Abdominal CT scan 11/09/2012
Computed tomography scan - abdomen; CT scan - abdomen; CAT scan - abdomen How the test is performed: You will lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. Most often, you will lie on your back with your arms raised above the head. Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you.
Abdominal MRI scan 11/09/2012
Nuclear magnetic resonance - abdomen; NMR - abdomen; Magnetic resonance imaging - abdomen; MRI of the abdomen How the test is performed: You may be asked to wear a hospital gown or clothing without metal zippers or snaps (such as sweatpants and a t-shirt).
Abdominal tap 08/10/2012
Peritoneal tap; Paracentesis How the test is performed: This test may be done in an office setting, treatment room, or hospital. The puncture site will be cleaned and shaved, if necessary. You then receive a local numbing medicine. The tap needle is inserted 1 - 2 inches into the abdomen. Sometimes a small cut is made to help insert the needle.
Abdominal ultrasound 11/09/2012
Ultrasound - abdomen; Abdominal sonogram How the test is performed: An ultrasound machine makes images of organs and structures inside the body. The machine sends out high-frequency sound waves that reflect off body structures.
Abdominal x-ray 01/22/2013
Abdominal film; X-ray - abdomen; Flat plate; KUB x-ray How the test is performed: The test is done in a hospital radiology department. Or it may done in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technologist.
ACTH 12/11/2011
Serum adrenocorticotropic hormone; Adrenocorticotropic hormone; Highly-sensitive ACTH How the test is performed: A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture ACTH levels change with the body's natural 24-hour cycle of processes (circadian rhythms). This test is most accurate if it is performed early in the morning.
Albumin - blood (serum) 02/13/2013
Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood. How the test is performed: A blood sample is needed. This may be taken through a vein. The procedure is called a venipuncture . How to prepare for the test: The health care provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any drugs that may affect the test. Drugs that can increase albumin levels include anabolic steroids, androgens, growth hormone , and insulin.
Aldosterone 07/26/2011
An aldosterone test measures the amount of the hormone aldosterone in blood. How the test is performed: A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture How to prepare for the test: Your doctor may tell you how much salt you can eat before the test. How the test will feel: When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Allergy testing - skin 06/17/2012
Patch tests - allergy; Scratch tests - allergy; Skin tests - allergy; RAST test How the test is performed: There are three common methods of allergy skin testing. The skin prick test involves: Placing a small amount of substances that may be causing your symptoms on the skin, most often on the forearm, upper arm, or back.
ALP - blood test 05/30/2011
Alkaline phosphatase How the test is performed: A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture How to prepare for the test: You should not to eat or drink anything for 6 hours before the test, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
