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Tests could include:
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There may be mild to severe high blood pressure. A neurologic examination may show polyneuropathy.
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Kidney failure is typically diagnosed and treated by a nephrologist, a doctor that specializes in treating the kidneys. The patient that is suspected of having chronic kidney failure will undergo an extensive blood work-up.
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Kidney failure is typically diagnosed and treated by a nephrologist, a physician specializing in kidney dis- ease. The patient suspected of having chronic kidney failure will undergo an extensive blood work-up, usually performed by a laboratory te...
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During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient''s body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems.
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The basic metabolic panel is a group of blood tests that provides information about your body''s metabolism.SMAC7; Sequential multi-channel analysis with computer-7; SMA7; Metabolic panel 7; CHEM-7.Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the insid...
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24-hour urine protein measures the amount of protein excreted in urine over a 24-hour period.
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The creatinine clearance test compares the level of creatinine in urine with the creatinine level in the blood, usually based on measurements of a 24-hour urine sample and a blood sample drawn at the end of the 24-hour period. Clearance is often m...
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BUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down.A test can be done to measure the amount of urea nitrogen in the blood.Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
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The blood urea nitrogen(BUN) test measures the level of urea nitrogen in a sample of the patient''s blood. Urea is a substance that is formed in the liver when the body breaks down protein.
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This test measures the amount of potassium in the blood. Potassium(K+) helps nerves and muscles communicate.
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Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine, which is an important part of muscle. A serum creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in the blood.
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Serum calcium is a laboratory test to measure the amount of calcium in your blood.All cells need calcium in order to work. Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth.
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The concentrations of these ions in the bloodstream remain fairly constant throughout the day in a healthy person. Changes in the concentration of one or more of these ions can occur during various acute and chronic disease states and can lead to ...
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However, there is a narrow concentration limit of these electrolytes that the body must maintain within each of these compartments. The body transfers electrolytes intracellularly and extracellularly as required to maintain electrolyte balance.
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Electrolytes are positively and negatively charged molecules called ions, that are found within the body''s cells and extracellular fluids, including blood plasma. A test for electrolytes includes the measurement of sodium, potassium, chloride, and...
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Electrolytes are positively and negatively charged ions that are found within the cells and extracellular fluids, including blood plasma. A test for electrolytes includes the measurement of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate.
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CO2 is carbon dioxide. A serum CO2 test measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood.In the body, most of the CO2 is in the form of a substance called bicarbonate(HCO3-).
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Chloride is a negatively charged molecule known as an electrolyte. It works with other electrolytes, such as potassium, salt(sodium), and carbon dioxide(CO2), to help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body''s acid-base balance...
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Blood glucose monitoring refers to the ongoing measurement of blood sugar(glucose). Monitoring can be done at any time using a portable device called a glucometer.Home glucose monitoring; Self monitoring of blood glucose.The traditional glucose me...
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Glucose tests are used to determine the concentration of glucose in blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and other body fluids. These tests are used to detect an increased blood glucose(hyperglycemia), a decreased blood glucose(hypoglycemia), increa...
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Detailed information on blood glucose monitoring Blood glucose levels (also called blood sugar levels) are signs of how well diabetes is being controlled and how well the plan of care (diet, exercise, and medication) is working. If the blood sugar levels are consistently under control (with levels near normal), diabetes complications may be prevented or slowed down in their progression.
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A serum magnesium test is a measurement of how much magnesium there is in the blood.Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine(antiseptic).
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Creatine phosphate is used in skeletal muscle contraction.The creatinine test is used to diagnose impaired kidney function and to determine renal(kidney) damage.A diet high in meat content can cause transient elevations of serum creatinine. Some d...
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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 that lead to some of these organs can also be looked at with ultras...
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Abdominal ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce two-dimensional images of the body''s soft tissues, which are used for a variety of clinical applications, including diagnosis and guidance of treatment procedures. Ultrasound does not...
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Abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to form pictures of your abdominal organs. It can help detect organ problems, such as gallstones, kidney stones, or liver disease.
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Abdominal ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce two-dimensional images of the body''s soft tissues, which are used for a variety of clinical applications, including diagnosis and guidance of treatment procedures. Ultrasound does not...
