Final Flashcards
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Stimulation
- Done to establish a diagnosis of Addison’s disease (increased ACTH + low cortisol) or Cushing’s syndrome (decreased ACTH + high cortisol)
- Also evaluates pituitary adenomas, malignant ACTH producing tumours, pituitary disease, and hypothalamic disease.
Adrenal Gland Scan
This scan helps to localize the position of a tumour by noting hormonal uptake and storage within the Adrenal Glands.
Aldosterone
- Regulates sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion by the kidneys.
- Involved in regulation of body water, blood pressure, blood volume, electrolyte balance and pH.
- Elevated levels are found in primary and secondary aldosteronism.
Angiography
The process of taking a picture of part of the cardiovascular system. A contrast dye is used to help visualize the vessel.
Antibody Screen
- Identifies serum antibodies, maternal anti-Rh antibodies during pregnancy, and incompatibilities not detected by other tests.
- Main purpose: to determine serum antibodies to RBCs the client will receive by transfusion.
- Routinely done for blood compatibility testing or cross-matching.
Apolipoprotein
The ratio is useful in identifying at-risk persons for coronary artery disease.
Examples: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein)
Arteriography
The process of taking a picture of an artery. A contrast medium is injected (via the femoral artery and brachial artery) to better visualize the artery.
Arthrography
The visualization of a joint using radiographic study (x-ray) after the injection of a radiopaque substance into the joint.
Usually performed on the shoulder or knee, but might be performed on the wrist, hip, ankle, and temporal-mandibular joint (TMJ).
Arthroscopy
- Provides direct visualization of the internal structures of a joint.
- A fibre-optic arthroscope is used.
- The knee is the most common site, but also performed on the shoulder, elbow, hip, wrist, or ankle.
- This procedure is used to diagnose injury/disorders of the knee that cannot be identified by x-ray.
Barium Enema
- The radiological (x-ray) examination of the colon using barium instilled using a rectal tube into the rectum.
- The movement of the barium through the large intestine is visualized by fluoroscopy.
- Useful for detecting small lesions and polyps.
- The bowel must be totally cleaned out prior to the procedure.
Bilirubin
- A substance produced in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.
- Direct Type: excreted in the GI tract.
- Indirect Type: circulates in the blood.
- Levels are measured using blood or urine samples.
- Many disease processes can cause an increase in both hoes of bilirubin.
Bone Scan
- Produces high-resolution images of the joints and bones.
- Can monitor for degenerative arthritis.
- A radionuclide is injected and will collect in areas of high osteogenesis (Hot spots) or areas of absent osteogenesis (cold spots)
- Can detect a wide variety of musculoskeletal disorders.
- Can be used to determine the effectiveness of treatments.
Breast Biopsy
- Examines tissue or fluid that is removed from the breast lesion to diagnose or rule out malignancy.
- Samples may be obtained from a fine needle aspiration, core biopsy, stereotactic guidance, which can all be done using local anesthetic.
Breast Sonagram
- Painless non-invasive test that uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to record breast masses (palpable and nonpalpable).
- Useful if a woman has dense breasts or silicon implants since the beam can penetrate the tissue where mammography may not be able to.
- Sometimes mammography is done first and followed by ultrasound (sonography) to improve diagnostic accuracy.
Candida Antibody
- Candidiasis is a result of a fungal infection caused by Candida albicans, and commonly affects the nails, mucous membranes, and skin.
- If the fungal infection is present in the blood, it can lead to a life-threatening systemic infection.
- People on antibiotics corded Kristiridge therapy have immunological disorders, are pregnant, have diabetes, are obese, or have debilitating chronic illness are at more risk for Candidiasis.
- If cultures/histological studies fail to identify candidiasis, then a blood sample to identify the anti-body is required.
Cardiac Catheterization
Catheter is threaded through an artery or a vein (in the upper groin or arm).
- It reaches the heart, then a radiographic dye is injected (called coronary angiogram).
- The dye outlines the heart vessels and registers the pressures across the heart, vessels, and registers the pressures across the heart valves.
- Measurement of pressures, oxygen saturation, and oxygen content are taken.
Cardiac Isoenzyme
- Enzymes specifically released from the heart muscle. They have differing molecular details than other enzymes.
- Enzymes are released (elevated blood levels will show) when there is tissue damage as in a heart attack (myocardial infarction).
- It may be necessary to take blood samples at intervals to determine ongoing changes to the levels of the cardiac isoenzymes.
