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During a physical examination the health care provider may find:An enlarged liver or spleenExcess breast tissueExcess fluid in the tissues lining the abdomen (ascites)Expanded (distended) abdomenReddened palmsRed spider-like blood vessels on the s...
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A doctor who suspects cirrhosis may order blood and urine tests to measure liver function. Because only a small number of healthy cells are needed to carry out essential liver functions, test results may be normal even when cirrhosis is present.Co...
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A patient's medical history can reveal illnesses or lifestyles likely to lead to cirrhosis. Liver changes can be seen during a physical examination.
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Prothrombin time(PT) is a blood test that measures the time it takes for the liquid portion(plasma) of your blood to clot.
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The prothrombin time test belongs to a group of blood tests that assess the clotting ability of blood. The test is also known as the pro time or PT test.The PT test is used to monitor patients taking certain medications as well as to help diagnose...
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These are primary hemostasis, which is the interaction of the injured blood vessel and platelets; secondary hemostasis, which is referred to historically as the blood coagulation process; and tertiary hemostasis, which is the process of fibrinolys...
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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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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.A blood sample is needed.
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Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT) is a test to measure the amount of the enzyme GGT 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(an...
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Alanine transaminase(ALT) is an enzyme found in the highest amounts in the liver. Injury to the liver results in release of the substance into the blood.This article discusses the test to measure the amount of ALT in the blood.SGPT; Serum glutamat...
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AST(aspartate aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in high amounts in heart muscle and liver and skeletal muscle cells. It is also found in lesser amounts in other tissues.This article discusses the test to measure the amount of AST in the blood.A...
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The Aspartate aminotransferase test measures levels of AST, an enzyme released into the blood when certain organs or tissues, particularly the liver and heart, are injured. Aspartate aminotransferase(AST) is also known as serum glutamic oxaloaceti...
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Alkaline phosphatase(ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with particularly high amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone.A blood test can be done to measure the level of ALP.
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Like all enzymes, it is needed, in small amounts, to trigger specific chemical reactions. When it is present in large amounts, it may signify bone or liver disease or a tumor.Medical testing of alkaline phosphatase is concerned with the enzyme tha...
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Bilirubin is a product that results from the breakdown of hemoglobin. Total and direct bilirubin are usually measured to screen for or to monitor liver or gallbladder problems.Total bilirubin; Unconjugated bilirubin; Indirect bilirubin; Conjugated...
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A bilirubin test is a diagnostic blood test performed to measure levels of bile pigment in an individual''s blood serum and to help evaluate liver function.The bilirubin test is an important part of routine newborn(neonatal) diagnostic screening te...
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The bilirubin test is a blood test to monitor the liver function of newborns. The rapid destruction of red blood cells after birth produces more bilirubin than the infant''s liver can handle, causing some jaundice in about 99% of newborns.
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This test roughly measures the types of protein in the fluid (serum) part of a blood sample. See also:Immunoelectrophoresis - serumImmunofixation - serumSerum globulin electrophoresisLipoprotein electrophoresisA blood sample is needed.
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Separation is based on differences in the charge(and sometimes size) of the molecules, which determines their rate of movement in an electric field. Serum protein electrophoresis is a screening test that measures the major blood proteins.
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Serum protein electrophoresis(SPEP) is a screening test that measures the major blood proteins by separating them into five distinct fractions: albumin, alpha 1, alpha 2, beta, and gamma proteins. Protein electrophoresis can also be performed on u...
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A platelet count is a test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood. Platelets help the blood clot.
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A platelet count is a diagnostic test that determines the number of platelets in the patient''s blood. Platelets, which are also called thrombocytes, are small disk-shaped blood cells produced in the bone marrow and involved in the process of blood...
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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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Common tests that are used to evaluate liver function include:.Albumin Alpha-1 antitrypsin ALP ALT AST Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase(GGT) Prothrombin time.Please see individual tests for details on how each is performed.
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Liver function tests, or LFTs, include tests for bilirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin, and ammonia, a protein byproduct that is normally converted into urea by the liver before being excreted by the kidneys. LFTs also commonly include test...
