healrhcare diagnostic tests

Comparing Diagnostic Tests - Study Tool

Diagnostic Ultrasound

Purpose: To visualize internal organs and tissues using sound waves; commonly used in pregnancy, abdominal pain, or organ evaluation.

How It's Administered: A transducer is moved over the skin with gel; sound waves create images.

Risks / Side Effects: No known side effects; it’s non-invasive and safe.

X-Ray

Purpose: To view bones and certain body tissues; often used for fractures, infections, or chest imaging.

How It's Administered: The patient stands or lies still while a machine sends radiation through the body to create images.

Risks / Side Effects: Low radiation exposure; minimal risk, but should be limited especially in children or pregnancy.

Mammography

Purpose: To detect breast cancer through detailed breast X-rays.

How It's Administered: The breast is compressed between two plates while X-rays are taken.

Risks / Side Effects: Slight discomfort from compression; low radiation exposure.

CT Scan

Purpose: Provides cross-sectional images of the body; used for trauma, tumors, and internal injuries.

How It's Administered: The patient lies in a rotating machine that takes X-ray images from different angles.

Risks / Side Effects: Higher radiation than X-rays; possible allergic reaction to contrast dye.

MRI

Purpose: Uses magnetic fields to create detailed images of soft tissues like the brain, joints, or spine.

How It's Administered: Patient lies still in a large magnetic tube for 30–90 minutes.

Risks / Side Effects: No radiation; risks include discomfort in small spaces and issues with metal implants.

PET Scan

Purpose: Detects metabolic activity to identify cancer, brain disorders, and heart issues.

How It's Administered: A radioactive tracer is injected, and the patient lies in a scanner.

Risks / Side Effects: Exposure to radioactive material; slight risk of allergic reaction.

CBC

Purpose: To assess overall health and detect disorders like anemia or infections.

How It's Administered: Blood is drawn from a vein, typically the arm.

Risks / Side Effects: Minor bruising or bleeding at the needle site.

Lipid Panel

Purpose: Measures cholesterol and triglycerides to assess heart disease risk.

How It's Administered: Blood sample taken, often after fasting.

Risks / Side Effects: Minimal; same as any blood draw.

Hemoglobin A1C

Purpose: Monitors average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months; used for diabetes management.

How It's Administered: Blood sample from a vein or finger prick.

Risks / Side Effects: Minor; standard blood draw risks.

EKG

Purpose: Records electrical activity of the heart to detect arrhythmias or heart problems.

How It's Administered: Electrodes are placed on the chest, arms, and legs; connected to a monitor.

Risks / Side Effects: None; it's non-invasive and painless.

Angiogram

Purpose: Visualizes blood vessels, especially to detect blockages in the heart or brain.

How It's Administered: A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel with contrast dye, and X-rays are taken.

Risks / Side Effects: Bleeding, infection, allergic reaction to dye, rare vessel damage.

Stress Echocardiogram

Purpose: Evaluates heart function under stress/exercise; helps diagnose coronary artery disease.

How It's Administered: Ultrasound images of the heart are taken before and after exercise (or with medication if exercise isn’t possible).

Risks / Side Effects: Rare risk of irregular heartbeat or heart attack during stress.