Diagnostic Testing

Question 1

Angiography

Answer 1

A radio graphic (x-ray) examination of blood vessels after injection of a contrast medium into the blood stream.

Question 2

Cardiac catheterization (cath)

Answer 2

Inserts a thin, hollow tube into a large blood vessel that leads to the heart to determine how well the heart is functioning.

Question 3

Doppler ultrasound

Answer 3

Uses sound waves to measure blood flow in vessels.

Question 4

Echocardiography (echo)

Answer 4

Uses sound waves to produce images of the heart.

Question 5

Electrocardiography (ECG) (EKG)

Answer 5

Records the electrical activity of the heart.

Question 6

Holter monitor

Answer 6

A compact ECG, records abnormal heart rhythms over a 24-hour period.

Question 7

X-ray

Answer 7

Hard tissues, such as bone, can be visualized using x-ray imaging, which uses electromagnetic imaging to create x-rays.

Question 8

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer 8

Used to visualized soft tissues, and therefore is not effective for visualizing bone, but can be used for the interior of joints.

Question 9

Dual x-ray absorptiometry

Answer 9

Used to measure bone density of the spine and hips.

Question 10

Lymphoscintigraphy

Answer 10

A diagnostic test used to detect damage or malformation of the lymphatic vessels. It is a safe and non-invasive procedure where a small amount of a radioactive tracer moves through the lymphatic vessels, a scanner follows the substance’s movement on a computer screen.

Question 11

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Answer 11

A blood test that screens for the presence of HIV antibodies, Lyme disease, and other infectious conditions.

Question 12

HIV assay

Answer 12

Used to confirm a positive ELISA test.

Question 13

Bronchoscopy

Answer 13

Visual examination of the bronchi using a bronchoscope

Question 14

Polysomnography
Sleep study

Answer 14

Measures physiological activity during sleep and often performed to detect nocturnal defects in breathing associated with sleep apnea

Question 15

Spirometer

Answer 15

A recording device that measures the amount (volume) of air inhaled or exhaled and the length of time required for each breath

Question 16

Tuberculin skin testing (Mantoux PPD skin test)

Answer 16

Screening test for tuberculosis in which a very small amount of tuberculin purified protein derivative is injected just under the top layer of the skin on the forearm. The site is checked for a reaction 48 to 72 hours later

Question 17

Chest X-ray

Answer 17

If the patient has a positive TB skin test screening, a chest x-ray is performed to look for signs of tuberculosis infection

Question 18

Sputum cytology

Answer 18

If a patient has a positive TB skin test screening and a positive chest x-ray, this test is conducted to determine the presence of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis.

Question 19

Cholangiography

Answer 19

Uses contrast medium to take radiographs of the bile ducts. It is used to determine if there are obstructions in the ducts that may slow or block the flow of bile.

Question 20

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Answer 20

The use of an endoscope to visualize the upper GI tract

Question 21

Colonoscopy

Answer 21

The process of using a scope to visualize the inner surface of the colon.

Question 22

Cystoscopy

Answer 22

A procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the urethra and urinary bladder. Cystoscopy is done with a cystoscope, an optical instrument with an additional port for the insertion of instrument. Water or saline is infused through the cystoscope into the bladder. The bladder wall is stretched as the fluid fills the bladder so the urologist can see clearly. The cystoscope can be used for biopsies, and the removal of stones, polyps, and some tumors.

Question 23

Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)

Answer 23

An x-ray imaging test that is uses an intravenous contrast dye to visualize the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. It helps diagnose conditions such as nephrolithiasis, infections, and enlarged prostate, tumors, structural abnormalities, and internal injuries following abdominal trauma.

Question 24

KUB (kidneys, ureters, bladder)

Answer 24

An x-ray image without the use of contrast medium, used to detect bowel obstructions and nephroliths.

Question 25

Carotid ultrasound

Answer 25

This test detects plaque buildup in an artery to predict or diagnose an ischemic stroke.

Question 26

Electroencephalography

Answer 26

This test of brain activity produces an electroencephalogram, which may also be displayed on a monitor as brain waves.

Question 27

Myelography

Answer 27

A fluoroscopic and CT study of the spinal cord after the injection of a contrast medium through a lumbar puncture.

Question 28

Lumbar puncture

Answer 28

A lumbar puncture inserts a needle into the subarachnoid space of the lumbar region to withdraw a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. Changes in the composition of the cerebrospinal fluid can indicate injury, infection, or disease.

Question 29

Snellen chart

Answer 29

Used to measure visual acuity. The first number represents the standard distance from the chart (20 ft.). The following number going down the chart indicate the ability to read progressively smaller lines of letters.

Question 30

Refraction test

Answer 30

Determines an eye’s refractive error and the best prescription level for corrective lenses

Question 31

Cover test

Answer 31

Examines how the two eyes work together and assesses binocular vision

Question 32

Ophthalmoscopy

Answer 32

The use of an ophthalmoscope to visually examine the fundus (back part) of the eye.

Question 33

Dilation

Answer 33

The artificial enlargement of the pupils to prepare for an opthalmoscopic examination of the eye’s interior

Question 34

Audiometry

Answer 34

Used to measure hearing acuity

Question 35

Otoscope

Answer 35

An instrument used to visually examine the external ear canal

Question 36

Tympanometry

Answer 36

The use of air pressure in the ear canal to test for disorders of the middle ear

Question 37

Acoustic reflectometry

Answer 37

Measures how much sound is reflected back from the eardrum, which can assess how much fluid is in the middle ear

Question 38

Biopsy

Answer 38

Removal of a small pice of tissue to confirm or establish a diagnosis.

Question 39

Exfoliative cytology Skin-scraping

Answer 39

Removal of cells by scraping and examination of the cells under a microscope

Question 40

Thyroid-stimulating hormone assay

Answer 40

A diagnostic test to measure the circulating blood level of TSH

Question 41

Thyroid scan

Answer 41

A form of nuclear medicine that measures thyroid function

Question 42

Fasting blood sugar test

Answer 42

Measures the blood glucose levels after the patient has not eaten for eight to 12 hours

Question 43

Home blood-glucose monitoring

Answer 43

Measures the current blood-glucose level using a drop of blood

Question 44

Continuous blood-glucose monitoring

Answer 44

Method of tracking glucose levels 24 hours a day through a tiny sensor inserted under the skin on the abdomen or arm

Question 45

Hemoglobin A1C

Answer 45

Blood test that measures the average blood glucose level over the previous three to four months

Question 46

PHQ-9

Answer 46

Patient health questionnaire that measures nine diagnostic criteria for depression

Question 47

GAD-7

Answer 47

Seven questions that assess for anxiety disorders

Question 48

Vanderbilt ADHD diagnostic rating scale

Answer 48

Assesses for ADHD

Question 49

Rorschach test

Answer 49

Assesses personality and emotional functioning

Question 50

Digital rectum exam (DRE)

Answer 50

Used to detect tumors within the rectum

Question 51

Scrotal ultrasound

Answer 51

Is performed to evaluate disorders within the scrotum, testicles, and epididymis.

Question 52

Semen analysis Sperm count

Answer 52

Preformed to evaluate freshly ejaculated semen

Question 53

Testicular self-exam

Answer 53

Patients are taught to preform a testicular self-exam to detect lumps, swelling, or changes in the scrotum

Question 54

Hysteroscopy

Answer 54

The visual examination of the inside of the uterus and cervix using a lighted magnification hysteroscope

Question 55

Hysterosalpingography

Answer 55

An x-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes using radiopaque contrast material

Question 56

Colposcopy

Answer 56

The direct visual examination of the tissues within the vagina, cervix, and vulva