Pulmonary Embolism : Tests

Tests to evaluate the function of the lungs: Arterial blood gases; Pulse oximetry. Tests to detect the location and extent of embolism: Chest x-ray; Pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan; Pulmonary angiogram; CT angiogram of the chest. Tests to det...

Pulmonary embolism can be diagnosed through the patient's history, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests including chest x ray, lung scan, pulmonary angiography, electrocardiography, arterial blood gas measurements, and leg vein ultrasonography or...

An embolism can be diagnosed through the patient's history, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests. For arterial emboli, cardiac ultrasound and/or arteriography are ordered. For a pulmonary embolism, a chest x ray, lung scan, pulmonary angiography,...

Blood gases measure the pH (acidity), oxygen content, and carbon dioxide content of the blood. Usually, blood gases are used to analyze the arterial blood. In rarer cases, venous blood may be used.

Blood gas analysis, also called arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, is a procedure to measure the partial pressure of oxygen (O 2 ) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) gases and the pH (hydrogen ion concentration) in arterial blood. Purpose Blood gas analysis is used to diagnose and evaluate respiratory diseases and conditions that influence how effectively the lungs deliver oxygen to and eliminate carbon dioxide from the blood.

Blood gas analysis, also called arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, is a test which measures the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, as well as the acidity (pH) of the blood. Purpose An ABG analysis evaluates how effectively the lungs are delivering oxygen to the blood and how efficiently they are eliminating carbon dioxide from it.

Blood gases are defined as the mixture of gases, including oxygen (O 2 ), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), and nitrogen (N 2 ), dissolved in the fluid fraction of blood. Oxygen from the air is transported from the lungs to all tissues of the body, where it is needed for metabolism ; and carbon dioxide, a by-product of metabolism, is taken from the tissues to the lungs to be eliminated.

Holter monitoring provides a continuous recording of heart rhythm during normal activity. The monitor is usually worn for 24 hours to obtain a recording of a complete day. See also ECG .

Ambulatory electrocardiography (ECG or EKG) is the continuous monitoring on an outpatient basis of the electrical activity of the heart , with a device called a Holter monitor, while the patient undergoes their usual daily activities. Purpose Ambulatory EKG has the ability to detect a number of heart problems that do not show up during standard electrocardiography tests in a doctor ' s office or during a stress test (electrocardiography performed during exercise , also in a doctor ' s office or EKG laboratory).

Echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart. The picture is much more detailed than x-ray image and involves no radiation exposure.

Echocardiography is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to create an image of the heart muscle. Ultrasound waves that rebound or echo off the heart can show the size, shape, and movement of the heart ' s valves and chambers as well as the flow of blood through the heart.

An echocardiogram (echo) is an imaging test. It helps your doctor evaluate your heart. Here is how it works.

Echocardiography is a diagnostic test that uses ultrasound waves to produce an image of the heart muscle and the heart ' s valves. Purpose Echocardiography is used to diagnose certain cardiovascular diseases, and is one of the most widely used diagnostic tests for heart disease.

A chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.

A chest x ray is a procedure used to evaluate organs and structures within the chest for symptoms of disease. Chest x rays include views of the lungs, heart, small portions of the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland and the bones of the chest area.

A chest x ray is a procedure used to evaluate organs and structures within the chest for symptoms of disease. Chest x rays include views of the lungs , heart , small portions of the gastrointestinal tract, and the bones of the chest area.

A chest x ray is a procedure used to evaluate organs and structures within the chest for symptoms of disease. Chest x rays include views of the lungs, heart, small portions of the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland, and the bones of the chest area.

A tomogram refers to a slice, or section, which is imaged by moving the X-ray tube and recording film simultaneously and in opposite directions. This method serves to blur out structures in front of and behind the area of interest.

Computed Tomography (CT)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 lung...

Computed tomography (CT) of the chest is performed to diagnose a variety of symptoms, including vascular, cardiac, airway disease as well as cancers that can occur in the thoracic region of the body. Purpose The purpose of the CT scan is to noninvasively and quickly visualize internal organs which may be damaged by disease or trauma.

During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient's body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems. A typical physical examination includes: Inspection (looking at the body) Palpation (feeling the body with hands) Auscultation (listening to sounds) Percussion (producing sounds)

A physical examination is the evaluation of a body to determine its state of health. The techniques of inspection include palpation (feeling with the hands and/or fingers), percussion (tapping with the fingers), auscultation (listening), and smell.

The health history is a current collection of organized information unique to the individual patient. Relevant aspects of the history include biographical, demographic, physical, mental, emotional, sociocultural, sexual, and spiritual data.

A physical examination is the evaluation of a body to determine its state of health. The techniques of inspection, palpation (feeling with the hands), percussion (tapping with the fingers), auscultation (listening), and smell are used.