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This technique is used extensively to investigate valve defects, arteriosclerosis and hypertension, particularly in the heart, but also in the abdominal aorta and the portal vein of the liver. These machines cost about$250,000.The actual procedure...
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An abdominal CT scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area. CT stands for computed tomography.
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The images can be stored on a computer or printed on film. One exam produces dozens or sometimes hundreds of images.Nuclear magnetic resonance- abdomen; NMR- abdomen; Magnetic resonance imaging- abdomen; MRI of the abdomen.You may be asked to wear...
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) scanners rely on the principles of atomic nuclear-spin resonance. Using strong magnetic fields and radio waves, MRI collects and correlates deflections caused by atoms into images.
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A renal scan is a nuclear medicine exam in which a small amount of radioactive material(radioisotope) is used to measure the function of the kidneys.The specific type of scan may vary, depending on the patient''s specific needs. This article provid...
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A kidney nuclear medicine scan, or study, is a simple outpatient test that involves administering small amounts of radioactive substances, called tracers, into the body and then imaging the kidneys and bladder with a special camera. The images obt...
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A kidney radionuclide scan, also called a kidney scan or renal scan, is a diagnostic imaging test that involves administering a small amount of radionuclide, also called a radioactive tracer, into the body and then imaging the kidneys with a gamma...
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PTH stands for parathyroid hormone. It is a protein hormone released by the parathyroid gland.
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The parathyroid hormone(PTH) test is a blood test performed to determine the serum levels of a hormone secreted by the parathyroid gland in response to low blood calcium levels. PTH works together with vitamin D to maintain healthy bones.
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The parathyroid hormone(PTH) test is a blood test performed to determine the serum levels of a hormone secreted by the parathyroid gland. The parathyroid glands are small paired glands located near the thyroid gland at the base of the neck.
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Urinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds that pass through the urine.A urine sample is needed.
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Urinalysis is a diagnostic physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of a urine sample(specimen). Specimens can be obtained by normal emptying of the bladder(voiding) or by a hospital procedure called catheterization.
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A urinalysis is a group of manual and/or automated qualitative and semi-quantitative tests performed on a urine sample. A routine urinalysis usually includes the following tests: color, transparency, specific gravity, pH, protein, glucose, ketones...
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The urine specimen collection is a procedure used to obtain a sample of urine from a patient for diagnostic tests.The purpose of obtaining a urine sample is to test for any abnormalities that may be present, such as bacteria, ketones, or drugs.The...
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A urinalysis is a group of manual and/or automated qualitative and semi-quantitative tests performed on a urine sample. A routine urinalysis usually includes the following tests: color, transparency, specific gravity, pH, protein, glucose, ketones...
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A urine dipstick is a colorimetric chemical assay that can be used to determine the pH, specific gravity, protein, glucose, ketone, bilirubin, urobilinogen, blood, leukocyte, and nitrite levels of an individual''s urine. It consists of a reagent st...
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Urine typically contains epithelial cells shed from the urinary tract. Urine cytology evaluates this urinary sediment for the presence of cancerous cells from the lining of the urinary tract, and it is a convenient noninvasive technique for follow...
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Urinalysis is an important test used in diagnosing diseases of the genitourinary tract. Urine is examined for pH and specific gravity by chemical and direct microscopic methods.
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A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.
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A biopsy describes the procedure that is used to obtain a very small piece of the target tissue. For some tissues, like the lining of the cheek, cells can be obtained just by scrapping the tissue surface.
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Detailed information on biopsy, including the most common types of biopsy such as endoscopic biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, excisional biopsy, incisional biopsy, fine needle aspiration biopsy, punch biopsy, shave biopsy, and skin biopsy
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Biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a piece of tissue and/or cells are removed to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist.Biopsies are performed to determine the presence of cancer cells, establish tumor grading, and provide more inf...
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Detailed information on several of the different divisions of anatomical pathology, including biopsy, surgical pathology, cytology, and autopsy
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A biopsy is a small sample of tissue or fluid taken from the body. This sample can then be studied in a laboratory. Image-guided biopsy allows a sample to be taken from an abnormal mass without the need for surgery. This procedure is done by a specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist.
