Cirrhosis : Tests

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During a physical examination the health care provider may find: An enlarged liver or spleen; Excess breast tissue; Excess fluid in the tissues lining the abdomen (ascites; Expanded (distended) abdomen; Reddened palms; Red spider-like blood vessel...
Source:ADAM
Date:May 27, 2008
Cirrhosis is a chronic, degenerative disease in which normal liver cells are damaged and are then replaced by scar tissue.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Cirrhosis is a chronic degenerative disease of the liver in which normal liver cells are damaged and then replaced by scar tissue. There are different types of cirrhosis that could afflict a person.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine
Alpha fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein normally produced by the liver and yolk sac of a fetus. AFP levels decrease soon after birth. AFP probably has no normal function in adults. A test can be done to measure the amount of AFP in your blood.
Source:ADAM
Date:October 15, 2007
The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test is a blood test that is performed during pregnancy . This screening test measures the level of AFP in the mother ' s blood and indicates the probability that the fetus has one of several serious birth defects .
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test is a blood test that is performed during pregnancy to screen the fetus for certain conditions; it is also used to screen for certain diseases in infants and children. The screening test measures the level of AFP in the mother ' s blood and indicates the probability that the fetus has one of several serious birth defects.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health
Prenatal test that tests for birth defects. The Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP) Test is a commonly used prenatal test to monitor the level of AFP- a possible indicator of developmental abnormalities- in the liver of a fetus during high-risk pregnancies.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Childhood and Adolescence
Detailed information on alpha-fetoprotein testing
Source:StayWell
It can show whether your fetus has signs of some birth defects. This test is done between weeks 15 and 20 of pregnancy.
Source:StayWell
The alanine aminotransferase test, also known as ALT, is one of a group of tests known as liver function tests (or LFTs) and is used to monitor damage to the liver. Purpose ALT levels are used to detect liver abnormalities.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
The antinuclear antibody panel is a blood test that looks at antinuclear antibodies (ANA. Antinuclear antibodies are substances produced by the immune system that attack the body's own tissues. See also: Autoimmune disorder
Source:ADAM
Date:May 27, 2007
The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is a test done early in the evaluation of a person for autoimmune or rheumatic disease, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Purpose In autoimmune diseases, the body makes antibodies that work against its own cells or tissues.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Detailed information on systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Source:StayWell
A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following: The number of red blood cells (RBCs; The number of white blood cells (WBCs; The total amount of hemoglobin in the blood; The fraction of the blood composed of red blood cells (hematocrit; The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) - the size of the red blood cells. CBC also includes information about the red blood cells that is calculated from the other measurements: MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin; MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. The platelet count is also usually included in the CBC.
Source:ADAM
Date:September 11, 2006
One of the most commonly ordered clinical laboratory tests, a blood count, also called a complete blood count (CBC), is a basic evaluation of the cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets) suspended in the liquid part of the blood (plasma). It involves determining the numbers, concentrations, and conditions of the different types of blood cells.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
A complete blood count (CBC) is a series of tests used to evaluate the composition and concentration of the cellular components of blood. It consists of the following tests: red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, and platelet count; measurement of hemoglobin and mean red cell volume; classification of white blood cells (WBC differential); and calculation of hematocrit and red blood cell indices .
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
The clinical laboratory test that evaluates the three main cellular components of peripheral blood (red cells, white cells, and platelets) is called the " complete blood count " (CBC). It is used commonly to assess whether a patient is anemic (low red cell count), has an infection (increased white blood cells), or has abnormal blood coagulation (platelet levels).
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health
A complete blood count (CBC) is a series of tests used to evaluate the composition and concentration of the cellular components of blood. It consists of the following tests: red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, and platelet count; measurement of hemoglobin and mean red cell volume; classification of white blood cells (WBC differential); and calculation of hematocrit and red blood cell indices .