The health history is a current collection of organized information unique to an individual. Relevant aspects of the history include biographical, demographic, physical, mental, emotional, sociocultural, sexual, and spiritual data.

A physical examination is an evaluation of the body and its functions using inspection, palpation (feeling with the hands), percussion (tapping with the fingers), and auscultation (listening). A complete health assessment also includes gathering information about a person ' s medical history and lifestyle, doing laboratory tests, and screening for disease.

This test uses ultrasound to examine the blood flow in the major arteries and veins in the arms and legs.

Doppler UltrasoundDoppler ultrasound uses harmless sound waves to create a picture of your blood flow. This test can detect narrow or blocked arteries and blood clots in the veins.Before Your TestThe test takes30–60minutes.

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. ECG is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats as well as the size and position of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart (such as a pacemaker). See also stress test and Holter monitor (24h) .

The electrocardiogram (ECG) displays important information about the heart, including the occurrence of a heart attack or lack of oxygen, whether conduction of the heartbeat is disturbed, or its rate or rhythm altered. It is useful as a rapid indicator of the diagnosis and it is easy, painless, and inexpensive to record.

Electrocardiography is a commonly used, noninvasive procedure for recording electrical changes in the heart. The record, which is called an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), shows the series of waves that relate to the electrical impulses that occur during each beat of the heart.

The ECG (also known as EKG) is a test that records electrical signals from your heart onto a paper strip. The pattern of these signals can tell the doctor whether your heart is normal, under stress, or experiencing electrical problems, strain, or damage.

A chest MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct pictures of the body. Unlike conventional radiography and computed tomographic (CT) imaging, which make use of potentially harmful radiation (x-rays) that passes through a patient to generate images, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is based on the magnetic properties of atoms. A powerful magnet generates a magnetic field roughly 10,000 times stronger than the Earth's. A very small percentage of hydrogen atoms within the body will align with this field. Radio wave pulses are broadcast towards the aligned hydrogen atoms in tissues of interest, returning a signal of their own. The subtle differing characteristics of that signal from different tissues enables MRI to differentiate between various organs, and potentially, provide contrast between benign and malignant tissue. Any imaging plane, or "slice", can be projected, and then stored in a computer or printed on film. MRI can easily be performed through clothing and bones, however, certain types of metal in or around the area of interest can cause significant errors in the reconstructed images.

This test measures the systolic blood pressure (maximum pressure exerted when the heart contracts) of a leg compared with that of an arm. The test is usually performed to rule out blockages in the arms or legs (usually legs). See also vascular ultrasound .

Impedance plethysmography, also called impedance test or blood flow or impedance phlebography , is a non-invasive test that uses electrical monitoring in the form of resistance (impedance) changes to measure blood flow in veins of the leg. Information from this test helps doctors detect deep vein thrombosis (blood clots or thrombophlebitis).

This procedure takes x-ray pictures of the pulmonary blood vessels (those in the lungs). Because arteries and veins are not normally seen in an x-ray, a contrast material is injected into one or more arteries or veins so that they can be seen.

Pulmonary angiography is an x-ray of the blood vessels that supply the lungs. It is used to find a blood clot (pulmonary embolism) in these blood vessels. The procedure is done by a specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist.

The pulse oximeter is a photoelectric instrument for measuring oxygen saturation of the blood . A pulse oximeter uses infrared light and a photo sensor to detect the amount of oxygen in a patient's blood.

The pulse oximeter is a photoelectric instrument for measuring oxygen saturation of blood. Purpose A pulse oximeter measures the amount of oxygen present in blood by registering pulsations within an arteriolar bed (an area between arteries and capillaries).

Lower extremity venography is a test used to visualize the veins in the leg. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation like light, but of higher energy, so they can penetrate the body to form an image on film. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will appear white, air will be black, and other structures will be shades of gray. Veins are not normally seen in an x-ray, so a contrast material is injected into the vein to make it visible. In this test, the contrast material is injected into the vein of the affected leg.

VenographyVenographyis a study of veins in the body.Contrast medium(x-ray dye) is injected into the veins. This helps the blood vessels show clearly on x-ray pictures.

A pulmonary ventilation/perfusion scan is a pair of nuclear scan tests that use inhaled and injected radioactive material (radioisotopes) to measure breathing (ventilation) and circulation (perfusion) in all areas of the lungs.

A lung perfusion scan is a nuclear medicine test that produces a picture of blood flow to the lungs. A lung ventilation scan measures the ability of the lungs to take in air and uses radiopharmaceuticals to produce a picture of how air is distributed in the lungs.

A lung perfusion scan and ventilation study are two diagnostic imaging studies. A lung perfusion scan assesses blood flow to the lungs .