Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures

Question 1

Antinuclear Antibody (ANA Test)

Answer 1

Test in which a sample of plasma is tested for the presence of antibodies found in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Question 2

Arthrocentesis

Answer 2

Puncture to remove fluid from a joint.

-CENTESIS pertains to surgical procedure to aspirate fluid.

Question 3

Arthrography

Answer 3

X-Ray Imaging of a joint.

Question 4

Arthroscopy

Answer 4

Visual examination of a joint with an arthroscope.

Question 5

Bone Density Test

Answer 5

Low energy x-rays are used to image bones in the spinal column, pelvis, and wrist to detect areas of bone deficiency.

Also called bone density scanning, dual-energy, x-ray absorptiometry or bone densitometry.

Question 6

Calcium Level

Answer 6

Measurement of the amount of calcium in a sample of blood (serum).

Test is important in evaluating diseases of bone.

Question 7

Electromyography (EMG)

Answer 7

Recording of the electrical activity of muscle tissue.

This test reveals the strength of muscles.

Question 8

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

Answer 8

Measurement of the rate at which red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube. High sedimentation rates are associated with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 9

Muscle Biopsy

Answer 9

Removal of muscle tissue for microscopic examination.

Question 10

Uric Acid Test

Answer 10

Measurement of the amount of uric acid (nitrogenous waste) in a sample of blood.

High uric acid levels are associated with gouty arthritis.