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery
A total cholesterol test is a rough measure of all the cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. Cholesterol is a soft, wax-like substance found in all parts of the body. Your body needs a little bit of cholesterol to work properly. But too much cholesterol can clog your arteries and lead to heart disease. Some cholesterol is considered "good" and some is considered "bad." Different blood tests are needed to individually measure each type of cholesterol. See also: HDL test ("good" cholesterol; LDL test ("bad" cholesterol; Lipid profile; High blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
Source:ADAM
Date:January 22, 2008
The cholesterol test is a quantitative analysis of the cholesterol levels in a sample of the patient ' s blood. Total serum cholesterol (TC) is the measurement routinely taken.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
The amount of cholesterol in your blood has a lot to do with your chances of getting heart disease.
Source:StayWell
High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart attack, the leading cause of death in America.
Source:StayWell
If you, your parents or your parents' siblings had a heart attack before age 55, you should have your child's cholesterol tested.
Source:StayWell
High cholesterol contributes to heart disease, which kills more Americans than all cancers combined.
Source:StayWell
True or false? The surest way to keep your blood cholesterol in check is to avoid foods that are high in cholesterol.
Source:StayWell
What you eat has a big effect on your body’s cholesterol level. Eating certain foods can raise your cholesterol. Other foods can help you lower it. Watching what you eat can help you get your cholesterol level under control.
Source:StayWell
Studies show that a diet low in saturated fat, dietary cholesterol, and total fat can lower blood cholesterol levels.
Source:StayWell
An abdominal CT scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the belly area. CT stands for computed tomography. See also: CT scan
Source:ADAM
Date:January 24, 2007
Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase is a test to measure the amount of the enzyme GGT in the blood.
Source:ADAM
Date:January 22, 2007
Liver function tests, or LFTs, include tests for bilirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin, and ammonia, a protein byproduct that is normally converted into urea by the liver before being excreted by the kidneys. LFTs also commonly include tests to measure levels of several enzymes, which are special proteins that help the body break down and use (metabolize) other substances.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
During a physical examination, a health care provider studies a patient's body to determine the presence or absence of physical problems. A typical physical examination includes: Inspection (looking at the body; Palpation (feeling the body with hands; Auscultation (listening to sounds; Percussion (producing sounds.
Source:ADAM
Date:January 22, 2007
Immunoelectrophoresis, also called gamma globulin electrophoresis, or immunoglobulin electrophoresis, is a method of determining the blood levels of three major immunoglobulins: immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin A (IgA). Purpose Immunoelectrophoresis is a powerful analytical technique with high resolving power as it combines separation of antigens by electrophoresis with immunodiffusion against an antiserum.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer
Lactate dehydrogenase, also called lactic dehydrogenase, or LDH, is an enzyme found in the cells of many body tissues, including the heart, liver, kidneys, skeletal muscle, brain, red blood cells, and lungs. It is responsible for converting muscle lactic acid into pyruvic acid, an essential step in producing cellular energy.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
The liver is a pyramid-shaped organ that lies within the upper right side of the abdomen. In a typical liver biopsy, a needle is inserted through the rib cage or abdominal wall. The needle goes into the liver to take a sample for examination. The procedure can also be performed by inserting a needle into the jugular vein. A catheter is then passed through the veins, down to the liver, to take the sample.
Source:ADAM
Date:January 22, 2007
Understanding Liver BiopsyAliver biopsyis a special procedure that’s safe and quick. It can help your doctor assess the health of the liver.Who Needs a Liver Biopsy?
Source:StayWell
A percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTCA) is an x-ray of the bile ducts inside and outside the liver. The x-ray is taken after contrast medium (dye) is injected directly into the area being studied.
