No Menstrual Period (Amenorrh... : Tests

To rule out specific causes of amenorrhea, the doctor may order a pregnancy test in sexually active young women as well as blood tests to check the level of thyroid hormone. Based on the initial test results, the doctor may want to perform additio...

One way to determine whether a teenager's ovaries and uterus are functioning is a "progesterone challenge test." In this test, an amenorrheic teenager is given a dose of progesterone, either orally or as an injection. If her ovaries are making est...

It may be difficult to find the cause of amenorrhea, but the exam should start with a pregnancy test; pregnancy needs to be ruled out whenever a woman's period is two to three weeks overdue. Androgen excess, estrogen deficiency, or other problems ...

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.

Transvaginal ultrasound is a type of pelvic ultrasound. It is used to look at a woman's reproductive organs, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and vagina. Transvaginal means across or through the vagina. See also: Pregnancy ultrasound

A transvaginal ultrasound, also called transvaginal sonogram (TVS), is an ultrasound that uses an internal probe, or transducer, that enters the vaginal cavity. Either a radiology technician or physician performs the test, and a radiologist interprets the results.

Transvaginal ultrasound uses a special probe that is placed directly into the vagina. This gives a clearer picture of the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs. This test can be used to assess symptoms such as pain and to check for problems. In pregnant women, it is used to check the fetus.

This type of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) test measures the specific level of HCG in the urine. HCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy. See also: HCG in blood serum - qualitative; HCG in blood serum - quantitative; Pregnancy test.

Pregnancy is detected by measuring the concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in serum or urine. Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced by the placenta that supports the corpus luteum after fertilization of the ovum. Production of hCG begins at the time of implantation, and hCG can usually be detected in serum and urine within 10 days after fertilization. The level of hCG in serum and urine is usually above 25 mIU/mL, the cutoff for a positive pregnancy test, before the next expected period. Therefore, pregnancy can be detected reliably within two to three days following the first missed menses using a qualitative hCG test. In addition to diagnosis of pregnancy, the test is used in emergency departments to rule out pregnancy in circumstances in which x ray and other procedures are contraindicated by pregnancy. The test is also used to rule out pregnancy in females with acute abdominal pain that suggests the possibility of ectopic pregnancy (i.e., pregnancy outside the uterus). Quantitative measurements of hCG are used as an aid to the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy and trophoblastic tumors. Serial measurements may be used to monitor treatment and recurrence of tumors that secrete hCG. Measurement of hCG is also part of the triple marker screening procedure performed on maternal serum between weeks 15 to 20 to assess the fetal risk of Down syndrome .

The most common test of pregnancy involves the detection of a hormone known as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a sample of blood or urine.

A pelvic examination is a routine procedure used to assess the well being of the female patients' lower genito-urinary tract. This is done as part of a usual health screening and prevention tool, and is an element of the total health care for the female patient. During a pelvic exam, cells from the cervix are scraped on a spatula and are tested for abnormalacies. (Illustration by Argosy Inc. )

Thyroid function tests are common tests used to tell how well your thyroid is working. See the following articles for details: T3; T3 resin uptake; T4; Thyroid scan; TSH.

Thyroid function tests are blood tests used to evaluate how effectively the thyroid gland is working. These tests include the thyroid-stimulating hormone test (TSH), the thyroxine test (T 4 ), the triiodothyronine test (T 3 ), the thyroxine-binding globulin test (TBG), the triiodothyro-nine resin uptake test (T 3 RU), and the long-acting thyroid stimulator test (LATS).

Detailed information on the most common types of thyroid function tests

The key tests to determine thyroid function are serum measurements of free thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Thyroid hormones have a negative feedback on TSH secretion from the anterior pituitary. In hyperthyroidism, free thyroid hormones are increased above the normal range and TSH levels are markedly decreased. In hypothyroidism, free thyroid hormones are decreased and TSH concentrations are increased when the cause is disease of the thyroid gland; when caused by a deficiency of TSH, free thyroid hormones are decreased but TSH is usually low. Radioactive iodine studies of the thyroid gland, which used to be the mainstay of testing, have been supplanted by these blood tests. M ARTIN I. S URKS ( SEE ALSO : Goiter ; Hyperthyroidism ; Hypothyroidism ; Iodine ; Thyroid Disorders )

Thyroid function tests are blood tests used to evaluate how effectively the thyroid gland is working. These tests include the thyroid-stimulating hormone test (TSH), free and total thyroxine tests (FT 4 ,T 4 ), the free and total triiodothyronine tests (FT 3 ,T 3 ), the thyroxine-binding globulin test (TBG), and the T-uptake test.

A quantitative human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) test measures the specific level of HCG in the blood. HCG is a hormone produced during pregnancy. See also: HCG urine test; HCG blood test - qualitative.

Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the anterior portion of the pituitary gland (sometimes called the "master gland"). Its role in the male has not been demonstrated, but in females, prolactin promotes lactation , or milk production, after childbirth .

Ultrasound involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to create images of organs and systems within the body.

Ultrasonography is a diagnostic technique that involves directing high frequency sound waves at tissues in the body to generate images of anatomical structures. Ultrasonography is also called sonography, diagnostic sonography, and echocardiography when it is used to image the heart.