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What type of biopsy will I have? Why do I need a biopsy? How long will it take?
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Detailed information on biopsy and the biopsy report For many health problems, a diagnosis is made by removing a sample of tissue for study in the pathology laboratory. The biopsy report describes the findings of a specimen.
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Most biopsies involve taking a small piece of skin or muscle under a local anesthetic. When the cells to be analyzed are accessible by needle, the biopsy specimen may be removed with a hollow aspiration needle, which is used to suck out the sample...
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Ultrasound involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and systems within the body.An ultrasound machine creates images that allow various organs in the body to be examined. The machine sends out high-frequency sound ...
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Ultrasonography is a diagnostic technique that involves directing high frequency sound waves at tissues in the body to generate images of anatomical structures. Ultrasonography is also called sonography, diagnostic sonography, and echocardiography...
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Detailed information on ultrasonograpy, also called sonography including information on how the procedure is performed
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Detailed information on ultrasound and the potential risks and benefits An ultrasound scan is a diagnostic technique which uses high-frequency sound
waves to create an image of the internal organs. A screening ultrasound is sometimes done during the course of a pregnancy to monitor normal fetal growth and verify the due date. Ultrasounds may be performed at various times throughout pregnancy for different reasons:
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A thyroid ultrasound, or sonogram, is a diagnostic imaging technique used to evaluate the structure of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is an endocrine gland, which means that it releases its secretions directly into the bloodstream or lymph.
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My Ob/Gyn said they found fluid in the baby's kidneys during my 20-week ultrasound, so I have to have a level 2 ultrasound done. What does this mean?
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Diagnostic medical sonography, or ultrasound, is a technique using high frequency sound to create images of specific areas of the body to diagnose various pathologies. The diagnostic medical sonographer performs examinations, records anatomic cond...
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Ultrasonography is the study of internal organs or blood vessels using high-frequency sound waves. The actual test is called an ultrasound scan or sonogram.
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Since diagnostic sonography utilizes a nonionizing form of energy, there are no known bioeffects. Thus, diagnostic sonography is applied to a large spectrum of clinical disorders, including obstetrical, gynecological, abdominal, urologic, pediatri...
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a noninvasive way to take pictures of the body.Unlike x-rays and computed tomographic( CT) scans, which use radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves. The MRI scanner contains the magnet.
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Cardiac nuclear imaging is also called a "perfusion scan.” A radioactive tracer is delivered into the bloodstream. Then a camera scans the tracer in the blood as it flows through the heart muscle.
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New MRI machines and new techniques result in images that show prostate cancer in much greater detail, allowing biopsies to be targeted more precisely, and thus cancer staging can be more accurate as well.
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Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging, including how the image is performed and what happens following the procedure
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that lets your doctor see detailed pictures of the inside of your body. MRI combines the use of strong magnets and radio waves to form an MRI image.
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A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about the safety of MRIs for those who have stents.
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Studies have found that MRI tests used in addition to mammography detected more cancers in women at high risk for breast cancer. Women at average risk would not necessarily benefit from the additional testing.
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When I had an MRI of my knee, I was told the test was dangerous for people who have metal devices in their bodies. Since then, I developed angina and my cardiologist put in a metal stent. If I need an MRI in the future, will I be able to get one?
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For women at high genetic risk, adding MRI screening to mammography may improve early detection of breast cancer.
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Is a regular MRI more accurate then an open MRI?
Diana Post, M.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.
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How safe is it for a baby who is 6 months old to have an MRI?
Claire McCarthy, M.D., is a senior medical editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is an instructor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Boston, and co-director of the pediatrics department at Martha Eliot Health Center, a neighborhood health service of Children's Hospital. The author of two books, "Learning How the Heart Beats" and "Everyone's Children", Dr. McCarthy was a regular columnist for "Sesame Street Parents Magazine" from 1995 to 1998 and is currently a contributing editor for "Parenting Magazine".
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Persons with pacemakers cannot get an MRI because it conflicts with the pacemaker's function. Future pacemakers will likely be made MRI-safe, but this will probably take at least several more years.
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In some cases, chemical agents such as gadolinium can be injected to improve the contrast between healthy and diseased tissue.A single MRI exposure produces a two-dimensional image of a slice through the entire target area. A series of these image...
