Diagnostic Tests — Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards defining common diagnostic procedures, their primary indications, and diagnostic purposes based on the study guide.

Angiography (cardiac, pulmonary, abdominal)

An imaging procedure that uses contrast dye and X-rays to show blood vessels in order to identify narrowing, blockages, abnormal or leaking vessels, and guide interventions like angioplasty or stenting.

Arthroscopy

A minimally invasive procedure where a surgeon inserts an arthroscope through a small incision into a joint to inspect, diagnose, and treat issues like damaged cartilage, torn ligaments, or loose fragments.

Barium enema / Lower GI series

An X-ray examination of the large intestine where barium contrast is introduced through the rectum to coat the colon and assess for structural abnormalities such as strictures, diverticula, or masses.

Bone marrow biopsy

The removal of a small sample of bone marrow (typically from the back of the hip bone) to evaluate blood cell production and investigate unexplained anemia, abnormal blood counts, cancers, or marrow disorders.

Bronchoscopy

A procedure where a flexible or rigid scope is passed through the nose or mouth into the airways to view the trachea and bronchi, collect specimens, remove foreign material, or provide airway treatments.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis / Lumbar puncture

A procedure that inserts a needle into the lower back to measure opening pressure and collect cerebrospinal fluid to diagnose infections such as meningitis, bleeding around the brain, inflammatory/neurologic disorders, or cancers.

Colonoscopy

An examination of the rectum and entire colon using a flexible camera scope to screen for colorectal cancer, investigate bleeding or bowel habit changes, evaluate inflammation, take biopsies, and remove polyps.

CT (computed tomography) scan

An imaging test that uses X-rays and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the body to evaluate injuries, bleeding, tumors, infections, blood clots, or structural abnormalities.

Cystoscopy

A procedure in which a thin scope is passed through the urethra into the bladder to inspect the lining, evaluate hematuria, recurrent infections, stones, strictures, or tumors, and support selected treatments.

Echocardiography

An ultrasound examination of the heart that produces moving images of chambers, valves, walls, and blood flow to evaluate pumping function, structural defects, valve disease, or fluid accumulation.

EEG (electroencephalogram)

A diagnostic test that records the electrical activity of the brain via electrodes placed on the scalp to evaluate seizures, epilepsy, altered awareness, and sleep disorders.

EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy; upper endoscopy)

A procedure using a flexible camera scope passed through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, assess symptoms like swallowing difficulty or bleeding, take biopsies, and deliver treatments.

EKG/ECG (electrocardiogram)

A noninvasive test recording the heart's electrical activity using skin electrodes to detect rate and rhythm abnormalities, conduction defects, signs of ischemia, or evidence of a heart attack.

EMG (electromyography)

A test that assesses electrical activity in muscles, often using a small needle electrode alongside nerve-conduction studies, to identify muscle disease, nerve damage, or neuromuscular junction disorders.

ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)

A combined endoscopic and X-ray procedure using contrast dye to visualize and treat abnormalities in the bile and pancreatic ducts, such as stones, strictures, leaks, or blockages.

Holter monitor

A portable device that continuously records cardiac electrical activity over 24–48 hours or longer during normal daily activities to identify intermittent arrhythmias and correlate symptoms like palpitations or dizziness.

IVP (intravenous pyelogram)

An X-ray study of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder performed after injecting intravenous contrast dye to evaluate urinary tract structure, drainage, obstructions, and stones.

Liver biopsy

The removal of a small sample of liver tissue using a needle or surgical method for microscopic evaluation to assess inflammation, scarring, severity of liver disease, or unexplained liver test abnormalities.

Mammography

An X-ray examination of breast tissue using low-dose radiation, used for routine cancer screening in asymptomatic individuals or diagnostic evaluation of breast lumps, nipple changes, or abnormal findings.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), open and closed

A non-ionizing imaging test using a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of soft tissues, brain, spinal cord, joints, organs, and blood vessels using either tunnel-like or open scanner designs.

Paracentesis (peritoneal fluid analysis)

The insertion of a needle or catheter through the abdominal wall into the peritoneal cavity to remove excess fluid (ascites) to alleviate discomfort or dyspnea and analyze the fluid for infection, liver disease, or malignancy.

Stress test (exercise and pharmacologic)

A cardiac diagnostic test monitoring the heart during exercise on a treadmill or bicycle (or induced via medication) to assess cardiac function under stress and evaluate coronary artery disease.

Thoracentesis / Pleural fluid analysis

A procedure where a needle or catheter is inserted through the chest wall into the pleural space to remove fluid surrounding the lungs, relieving breathlessness and diagnosing causes like infection, heart failure, or cancer.

Ultrasound

A non-radiation imaging modality that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs, assess soft tissues, monitor pregnancy, inspect blood flow, and guide needle-based interventions.

Ultrasound, venous Doppler, extremity studies

An ultrasound examination utilizing Doppler technology to assess blood flow through the veins of the arms or legs, primarily to detect deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) or venous obstruction.

Upper GI series

An X-ray examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum following ingestion of liquid barium contrast to evaluate organ structure, transit, narrowing, and mucosal ulcers.