Chapter 6 Lab Tests & Clinical Procedures

Lipase Test

Tests for the level of lipase, an enzyme that digests fat, in the blood.

Liver Function Test (LFTs)

Tests for presence of enzymes and bilirubin in blood.

ALT (Alanine Transaminase), AST (Aspartate Transaminase)

Are enzyme's present in many tissues, and elevated in liver disease.

Serum

Clear fluid that remains after blood has clotted.

Elevated ALT and AST levels

Indicate liver disease.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALK PHOS)

An enzyme that may be elevated in liver, bone, and other diseases.

Serum Bilirubin

An enzyme with elevated levels in patients with liver disease and jaundice.

Direct Bilirubin Test

Measures conjugated bilirubin; high levels indicate liver disease or biliary obstruction.

Indirect Bilirubin Test

Measures unconjugated bilirubin; elevated levels suggest hemolysis.

Stool Culture

Tests for microorganisms in feces, examining growth in a medium.

Stool Guaiac Test

Detects hidden blood in feces, important for colon cancer screening.

Guaiac

Chemical from trees reacting with blood in stool samples.

X-RAY Tests

Used to detect pathological conditions in the body.

Contrast Medium

Substance used in X-ray tests to enhance visibility of structures.

Lower Gastrointestinal Series (Barium Enema)

X-ray images of colon/rectum after barium injection into rectum.

Barium

A contrast medium

Upper Gastrointestinal Series

X-ray images of esophagus, stomach, small intestine after barium taken by mouth

Barium Swallow

Study of the esophagus

Cholangiography

X-ray examination of biliary system after contrast injection.

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography)

Contrast medium given through catheter to diagnose biliary problems.

MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography)

MRI scan to visualize pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts with contrast.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Series of X-rays taken from multiple views (especially cross-section)

CT scan

Produces cross-sectional images using circular array of X-ray beams.

Tomography

Technique that shows multiple views of an organ through X-rays.

Abdominal Ultrasonography

Uses sound waves to image abdominal viscera, especially fluid-filled structures like the gallbladder

Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS)

Combines endoscopy and ultrasound to examine gastrointestinal organs.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Uses magnetic waves to produce organ images, does not use X-rays.

HIDA Scan

Radioactive imaging that tracks bile production and flow from liver to intestines.

Cholescintigraphy

Another name for HIDA scan, checks gallbladder function.

Fecal Transplant

Transfer of stool from a healthy donor to a patient's gastrointestinal tract.

C difficile

Infection that causes diarrhea and colitis.

Bariatric Surgery

Procedures for weight loss in severely obese patients.

Bariatric sleeve gastrectomy

Surgical removal of a large portion of the stomach.

Gastric bypass

Reduces stomach size to 2 tablespoons and bypasses significant small intestine.

Small bowel follow-through study

Happens after an upper gastrointestinal series, and shows sequential x-ray pictures of the small intestine as barium passes through