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Top 10 Diagnostic Tests
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| 1. | Mammography |
| Mammography is a radiographic technique used to diagnose breast cysts or tumors in women with symptoms of breast disease or detect them before they are palpable in women who have no signs or symptoms. |
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| 2. | Echocardiography |
| An echocardiogram is a noninvasive study that uses ultrasound to visualize the heart’s function, blood flow, valves, and chambers. Two-dimensional echocardiography, also referred to as real-time imaging, is performed using multiple transducers or a rotating transducer and these images are recorded on videotape. Computers are used to provide a two-dimensional image view of the planes of the heart for the physician. |
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| 3. | Complete Blood Count (CBC) |
| A Complete Blood Count or CBC is a common blood test performed to diagnose a variety of different medical conditions such as anemia. Specimens are collected by venipuncture, finger stick, or heel stick in infants. The test includes measurements of red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin (iron in the blood), hematocrit (the volume of packed red blood cells), platelets, and others. |
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| 4. | Colonoscopy |
| A colonoscopy test is a diagnostic procedure for viewing the interior lining of the large intestine (colon) using a small camera called a colonoscope (which is a flexible fiber-optic tube). The test is used to obtain tissue specimens for biopsy, evaluate unexplained blood in the stool, abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, or abnormalities (such as polyps). It is also used to determine the type and extent of inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis) and Chron’s disease and to follow people with previous polyps, colon cancer, or a family history of colon cancer. |
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| 5. | Prothrombin Time (PT) |
| The prothrombin time or PT test measures the time it takes your blood to form a clot. This test is often called protime. The test is usually done to measure the effect of blood-thinning medicine (anticoagulants) such as Coumadin. If the patient has a medical condition such as atrial fibrillation or deep vein thrombosis, or have had heart valve replacement, the blood is likely to form clots. Clots can block blood vessels and possibly cause a heart attack or stroke. |
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| 6. | Bone Density Study |
| Bone mineral density studies are used to evaluate disease of bone and/or the responses of bone disease to treatment. The studies assess bone mass or density associated with such diseases as osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and renal osteodystrophy. The bone density study uses a CAT Scan to direct multiple narrow beans of x-rays around the body structure being studied and produce a cross-sectional view of various layers (or slices) of the body. |
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| 7. | Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) |
| Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of technology's most advanced diagnostic tools for today's physician. It allows physicians to see inside your body without surgery or the use of ionizing radiation. MRI uses a powerful magnet, low-intensity radio waves and computer technology to create detailed images of the soft tissues, muscles, nerves and bones in your body. |
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| 8. | Computer Axial Tomography (CT or CAT Scan) |
| A CT Scan or CAT Scan as they are commonly called is an x-ray test procedure which combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body. A large donut-shaped x-ray machine takes x-ray images at many different angles around the body. CAT scans are performed to analyze the internal structures of various parts of the body. This includes the head, where traumatic injuries, (such as blood clots or skull fractures), tumors, and infections can be identified. |
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| 9. | Electrocardiogram (EKG) |
| Usually called an ECG or EKG (the k is for kardia, the Greek word for heart), an electrocardiogram shows graphically the electrical impulses that control the pumping action of the heart. Twelve electrodes are attached to the skin on the chest, arms, and legs. Physicians use the EKG to interpret conditions such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), rapid heart beats, premature contractions of the heart (PVCs), and more. |
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| 10. | Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA Test) |
| PSA or prostate specific antigen is an enzyme produced by the prostate cells in men. PSA levels can be used as an indicator of prostate-related diseases, especially prostate cancer. As part of a general prostate health program, your doctor may recommend that you have a PSA blood test performed periodically. |
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