Diagnostic Tests Directory

Cord blood is a sample of blood collected from the umbilical cord at the time of birth.

A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the body. See also: Cranial CT scan; Lumbosacral spine CT scan; Orbit CT scan; Thoracic CT scan.

An exercise stress test is a screening tool to test the effect of exercise on your heart. It provides an overall look at the health of your heart. See also: Stress echocardiography; Thallium stress test.

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. The magneti...

Detailed information on mammography, including how a mammogram is performed, what conditions a mammogram shows, mammography guidelines, and the risk factors for breast cancer

A Pap smear is an examination under the microscope of cells scraped from the cervix.

A throat culture is a technique for identifying disease bacteria in material taken from the throat. Most throat cultures are done to rule out infections caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci, which cause strep throat.

Ultrasound involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and systems within the body.

Detailed information on x-ray, including information on how the procedure is performed