Diagnostic Tests Flashcards
1
Q
arteriography
A
- is an invasive procedure that uses x-ray imaging and an injected contrast dye to visualize blood vessels
- this technique can visualized the major systemic arteries as well as the arterial systems that perfuse the major organs
- a catheter is inserted into an artery, either at the groin or in the arm, and is guided up to the heart.
- the test can be used to identify arteriosclerosis, aneurysm, vascular malformations, tumors or blockages
2
Q
arthrography
A
- invasive procedure that uses x-ray imaging and an injected contrast dye to visualize joint structures
- a long needle is used to inject the dye directly into the joint
- alternatively, the dye can be injected into a blood vessel and then absorbed into the joint space
- x-rays are then taken with the joint in different positions
- useful in identifying pathology of joint structures.
- soft tissue disruption can be identified by leakage of fluid from the joint cavity
- the test is commonly used at peripheral joints
- arthrography is commonly used with x-ray imaging, though it can also be used with fluoroscopy, MRI, and CT imaging
3
Q
Bone scan
A
- is an invasive procedure used specifically to provide detailed information on bony structures, such as stress fracture, infection, and bone cancer or metastasis.
- a bone scan involves the injection of a radionuclide into the body
- the body is then scanned with a gamma camera to see which bones have taken up the radioactive material
- the image produced during the scan shows areas that have high levels of bone remodeling since the radionuclide is taken up by the osteoblast cells within the bone
- bone scans can identify bone disease or stress fractures with as little as 4-7% bone loss
4
Q
Computed tomography
A
- is a non-invasive imaging procedure in which x-ray images are taken from multiple angles using a large circular scanner
- the images are then combined using computer analysis to produce cross-sectional images.
- CT scans produce images of any structure within the body and therefore have a wide range of uses
- CT scans are most commonly used to diagnose spinal lesions and in diagnostic studies of the brain
5
Q
electroencephalography
A
- is a non-invasive procedure used to record the electrical activity of the brain
- several electrodes are placed on the scalp and are used to record the electrical impulses that result from brain activity
- the electrical activity is recorded and displayed as characteristic waveforms on a monitor
- brain disorders can be diagnosed based on abnormalities in these waveforms
- evoked potential studies are a form of EEG in which brain activity is measured in response to various stimuli
6
Q
fluroscopy
A
- designed to show motion within the body with the use of x-ray imaging and injection of a contrast dye
- the technique permits objects placed between a fluorescent screen and a roentgen tube to become visible
- instead of a single x-ray image being taken, the x-ray beam is passed through the body continuously to allow for the visualization of movement.
- fluoroscopy can show motion within joints or movement of the dye within the digestive tract
- a barium swallow exam is a specific type of fluoroscopy procedure used to assess the gastrointestinal tract
- the procedure can also be used during the insertion of medical devices
7
Q
lumbar puncture
A
- invasive procedure that is used to diagnose problems with the spine or brain
- the procedure is performed by inserting a needle into the subarachnoid space in the L/S and drawing CSF out to be tested
- Lumbar puncture can be used to diagnose conditions such as encephalitis, meningitis, and GB syndrome.
- Lumbar puncture can also be used to measure the pressure of the CSF
8
Q
Magnetic resonance Imaging
A
- is a noninvasive procedure that utilizes magnetic fields and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of the body
- the MRI scanner is a large cylindrical device with a hollow tunnel in the center where the patient lies
- MRI can be used to visualize almost any structure within the body, but is most often used for imaging soft tissue structures, such as muscles, menisci, ligaments, tumors, and internal organs
- MRI provides excellent contrast detail, therefore contrast dyes rarely need to be used, though they may still be used in certain types of imaging to improve the image quality
9
Q
Myelography
A
- invasive procedure that combines x-ray/fluoroscopy or CT with use of a contrast dye to evaluate spinal structures, specifically the SC, nerve roots, and meninges
- the contrast dye is injected directly into the epidural space by lumbar puncture
- myelography is used to identify bone displacement, spinal stenosis, disk herniation, SC compression, infection/ inflammation of the meninges or tumors
10
Q
Nerve conduction Velocity Test
A
procedure used determine the extent of nerve damage by measuring the speed of an electrical impulse through the nerve
- two surface electrodes are attached on the skin over the course of the nerve
- the first electrode stimulates the nerve while the second electrode measures the speed of the electrical impulse
- NCV is often used in conjunction with electromyography testing
- performing both tests allows the health care practitioner to determine if the condition is related to nerve pathology or muscle pathology
- NCV is helpful in the diagnosis of conditions such as GB syndrome, carpal tunnel, and peripheral neuropathy
11
Q
Positive emission tomography
A
- invasive procedure that uses radiography and an injected radionuclide to determine the metabolic activity of an organ or tissue
- the radionuclide is attached to a substance that would be used by the organ of interest
- a scanner is used to determine the amount of radionuclide taken up by the organ, thereby determining how metabolically active the organ is PET is commonly used in oncology to identify malignant tumors, though it is also used in the neurology and cardiology fields
- PET has more recently been used in conjunction with CT scan to provide greater detail on tumors and other lesions
12
Q
ultrasound
A
- noninvasive procedure that uses sound waves to produce images of structures within the body, especially the internal organs
- a transducer is placed on the skin and sends sound waves into the body, where they reflect off the internal structures and are then received and processed by the transducer
- this information is converted into an image based on the different speeds at which the sound waves travel
- US shows not only an image of a structure, but also the movement of that structure since it is performed in real time
- doppler US is a specific form of US that evaluates blood flow in the major veins, arteries and cerebrovascular system
- in comparison to a standard US, doppler can provide auditory output in addition to the visual projection
13
Q
Venography
A
- invasive procedure that uses x-ray imaging and an injected contrast dye to visualize the venous system
- a catheter is inserted into a vein in the foot so that the contrast dye can be injected
- this test is most often used for visualizing the veins in the leg, though it can also be used for the upper extremities or the inferior vena cava
- venography is helpful for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis, tumors, valve dysfunction or other pathology of the venous system
14
Q
x-ray
A
- radiographic image commonly used to assist with the diagnosis of issues related to the bones, such as fracture, dislocations, arthritis and bone injections
- chest x-rays may be performed to help diagnose lung conditions, such a pneumonia or COPD
- an x-ray uses radiation to penetrate the body and create a two- dimensional picture
- structure with low density do not absorb x-rays as well and therefore do not show up on radiograph
- produces only 2D images and as a result often requires images to be taken in multiple planes in order to visualize a lesion’s location and size
