Diagnostic Procedures

​Common Diagnostic Procedures Table 2.4

By Dawn Dann

Diagnostic Tests

​Tests are used to:

Help diagnose patient

Monitor patient condition

Laboratory Tests

​Blood Tests

Blood Glucose: detects high or low blood sugar; Per NHA reference range is 70-100 mg/dL (fasting).

CRP (C-Reactive Protein): Detects inflammation. Reference is 1-3 mg/L.

CBC (Complete Blood Count): Count of each cell, with a differential- count of each specific WBC or leukocyte.

​Laboratory Blood Tests

CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: multiple tests that can verify function of liver or kidney, includes electrolyte levels and glucose.

Electrolyte Panel: Verifies electrolyte levels, e.g. Na, K, Cl, Ca, Mg & HCO3

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): measures degree of inflammation, measures the rate that RBCs settle in sample

Multiple Choice

Which of the following tests would give information about patient's average blood glucose?

• CRP

• hbA1c

• ESR

• CBC

Multiple Choice

Which of these are NOT a test for inflammation?

• CMP

• CRP

• ESR

​Laboratory Blood Tests

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): measures level FSH

HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin): Measure of average blood glucose over 2-3 months

Lipid Profile: measures cholesterol & triglyceride levels

Liver Function Panel: determines liver function based on measurement of specific proteins and enzymes

​Laboratory Blood Tests

PTT, PT/INR (Partial thromboplastin time, Prothrombin time, International Normalized Ratio): Measures clotting time, used typically for patients on anticoagulants

TSH (Thryoid Stimulating hormone): measures TSH, indicator of function of thyroid which controls metabolism

Multiple Choice

Which of these does the lipid panel NOT test for?

• triglycerides

• TSH level

• cholesterol

Multiple Choice

What type of medication is the PTT, PT/INR used to monitor patient's clotting time?

• antihypertensive

• antiemetic

• antiviral

• anticoagulant

​Laboratory Tests

C&S (Culture & Sensitivity): culture determines pathogen present, sensitivity determines which medication is effective against pathogen, must be sterile specimen

FIT/iFOBT (Fecal Immunochemical test/occult blood test): test on stool determines the presence of hemoglobin proteins

gFOBT (Guaiac Fecal Occult Blood test): detects blood in stool
***Prep= no red dye, no red meat, no ASA, no Vit C, no Fe supp****

​Laboratory Tests

Cologuard: test of stool to find DNA of Ca and pre-Ca cells

O&P (Parasitic Exam): stool exam for ova and parasites

U/A (Urinalysis): analyze urine for abnormal components, most common test performed in POL.

Multiple Choice

What is the most common test performed in the POL (Physician's Office Laboratory)?

• CBC

• gFOBT

• U/A

• C&S

​Endoscopy

Arthroscopy: viewing a joint
Bronchoscopy: viewing the bronchi
Capsule Endoscopy: viewing the gastrointestinal tract (GI) by swallowing a capsule camera
Colonoscopy/Sigmoidoscopy: viewing colon
Colposcopy: viewing vagina and cervix
Cystoscopy/Ureteroscopy: viewing the urinary bladder and ureters.
ERCP Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: viewing the ducts of pancreas and gallbladder
EGD Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: viewing the lining of the esophagus, stomach & duodenum

QUESTIONS?

​Imaging

CT Computed Tomography: Axial & 3D scans of body, "slice" images
CT Colonoscopy: CT images of interior colon
Fluoroscopy: Active motion image of body
MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging: images created by magnets, shows soft tissues
Nuclear Scans: radioactive injection that is imaged as it moves through structure
PET Positron Emission Tomography: Radioactive drug is used to show activity in body
Ultrasound: uses sound waves to create image

​Imaging

X-ray: uses electromagnetic waves to create images of dense tissues such as bones

Contrast Media: used with image procedures to better see the body structures, can be barium, iodine, gadolinium, saline or air

Multiple Choice

Which imaging will produce a live action video?

• CT

• PET

• MRI

• Fluoroscopy