Diagnostics

Used to look for demyelinating disorders

MRI with contrast

Best test to look for brain tumors

MRI with contrast

Safest test for pregnant women for appendicitis if US is inconclusive

MRI without contrast

Evaluating for lung mass

CT chest with contrast

Evaluating for small pneumothorax not seen on a CXR

CT chest without contrast

Evaluating most intraabdominal trauma

CT abdomen with contrast

Evaluating for potential kidney stones

CT abdomen without contrast

Evaluating for pulmonary emboli if no contraindications

CT pulmonary angiogram

Evaluating for pulmonary emboli in person will allergy to iodine

VQ Scan

Useful for widespread metastases or infections

Pet Scan

Used to look for arterial clot or injury in an extremity

CT angiogram

Used to look for a venous blood clot or decreased blood flow to genitalia

Ultrasound

Safest test for pediatric patient for appendicitis

Ultrasound

Functional evaluation of an organ

Nuclear Medicine Scan

First line for fractures or dislocation or bony injuries

Plain Xray

Good for pneumothorax

Chest Xray

Intrinsic and common coagulation pathway

PTT

Used to monitor heparin therapy

PTT

Extrinsic and common coagulation pathway

PT

Used to monitor Coumadin (warfarin) therapy

PT

Elevated in bacterial infections

WBC

Used to measure for anemia or for the ability of blood to get oxygen to the tissues

HGB

Helpful in determining if a RBC is macrocytic or microcytic

MCV

Helpful in determining if a RBC is hypochromic

MCHC

Should be ordered when a patient has bleeding of the gums or petechia

Platelets

Can be present in blood when a clot has started to dissolve

D dimer

Best test to determine if someone has metabolic or respiratory acidosis or alkalosis

ABG

Elevated in bone growth or turnover or when there is a placenta

ALKP

Liver enzyme tests

AST/ALT

Kidney tests

BUN/Creatinine

Needed before obtaining an ABG

Allen Test

Used when you want to evaluate and biopsy at the same time

Endoscopy