Cardiac Nuclear Scan
- Gives information regarding the location and extent of myocardial ischemia and viability of myocardial tissues.
- Radionuclide dye is injected and allowed to circulate through the heart to allow visualization of exercise-induced areas of ischemic cardiac tissue (little or no blood flow) or necrotic cardiac tissue from a previous myocardial infarction.
- This test is normally indicated when a patient has chest pain or known coronary artery disease.
Cardiac Radiography
- Radiographic assessment of the status of the heart and surrounding structures.
- Usually done in conjunction with a routine common chest x-ray.
- This test may be used to confirm placement of a central line, pulmonary artery catheters, temporary pacemaker wires, permanent pacemakers, and other invasive devices.
Carotid Doppler
A non-invasive procedure that examines the arteries supplying the brain (the carotid arteries).
Cerebrospinal Fluid Examination
- Cerebrospinal fluid is collected by a lumbar puncture or from the ventricles of the brain.
- It helps to diagnose meningitis and viral encephalitis.
- It allows for evaluation of colour, pressure, and specific cytological information of the CSF.
Cholangiography
- Radiographic (x-ray) examination of the bile ducts
- Contrast medium is injected intravenously and films are taken of the upper right quadrant at 20 minute intervals for one hour, or until the biliary ducts are visualized.
- Identifies stenosis, obstruction, and calculi of the common bile duct.
Cholecystography
- x-ray examination of the gallbladder after all ingestion of radiopaque dye.
- Diagnoses gallbladder disease such as gallstones, gallbladder, polyps, chronic cholecystitis.
Coccidioidomycosis Skin Test
Determines the presence of infection by the detection of Coccidioides immitis (a fungus)
Colonoscopy
- The examination of the large intestine from the anus to the cecum.
- a flexible fiber optic or video colonoscope is used.
- Colonoscopy is the most direct way to visualize the intestinal mucosa.
- Foreign objects, polyps, and biopsy specimens can be removed through the colonoscope.
Complete Blood Count
- The complete blood count (CBC) is a group of tests of the peripheral blood
- It is often ordered as a screening tool and diagnostic test to provide information about the hematological system and other systems.
- It is used in a routine physical examination and in the diagnosis of a wide range of conditions and diseases of children and adults.
Computed Tomography, Chest
- Cross-sectional view of the chest.
- Allows for detection of small differences and tissue densities that can’t be seen on regular x-rays.
- Can evaluate chest trauma, enlarged lymph nodes, pleural effusion, carcinomas.
Computed Tomography, Pancreas
- Images cross-sections of the tissue structures of the pancreas.
- Changes due to acute pancreatitis are clearly evident on CT.
- The extent of inflammation can be seen.
Coronary Ultrasonography
- A noninvasive test that uses ultrasound waves to examine the heart’s position and size, pericardium and great vessels, valve and chamber movement, and blood flow velocity.
- There are two approaches possible: transthoracic or transesophageal.
C-Reactive Protein
- Appears in the blood and acute stages of various inflammatory disorders.
- This test will show elevated levels, which are found in bacterial infections, active rheumatic fever, post op wound infections, kidney or bone marrow transplant rejection, Crohn’s disease, systemic lupus arithmetic ptosis, TB, acute myocardial infraction, and blood transfusions.
Cystography
- A contrast agent is instilled in the bladder and then radiographic imaging is performed.
- Cystography is a test of the lower urinary tract that provides information concerning the anatomy and integrity of the urinary bladder and urethra.
Cystometry
- A test done to measure the pressure inside the bladder during bladder filling.
- Cystometry is an important part of urodynamic evaluation.
- Cystometry evaluates the detrusor muscle function and tonicity and aids in determining the cause of bladder dysfunction.
Cytologic Examination
- Cytology of body tissues and cells involved the examination of cells in order to diagnosed malignant and premalignant conditions.
- Some sources for cytologic examination can be sputum, tissue biopsy, cerebral spinal fluid, effusions from body cavities (pleural, abdominal, peritoneal, pericardial) urine and gastrointestinal fluid.
Cytomegalovirus Anti-body Test
- The antibody to CMV is a type of herpes virus that is found in all body secretions and is tested by the cytomegalovirus antibody test.
- The virus is present in a large segment of the population without causing disease.
- It is best to test the blood for this - even though urine testing is possible (but not as efficient).
Electrocardiography
A non-invasive test of the electrical output of the heart. Electrons are attached at strategic areas of the patient’s body-to allow 360° evaluation of the hearts electrical output.
