Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures

Question 1

Computed Tomography (CT Scan)

Answer 1

Cross-sectional x ray images of the pituitary gland and other endocrine organs.

Question 2

Exophthalmometry

Answer 2

Measurement of eyeball protrusion (exophthalmos) as an indicator of Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism).

Question 3

Fasting Blood Sugar (Glucose) Test

Answer 3

Measurement of glucose levels in the blood sample taken from a fasting patient and in specimens taken 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, after the ingestion of 75g of glucose.

Delayed return of blood glucose to normal levels indicates diabetes mellitus.

Question 4

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Answer 4

Magnetic waves produce images of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and other endocrine organs in all three planes of the body.

Coronal (frontal) plane: separates the front (anterior) and back (posterior) of the body.
Sagittal (longitudinal) plane: separates the left and right sides of the body.
Transverse (axial) plane: separates the upper (superior) and lower (inferior) halves of the body.

Question 5

Radioactive Iodine Uptake

Answer 5

Measurement of how much of a radioactive element (iodine) is absorbed by the thyroid gland. The radioactive iodine is given by mouth and measured as evidence of thyroid function.

Question 6

Serum and Urine tests

Answer 6

Measurement of hormones, electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium) and glucose levels in blood (serum) and urine as indicators of endocrine function.

Question 7

Thyroid Function Tests

Answer 7

Measurements of levels of T4 (thyroxine) T3 (triiodothyronine) and TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) in the blood stream.

Question 8

Thyroid Scan

Answer 8

Procedure in which a radioactive compound, injected intravenously, localizes in the thyroid gland.

A scanning device produces an image showing this presence of tumors or nodules in the gland.