Digestion - test and procedures Flashcards
abdominal ultrasound
Method of using sound waves to generate an image of abdominal organs; often used to diagnose liver cysts, gallstones, tissue abscesses, and abdominal organ enlargement.
barium enema; lower gastrointestinal (LGI) series
Special X-ray of the large intestine, including the rectum, using barium as a contrast medium
biopsy
The removal of a small piece of living tissue for microscopic examination.
excisional biopsy
Surgical removal of an entire lesion or tumor.
Incisional biopsy
Incision (cut) into the tissue for removal of a small piece of living tissue for examination microscopically.
needle biopsy
Biopsy procedure in which a hollow needle is used to remove a core sample of tissue for microscopic examination.
computerized tomography (CT)
Process in which radiographic images of a specific section of the body are taken from multiple angles. The images are then analyzed using a computer to identify muscular injury or disease. CT scans provide more detailed imagery than standard X-rays.
endoscopy
Examination of body organs or cavities through the use of a scope
capsule endoscopy
Visual examination in which a tiny, wireless camera is used to take pictures of the digestive tract.
colonoscopy
Visual examination of the colon
esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Visual examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a scope.
gastroscopy
Visual examination of the stomach using a scope.
laparoscopy
Minimally invasive visual examination of any internal organ by placing a small scope, called a laparoscope, through the e abdominal wall.
proctoscopy
Visual examination of the rectum using a scope
sigmoidoscopy
Visual examination of the sigmoid colon using a scope
fluoroscopy
X-ray procedure that uses a fluoroscope to provide real-time moving images of the interior of the body; for example, to examine the swallowing mechanism.
occult blood test
Test used to detect hidden blood in the feces
laboratory (lab) test
Examination of body fluids or tissues from a patient to aid in diagnosing a health problem. While there are many different lab tests that a physician can order, the following labs are commonly ordered to help diagnose digestive conditions and diseases
amylase
Blood test used to detect elevated levels of an enzyme common in pancreatic disorders.
complete blood count
Routine test that involves counting the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood. The test is helpful in determining the presence of internal bleeding or infection.
serology test
Test that helps diagnose an infection by seeking a common antigen/antibody reaction through the use of a known antigen or antibody. Used to detect the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium, hepatitis virus, and many other pathogenic sources of infection.
liver profile
Blood test that measures the different enzymes involved in liver functions and the waste products that are produced as a result.
upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series
Series of X-rays taken of the stomach and duodenum after a patient has swallowed a barium contrast agent