Electroencephalography
- A noninvasive study performed to evaluate the electrical activity of the brain cells.
- An EEG assists and diagnosing structural abnormalities involving the brain. Seizure activity can be evaluated.
- Evaluates sleep disorders (during sleep studies) and effects of drug toxicity on the brain and more.
Electromyography
- An electrophysiological study performed to determine the electrical activity of specific muscles.
- A variety of narrative and muscle disorders can be diagnosed: muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, poliomyelitis, tetanus, sarcoidosis.
- Evaluating neuropathies and myopathies.
Electroneurography
- An electrophysiological study performed to determine nerve conduction velocity found and peripheral nerve disease or injury.
- The test provides diagnostic information about the location and cause of peripheral nerve abnormalities.
- Nerve conduction velocities are slowed in diseases that affect peripheral nerves
- Both Electromyography and electroneurography use electrodes on the skin and electrical stimuli are recorded to preipheral nerve and muscle contraction responses.
- electroneurography will record nerve response.
- Electromyography will record the muscle reaction.
Electronystagmography
- ENG
- An electrophysiological study that measures the direction and degree of nystagmus (involuntary movement of the eyes in a back and forth direction).
- ENG measures the electric responses of the eye at rest and in response to various stimuli that are applied to the eye to elicit the nystagmus response.
- Speed and duration of the eye movements are recorded and compared with normal values.
Electroretinography
ERG
- An electrophysiological study that measures the electrical activity of the retina as it responds to a flash of light. DRG diagnoses of variety of retsina disorders (retinal detachment, retinitis, retinal damage caused by drugs).
- It evaluates colorblindness and night blindness.
- Detects congenital abnormalities of the corneal lens.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
- ERCP
- The visual and radiographic examination of the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas using a fiber-optic duodenoscope.
- ERCP allows for direct imaging of the area.
- ERCP is the standard for diagnosing stones in the common bile duct with high sensitivity and specificity.
Epstein-Barr Virus Antibodies
Epstein-Barr virus is a herpes virus that is very common and can cause mononucleosis (as well as other ailments including chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia).
- This test will test for antibodies created by this virus.
- Elevated levels are found in mononucleosis, head and neck tumors, infectious hepatitis, sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and leukemia.
Esophageal Acidity Test
- Evaluates and monitors esophageal capability.
- The pH of gastric acid and the pH of the esophagus are measured using a pH electrode.
- Evaluates and monitors gastroesophageal reflux.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
- EGD.
- An endoscopic procedure that allows direct visualization of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
- The esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (upper portion of the small intestine) is visualized for abnormalities.
Estriol
- Specific type of estrogen hormone.
- The test measures the amount of estriol in the blood.
- The most common use of the test is to evaluate fetal status during pregnancy.
- Elevated levels are found with tumors, multiple pregnancy, ovarian or testicular tumors.
- Decreased levels are found in failing pregnancy, congenital abnormalities, placental insufficiency, menopause, and many other conditions.
Estrogen
- Hormone made in the ovaries, testes, placenta, and Adrenal glands.
- Estrogen levels fluctuate during the menstrual cycle but are highest during ovulation and the last two weeks of the four week cycle.
- Levels decrease in pregnancy and menopause.
- Estrogen testing can evaluate estrogen hormone levels to help in the diagnosis of various ailments.
Exophthalmometry
- Measures the degree of Ford protrusion of the eyeball.
- Exophthalmos is a condition that accompanies hypothyroidism and is a characteristic of Graves’ disease.
Ferritin
A test that evaluates whether iron is being adequately stored in the body.
Fetal Biophysical Profile
- BPP
- Evaluates the fetus during pregnancy.
- It is done by ultrasonography. Heart rate, fetal breathing movement, gross fetal movements, fetal muscle tone, and amniotic fluid volume are included in this assessment.
Fetal Monitoring
- Provides immediate evaluation of the fetal heart rate.
- This is a valuable indicator of fetal distress.
- Fetal monitoring can be done either internally (invasive) or externally (noninvasive).
Fetal Nonstress
- NST
- A noninvasive test that measures the fetal heart rate as it responds to fetal movement.
Fetoscopy
An endoscopic examination that directly visualizes the fetus via a small telescope-like scope
Fluorescein Angiography
- FA
- A radiological examination of the retinal vasculature after the administration of a fluorescein dye.
- Abnormalities of the retina can be detected with this test.