Chp 6: Laboratory Tests and Clinical Procedure

lipase test

test for the level of lipase (enzyme to digest fat) in the blood

liver function tests (LFTs)

tests for the presence of enzymes and bilirubin in blod

stool culture

test for microorganisms present in feces

stool guaiac test or hemoccult test

test to detect occult (hidden) blood in feces

lower gastrointestinal series (barium enema)

x-ray images of the colon and rectum obtained after injection of barium into the rectum

upper gastrointestinal series

x-ray images of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine obtained after administrating barium mouth

cholangiography

x-ray examination of the biliary system performed after injection of contrast into the bile ducts

computed tomography

a series of x-ray images is taken in multiple views (especially cross section)

abdominal ultrasonography

sound waves beamed into the abdomen produce an image of abdominal viscera

endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)

use of an endoscope combined with ultrasound to examine the organs of the gastrointestinal tract

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

magnetic waves produce images of organs and tissues in all three planes of the body

Hepatobiliary IminoDiacetic Acid (HIDA) Scan

radioactive imaging procedure that tracks the production and flow of bile from the liver and gallbladder to the intestine; also called cholescintigraphy

fecal transplant

transfer of stool from a healthy donor into the gastrointestinal tract of a recipient

bariatric surgery

procedures used to achieve weight loss in people with severe obesity

gastrointestinal endoscopy

visual examination of the gastrointestinal tract using an endoscope

laparoscopy

visual (endoscopic) examination of the abdomen with a laparoscope inserted through small incision in the abdomen

liver biopsy

removal of liver tissue for microscopic examination

nasogastric intubation

insertion of a tube through the nose into the stomach

paracentesis ( abdominocentesis)

puncture to remove fluid from the abdomen