deodorant Pregnancy
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
Reasons why this test might be ordered
- Collect CSF for lab analysis can help diagnose cancers involving brain for spinal cord
- Measure pressure of CSF in the space around the spinal cord and remove CSF if necessary to decrease pressure in that space
- Inject spinal anaesthetics, chemotherapy, drugs or meds. Can also inject dye or radioactive substance into CSF to make diagnostic images of the fluids flow
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
Normal values
Appearance is normally clear and colourless
Decreased white blood cells is normal
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
Procedure
Sit and lean forward or lie on side with knees to chest
Local anesthetic is injected into patients lower back
Thin hollow needle is inserted between 2 lumbar vertebrae into the spinal cord
CSF pressure is measured
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
Related information
Risk:
Bleeding at puncture site, back pain, post-lumbar puncture headaches
Brain stem herniation
Bone marrow Aspiration
Reasons why this test might be ordered
- Diagnose blood or bone marrow cancers such as luekemia or multiple myeloma
- Collect a sample of bone marrow for medical procedures such as cell transplant
- Check response to treatment for bone marrow condition or cancer
Bone marrow Aspiration
Normal value
Normal bone marrow contains 0-5% blasts
Bone marrow Aspiration
Procedure
Numbing cream to iliac crest
Patient is prone or side lying
Sedative is given
Doctor makes a small incision, then insert a hallow needle through the bone into the bone marrow. A syringe is attached to the needle and bone marrow is extracted
Bone marrow Aspiration
Related information
Sharp pain or stinging
Complications are rare but include bleeding or long lasting discomfort at site of incision
CT-thorax
Reasons why this test might be ordered
- Detection and diagnosis- lung tumour/ shape size and location
- Metastasis- used to see if cancer has spread to the chest from distant sites
- Helps diagnosis other chest abnormalities
CT-thorax
Procedure
Iv contrast may be required
Camera moves around patient
3D image