What is an angiogram?
An angiogram is a procedure that uses X-ray contrast to look at the blood vessels (arteries or veins) in your body.
Why do we do it?
When blood vessels are blocked, damaged or abnormal in any way, chest pain, heart attack, stroke, or other problems may occur. Angiography helps your physician determine the source of the problem and the extent of damage to the blood vessel segments that are being examined.
Before the test
Lab work may be needed before the angiogram to determine your blood's ability to clot.
What is a chest X-ray?
A chest X-ray is a test that uses a small amount of radiation to create an image of the structures within the chest, including the heart, lungs, blood vessels and bones. During an X-ray, a focused beam of radiation is passed through your body, and a black-and-white image is recorded on special film or a computer. The X-ray image that is created looks like a negative from a black and white photograph.
How do I prepare for the test?
There is no special preparation for a chest X-ray. It is important to tell the technologist if you are or may be pregnant. X-rays generally are not used on pregnant women because of the possible risk of radiation exposure to the developing baby.
Before the test begins, you will be asked to remove your clothing--usually just from the waist up--and put on a hospital gown. You also will be asked to remove all jewelry and any other objects containing metal (such as eyeglasses and hair pins). This is done because metal can block the image and interfere with the test results.
What is computed tomography?
Computed tomography, commonly known as a CT scan, uses X-rays and computers to produce images of a cross-section of the body. The patient must lie as still as possible as the table moves through the large, donut-shaped scanning device. Movement could blur the images produced by the scanner.
What is an EEG?
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test during which the electrical signals of the brain are recorded. This electrical activity is detected by electrodes, or sensors, placed on the patient’s scalp and transmitted to a polygraph that records the activity.
How it works
Electrical signals produced by the brain neurons are picked up by the electrodes and transmitted to a polygraph, where they produce separate graphs on moving paper using an ink writing pen or on a computer screen.
Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
The most accurate test available for detecting osteoporosis and other bone diseases is dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). This test, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes, measures the bone loss in your hips and spine. It also helps your doctor determine how quickly you are losing bone mass, as well as predict your risk of fracture. The test is also used to follow the course of the disease and monitor the effects of various treatments.
Before your DXA test
You do not have to change your daily routine before this test. Eat, drink, and take your medicines as you normally would. However, do not take calcium supplements (such as Tums) for 24 hours before your bone densitometry test. If you think you might be pregnant, notify your doctor.
Knee arthroscopy fundamentals
Knee arthroscopy is one of the most frequently used procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of knee injuries. This minor surgical procedure is done using an instrument called an arthroscope. While the knee is the joint most often viewed and operated using the arthroscope, other joints such as the shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip and wrist can also be viewed using this instrument.
What are causes of the knee pain?
Injuries, overuse, weakness or aging can harm your knees and cause pain and discomfort.
What are the benefits of knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is an effective tool in diagnosing your joint condition and for confirming treatment for knee problems such as meniscus tears and cartilage wear. An arthroscopy can ultimately provide relief from knee pain and improve mobility. Maintaining a normal and active lifestyle with greater comfort is a key benefit of this procedure.
What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound, also known as sonography, or ultrasonography, is a diagnostic procedure that transmits high-frequency sound waves, inaudible to the human ear, through body tissues. The echoes are recorded and transformed into video or photographic images of the internal structures of the body.
Ultrasound images help in the diagnosis of a wide range of diseases and conditions. The idea for ultrasonography came from sonar technology, which makes use of sound waves to detect underwater objects.
Ultrasound is used to create images of soft tissue structures, such as the gall bladder, liver, heart, kidney, female reproductive organs -- and even of fetuses still in the womb. Ultrasound can also detect blockages in the blood vessels.
Ultrasound may be used with other diagnostic procedures or by itself.
Are there any side effects?
Studies have shown that ultrasound is not hazardous. There are no harmful side effects. In addition, ultrasound does not use radiation, as x-ray tests do.