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a unique and versatile medical imaging modality. Doctors can obtain highly refined images of the body''s interior using MRI.
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is one of the newest diagnostic medical imaging technologies that uses strong magnets and pulses of radio waves to manipulate the natural magnetic properties in the body to generate a visible image. In the field of ...
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is the newest, and perhaps most versatile, medical imaging technology available. Doctors can get highly refined images of the body''s interior without surgery, using MRI.
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses radio waves, a magnetic field, and a computer to generate images of the anatomy.MRI is used to visualize the body to assist doctors in their efforts to diagnose certain di...
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Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is one of the newest, and perhaps most versatile, medical imaging technology available. Doctors can get highly refined images of the body''s interior without surgery using MRI.
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Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including information on how the procedure is performed
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People with certain kinds of pacemakers or ICDs can safely undergo an MRI, as long as a series of safety precautions is carefully followed.
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A computed tomography(CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the body.CAT scan; Computed axial tomography scan; Computed tomography scan.You will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into the ...
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Computed tomography (CT) is a test that combines x-rays and computer scans. The result is a detailed picture that can show problems with soft tissues (such as the lining of your sinuses), organs (such as your kidneys or lungs), and bones.
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Detailed information on computed tomography scans, also called CT scan or CAT scan, including information on how the procedure is performed
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Detailed information on ultrafast computed tomography scans, also called ultrafast CT scan or ultrafast CAT scan, including information on how the procedure is performed
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Detailed information on CT scan, including how the CT scan is performed and what happens after the procedure
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Detailed information on ultrafast computed tomography (CT) scan, including reasons for the procedure, risks of the procedure, what to expect, and discharge instructions
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Computed tomography(CT) scans are completed with the use of a 360-degree x-ray beam and computer production of images. These scans allow for cross-sectional views of body organs and tissues.CT scans are used to image a wide variety of body structu...
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Computed tomography scanning, also called CT scan, CAT scan, or computerized axial tomography, is a diagnostic tool that provides views of internal body structures using x rays. In the field of mental health, a CT scan may be used when a patient s...
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Computed tomography(CT), formerly referred to as computerized axial tomography(CAT), is a common diagnostic imaging procedure that uses x rays to generate images(slices) of the anatomy.Computed tomography(CT) is an x-ray imaging procedure used for...
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Computed tomography(CT) scanning is a valuable diagnostic tool that provides physicians with views of internal body structures. During a CT scan, multiple x rays are passed through the body, producing cross-sectional images, or"slices," on a catho...
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Computed tomography(also known as CT, CT scan, CAT, or computerized axial tomography) scans use x rays to produce precise cross-sectional images of anatomical structures.With the development of modern computers, the scans enhanced digital capabili...
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What is the difference between a pelvic CT scan and an abdominal CT scan?
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Is there an alternative to iodine as a contrast medium in a CT scan?
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A renal biopsy is the removal of a small piece of kidney tissue for laboratory examination.There are many ways to perform a kidney biopsy. The most common uses ultrasound guidance.
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Kidney biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the kidney for microscopic examination.The test is usually done to diagnose kidney disease and to evaluate the extent of damage to the kidney. A biopsy is also f...
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Blood pressure measurement is the non-invasive measurement of the pressure exerted by the circulating blood on the walls of the body''s arteries.The purpose of non-invasive blood pressure measurement is to detect any changes from normal values, whi...
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A review of the methods and technology available for home monitoring, which can be an important aid to lowering your blood pressure.
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Measurement is also performed to monitor the effectiveness of medication and other methods used to control hypertension.Blood pressure should be routinely checked every one to two years. Hypertension often has no symptoms that would make the patie...
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Did you know you can purchase your own blood pressure monitor and check the reading yourself at home?
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You can take your own blood pressure reading using a digital monitor.Blood pressure is the force of blood as it moves from the heart through the blood vessels. You can take your own blood pressure reading using a digital monitor. Take readings as often as your doctor instructs. Take each reading at the same time of day.
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Erythropoietin, also called EPO, is a type of protein called a glycoprotein that is formed mainly in the kidneys to stimulate the production of red blood cells.The erythropoietin(EPO) test is used to determine if hormonal secretion is causing chan...
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