329 results found
Medical tests
… to find germs (such as bacteria or a fungus ) that can cause an infection. A sample of sputum is added to a substance … no germs grow, the culture is negative. If germs that can cause infection grow, the culture is positive. The type of … See if treatment is working. How To Prepare Do not use mouthwash before you collect your sputum sample. Some …
Medical tests
… response in a person. Skin tests are usually done because they are rapid, reliable, and generally less expensive than blood tests, but either type of test may be used. Skin tests A small amount of a suspected allergen is … allergy test may be done when a substance does not cause a reaction in the skin prick test but is still suspected …
Medical tests
… from a vein. Why It Is Done LDH levels help find the cause of lung disease, lymphoma, anemia, and liver disease. … doctor tells you to. How It Is done A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm. … normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your …
Medical tests
… photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a test that uses a special type of camera and a tracer (a radioactive … about where the tracer is located. A SPECT scan is often used to evaluate brain, head, and neck problems; to look at … be pregnant. Are breastfeeding. The radioactive tracer used in this test can get into your breast milk. Do not …
Medical tests
… urine from the bladder to outside the body. The doctor uses a thin, lighted tool called a cystoscope. With this … with liquid. This helps the doctor see better. It may cause you to feel pressure in your bladder area for a short … visit. Why It Is Done Cystoscopy may be done to: Find the cause of many urinary system problems. Examples include blood …
Medical tests
… Test Overview A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that is used to screen for breast cancer . Mammograms can find … breast tomosynthesis is sometimes called 3D mammogram. It uses X-rays to create a three-dimensional image of the breast. This test may be used alone or with a digital mammogram. Cancer is most …
Medical tests
… middle sections of the gastrointestinal tract . The test uses barium contrast material , fluoroscopy , and X-ray . … instead of an upper GI series in certain cases. Endoscopy uses a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) to look at the lining … Why It Is Done An upper GI series is done to: Find the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as trouble …
Medical tests
… Test Overview A home lung function test uses a peak flow meter or a home spirometer to monitor and … the peak flow meter. Ask your doctor to show you how to use this device before you use it at home. If you have questions about how to use a …
Medical tests
… are in a woman who is not pregnant. Some types of cancer cause abnormal progesterone levels in men and women. Why It Is Done A progesterone test is done to: Help find the cause of infertility . Monitor the success of medicines for … test. Tell your doctor if you have had a test that used a radioactive substance (tracer) within the last 7 …
Medical tests
… called German measles or 3-day measles) usually does not cause long-term problems. But someone infected with the … are at risk for rubella. Several laboratory methods can be used to detect rubella antibodies in the blood. The most commonly used method is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, …