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Detailed information on the most common liver function tests, including serum bilirubin test, serum albumin test, serum alkaline phosphatase test, serum aminotransferases, prothrombin time test, alanine transaminase test, aspartate transaminase test, gamm
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Liver function tests, or LFTs, include tests that are routinely measured in all clinical laboratories. LFTs include bilirubin, a compound formed by the catabolism of hemoglobin; ammonia, a product of protein catabolism that is normally converted i...
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Liver function tests, or LFTs, include tests that are routinely measured in all clinical laboratories. LFTs include bilirubin, a compound formed by the breakdown of hemoglobin; ammonia, a breakdown product of protein that is normally converted int...
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The alanine aminotransferase test, also known as ALT, is one of a group of tests known as liver function tests(or LFTs) and is used to monitor damage to the liver.ALT levels are used to detect liver abnormalities. Since the alanine aminotransferas...
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Enzyme markers are tests for specific enzyme activity in the body. Diseases or defects passed down through families can cause enzymes to stop working or to be less active.
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Enzyme immunoassay(EIA) is a test used to detect and quantify specific antigen-eliciting molecules involved in biological processes, specifically processes related to cancer and autoimmune disorders. EIA can be used on most types of biological sam...
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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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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 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 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 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) 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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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) 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(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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Is there an alternative to iodine as a contrast medium in a CT scan?
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What is the difference between a pelvic CT scan and an abdominal CT scan?
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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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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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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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A liver biopsy is a test that takes a sample of tissue from the liver for examination.The test is usually done in the hospital. You may be given a medication to calm you(sedative) or pain medication by injection before the test.
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A liver biopsy is a special procedure that's safe and quick. It can help your doctor assess the health of the liver.
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Alpha fetoprotein(AFP) is a protein normally produced by the liver and yolk sac of a fetus. AFP levels decrease soon after birth.
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The alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) test is a blood test that is performed during pregnancy. This screening test measures the level of AFP in the mother''s blood and indicates the probability that the fetus has one of several serious birth defects.
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The alpha-fetoprotein(AFP) test is a blood test that is performed during pregnancy to screen the fetus for certain conditions; it is also used to screen for certain diseases in infants and children. The screening test measures the level of AFP in ...
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The Alpha Fetoprotein(AFP) Test is a commonly used prenatal test to monitor the level of AFP—a possible indicator of developmental abnormalities—in the liver of a fetus during high-risk pregnancies. The protein is obtained either throu...
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Detailed information on alpha-fetoprotein testing Alpha-fetoprotein screening is a blood test that measures the level of alpha-fetoprotein in the mothers' blood during pregnancy. AFP is a protein normally produced by the fetal liver and is present in the fluid surrounding the fetus (amniotic fluid), and crosses the placenta into the mother's blood. The AFP blood test is also called MSAFP (maternal serum AFP).
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It can show whether your fetus has signs of some birth defects. This test is done between weeks 15 and 20 of pregnancy.
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A complete blood count(CBC) test measures the following:.The number of red blood cells(RBCs) The number of white blood cells(WBCs) The total amount of hemoglobin in the blood The fraction of the blood composed of red blood cells( hematocrit) The s...
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One of the most commonly ordered clinical laboratory tests, a blood count, also called a complete blood count(CBC), is a basic evaluation of the cells(red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) suspended in the liquid part of the blood(pla...
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A complete blood count(CBC) is a series of tests used to evaluate the composition and concentration of the cellular components of blood. It consists of the following tests: red blood cell(RBC) count, white blood cell(WBC) count, and platelet count...
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The clinical laboratory test that evaluates the three main cellular components of peripheral blood(red cells, white cells, and platelets) is called the"complete blood count"(CBC). It is used commonly to assess whether a patient is anemic(low red c...
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A complete blood count(CBC) is a series of tests used to evaluate the composition and concentration of the cellular components of blood. It consists of the following tests: red blood cell(RBC) count, white blood cell(WBC) count, and platelet count...
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