Abdominal CT scan 01/24/2005
An abdominal CT scan involves X-ray images of the abdomen from many angles. The X-ray beams are detected by the scanner and analyzed by a computer. The computer reconstructs the data into a picture of the body area being scanned. These images can be viewed on a monitor or reproduced as photographs.
How the test is performed: The CT scanner is a free-standing machine with a large hole in the center. The patient lies on a narrow table that slides into the hole.
Abdominal film 05/17/2005
Abdominal films are x-ray images of the abdomen.
Alternative Names: Abdominal x-ray; X-ray - abdomen; Flat plate; KUB
How the test is performed: The test is performed in a hospital radiology department or in the health care provider's office by an x-ray technologist. You lie on your back on the x-ray table. The x-ray machine is positioned over your abdominal area. You hold your breath as the picture is taken so that the picture will not be blurry. You may be asked to change position to the side or to stand up for additional pictures.
Abdominal MRI 01/24/2005
Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce pictures of the inside of the abdomen without exposure to ionizing radiation (x-rays).
Alternative Names: Nuclear magnetic resonance - abdomen; NMR - abdomen; Magnetic resonance imaging - abdomen; MRI of the abdomen
How the test is performed: MRI uses radio waves very close in frequency to those of ordinary FM radio stations, so the scanner must be located within a specially shielded room to avoid outside interference.
Abdominal tap 11/10/2004
An abdominal tap is a procedure in which a needle is inserted through the abdominal wall to remove fluid from the abdomen. Normally, the abdomen contains only a small amount of fluid. In certain conditions, large amounts of fluid can accumulate in the abdomen. There are two kinds of abdominal taps: Diagnostic tap -- a small amount of fluid is taken and sent to the laboratory for testing Large volume tap -- several liters may be removed to relieve abdominal pain and fluid buildup
Alternative Names: Peritoneal tap; Paracentesis
How the test is performed: This test may be done in an office setting, in a treatment room, or in a hospital.
Abdominal ultrasound 11/03/2004
Abdominal ultrasound is an imaging procedure used to examine the internal organs of the abdomen including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. The blood vessels to some of these organs can also be evaluated with the use of ultrasound techniques. The ultrasound machine sends out high-frequency sound waves that reflect off body structures to create a picture. Unlike with x-rays , there is no ionizing radiation exposure with this test.
Alternative Names: Ultrasound - abdomen; Abdominal sonogram
How the test is performed: The test is done in the ultrasound or radiology department.
Abdominal wall fat pad biopsy 02/09/2005
Abdominal wall fat pad biopsy procedure involves removing a small portion of the abdominal wall fat pad. The procedure is done most often to test for amyloidosis .
Alternative Names: Abdominal wall biopsy; Biopsy - abdominal wall fat pad
How the test is performed: Needle aspiration is the most common method of obtaining an abdominal wall fat pad biopsy . The skin of the abdomen is cleansed, and a local anesthetic may be used to numb the area.
Abscess scan - radioactive 11/03/2004
Radioactive abscess scan uses white blood cells tagged with radioactive indium and x-rays to find abscesses in the body.
Alternative Names: Radioactive abscess scan; Abscess scan
How the test is performed: Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic. An elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the vein to swell with blood.
ACE levels 03/02/2006
This is a blood test that measures the amount of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).
Alternative Names: Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme; SACE
How the test is performed: Blood is drawn from a vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and an elastic band is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and restrict blood flow through the vein. This causes veins below the band to fill with blood.
Acetylcholine receptor antibody 04/28/2005
Acetylcholine receptor antibody is an antibody found in the blood of people with myasthenia gravis. The acetylcholine receptor antibody attacks receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which sends signals from nerves to muscles and from nerve to nerve in the brain. The antibody prevents transmission of the signal and causes muscle weakness.
How the test is performed: A blood test can detect the presence of these antibodies.
How to prepare for the test: No special preparation is required.
Acid loading test (pH) 03/02/2006
This is a test to measure the ability of the renal (kidney) tubules to acidify urine in the presence of increased plasma acidity. See also urine pH .
How the test is performed: There are several ways to perform this test. A typical procedure is described below, but make sure that you follow the specific instructions that you are given. A urine sample and a blood sample are needed to perform this test. The laboratory analyzes the samples for acid. Urine sample collection: Collect a "clean-catch" (midstream) urine sample.