Source:ADAM
Date:January 24, 2007
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTHC) is an x-ray test used to identify obstructions either in the liver or bile ducts that slow or stop the flow of bile from the liver to the digestive system. Purpose Because the liver and bile ducts are not normally seen on x-rays, the doctor injects the liver with a special dye that will show up on the resulting picture.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Cancer
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTHC) is an x-ray test used to identify obstructions either in the liver or bile ducts that slow or stop the flow of bile from the liver to the digestive system. Purpose Because the liver and bile ducts are not normally seen on x rays, the doctor injects the liver with a special dye that will show up on the resulting picture.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTHC) is used to identify obstructions that slow or stop the flow of bile from the liver to the digestive system . Purpose PTHC allows doctors to determine what is causing a patient's jaundice (an obstructed bile duct or liver disease) and why upper abdominal pain continues after gallbladder surgery.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Prothrombin time (PT) is a blood test that measures the time it takes for the liquid portion (plasma) of your blood to clot. See also: Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
Source:ADAM
Date:March 9, 2007
The prothrombin time test belongs to a group of blood tests that assess the clotting ability of blood. The test is also known as the pro time or PT test.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Hemostasis has been described as "a process by which the body spontaneously stops bleeding and maintains blood in the fluid state within the vascular compartment." There are at least four major systems that are involved in this complex process: the vasculature system, the platelets, the fibrin-forming system, and the fibrin- lysing system.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
The serum albumin test measures the amount of albumin in serum, the clear liquid portion of blood.
Source:ADAM
Date:January 22, 2007
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a protein found in all body tissues. Tissues with particularly high amounts of ALP include the liver, bile ducts, and bone. A blood test can be done to measure the level of ALP. See also: ALP isoenzyme test
Source:ADAM
Date:May 17, 2007
Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found throughout the body. Like all enzymes, it is needed, in small amounts, to trigger specific chemical reactions.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
An ALT test measures the amount of the enzyme ALT in serum (the liquid part of the blood.
Source:ADAM
Date:January 22, 2007
An AST blood test measures the amount of the enzyme AST.
Source:ADAM
Date:January 22, 2007
The Aspartate aminotransferase test measures levels of AST, an enzyme released into the blood when certain organs or tissues, particularly the liver and heart, are injured. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is also known as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT).
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
CopperOther Name(s):chelated copper, copper histidinate, cupric acetateGeneral Description:Copper is a soft, reddish-orange metal and an essential trace element. Its functions in the body are still being researched.
Source:StayWell
Bilirubin is a product that results from the breakdown of hemoglobin. Total and direct bilirubin are usually measured to screen for or to monitor liver or gallbladder problems.
Source:ADAM
Date:January 22, 2007
A bilirubin test is a diagnostic blood test performed to measure levels of bile pigment in an individual ' s blood serum and to help evaluate liver function. Purpose The bilirubin test is an important part of routine newborn (neonatal) diagnostic screening tests.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health
Monitors the liver function of newborns. The bilirubin test is a blood test to monitor the liver function of newborns.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Childhood and Adolescence
Urinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds that pass through the urine.
Source:ADAM
Date:May 5, 2008
Urinalysis is a diagnostic physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of a urine sample (specimen). Specimens can be obtained by normal emptying of the bladder (voiding) or by a hospital procedure called catheterization.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
The urine specimen collection is a procedure used to obtain a sample of urine from a patient for diagnostic tests. Purpose The purpose of obtaining a urine sample is to test for any abnormalities that may be present, such as bacteria , ketones, or drugs.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
A urinalysis is a group of manual and/or automated qualitative and semi-quantitative tests performed on a urine sample. A routine urinalysis usually includes the following tests: color, transparency, specific gravity, pH, protein, glucose, ketones, blood, bilirubin, nitrite, urobilinogen, and leukocyte esterase.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery
A urinalysis is a group of manual and/or automated qualitative and semi-quantitative tests performed on a urine sample. A routine urinalysis usually includes the following tests: color, transparency, specific gravity, pH, protein, glucose, ketones, blood , bilirubin, nitrite, urobilinogen, and leukocyte esterase.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Urinalysis is an important test used in diagnosing diseases of the genitourinary tract. Urine is examined for pH and specific gravity by chemical and direct microscopic methods.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health
Urine typically contains epithelial cells shed from the urinary tract. Urine cytology evaluates this urinary sediment for the presence of cancerous cells from the lining of the urinary tract, and it is a convenient noninvasive technique for follow-up analysis of patients treated for urinary tract cancers.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health
A urine dipstick is a colorimetric chemical assay that can be used to determine the pH, specific gravity, protein, glucose, ketone, bilirubin, urobilinogen, blood, leukocyte, and nitrite levels of an individual ' s urine. It consists of a reagent stick-pad, which is immersed in a fresh urine specimen and then withdrawn.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health
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