Detailed information on ultrasonograpy, also called sonography including information on how the procedure is performed

Detailed information on ultrasound and the potential risks and benefits

A thyroid ultrasound, or sonogram, is a diagnostic imaging technique used to evaluate the structure of the thyroid gland . The thyroid is an endocrine gland, which means that it releases its secretions directly into the bloodstream or lymph. It consists of two lobes located in the front of the neck that are connected by a thin band of tissue called the isthmus, which lies in front of the trachea (windpipe). Ultrasound procedures utilize high frequency sound waves to obtain images of various anatomical structures. Ultrasonography is the most common imaging technique used to evaluate the thyroid because it is not invasive, does not expose patients to radioactive materials, is less expensive than CT scans or MRI, and is more effective in detecting small lesions on the thyroid.

My Ob/Gyn said they found fluid in the baby's kidneys during my 20-week ultrasound, so I have to have a level 2 ultrasound done. What does this mean?

Diagnostic medical sonography, or ultrasound, is a technique using high frequency sound to create images of specific areas of the body to diagnose various pathologies. The diagnostic medical sonographer performs examinations, records anatomic condition and provides diagnostic information.

Ultrasonography is the study of internal organs or blood vessels using high-frequency sound waves. The actual test is called an ultrasound scan or sonogram. Duplex ultrasonography uses Doppler technology to study blood cells moving through major veins and arteries. There are several types of ultrasound. Each is used in diagnosing specific parts of the body.

The use of ultrasound to obtain diagnostic images is referred to as diagnostic sonography. Since diagnostic sonography utilizes a nonionizing form of energy, there are no known bioeffects. Thus, diagnostic sonography is applied to a large spectrum of clinical disorders, including obstetrical, gynecological, abdominal, urologic, pediatric, and vascular applications. Sonographic images are displayed in real time, which allows the study of dynamic processes. In addition, a method called Doppler interrogation, which uses ultrasound, can provide important information regarding blood flow. A RTHUR C. F LEISCHER ( SEE ALSO : Maternal and Child Health ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Care )

A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create cross-sectional pictures of the body. See also: Cranial CT scan; Lumbosacral spine CT scan; Orbit CT scan; Thoracic CT scan.

Computed Tomography (CT)Computed tomography(CT) is a test that combines x-rays and computer scans. The result is a detailed picture that can show problems with soft tissues (such as the lining of your sinuses), organs (such as your kidneys or lung...

Detailed information on CT scan, including how the CT scan is performed and what happens after the procedure

Detailed information on ultrafast computed tomography scans, also called ultrafast CT scan or ultrafast CAT scan, including information on how the procedure is performed

Detailed information on computed tomography scans, also called CT scan or CAT scan, including information on how the procedure is performed

Detailed information on ultrafast computed tomography (CT) scan, including reasons for the procedure, risks of the procedure, what to expect, and discharge instructions

Computed tomography (CT) scanning is a valuable diagnostic tool that provides physicians with views of internal body structures. During a CT scan, multiple x rays are passed through the body, producing cross-sectional images, or "slices, " on a cathode-ray tube (CRT), a device resembling a television screen. These images can then be preserved on film for examination.

Computed tomography (CT), formerly referred to as computerized axial tomography (CAT), is a common diagnostic imaging procedure that uses x rays to generate images (slices) of the anatomy.

Computed tomography (CT) scans are completed with the use of a 360-degree x-ray beam and computer production of images. These scans allow for cross-sectional views of body organs and tissues.

Computed tomography scanning, also called CT scan, CAT scan, or computerized axial tomography, is a diagnostic tool that provides views of internal body structures using x rays. In the field of mental health, a CT scan may be used when a patient seeks medical help for symptoms that could possibly be caused by a brain tumor. These symptoms may include headaches, emotional abnormalities, or intellectual or memory problems. In these cases, a CT scan may be performed to "rule out" a tumor, so that other tests can be performed in order to establish an accurate diagnosis .

Computed tomography (also known as CT, CT scan, CAT, or computerized axial tomography) scans use x rays to produce precise cross-sectional images of anatomical structures.

Is there an alternative to iodine as a contrast medium in a CT scan?

What is the difference between a pelvic CT scan and an abdominal CT scan?

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the abdomen is a noninvasive method to create detailed pictures of the inside of the belly area. Unlike x-rays and computed tomographic (CT) scans, which use radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves. The MRI scanner contains the magnet. The magnetic field produced by an MRI is about 10 thousand times greater than the earth's. The magnetic field forces hydrogen atoms in the body to line up in a certain way (similar to how the needle on a compass moves when you hold it near a magnet. When radio waves are sent toward the lined-up hydrogen atoms, they bounce back, and a computer records the signal. Different types of tissues send back different signals. Single MRI images are called slices. The images can be stored on a computer or printed on film. One exam produces dozens or sometimes hundreds of images. See: MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners rely on the principles of atomic nuclear-spin resonance. Using strong magnetic fields and radio waves, MRI collects and correlates deflections caused by atoms into images. MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging tests) offer relatively sharp pictures and allow physicians to see internal bodily structures with great detail. Using MRI technology, physicians are increasingly able to make diagnosis of serious pathology (e.g., tumors) earlier, and earlier diagnosis often translates to a more favorable outcome for the patient.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive way to take pictures of the body. Unlike x-rays and computed tomographic (CT) scans, which use radiation, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves. The MRI scanner contains the magnet. The magnetic field produced by an MRI is about 10 thousand times greater than the earth's. The magnetic field forces hydrogen atoms in the body to line up in a certain way (similar to how the needle on a compass moves when you hold it near a magnet. When radio waves are sent toward the lined-up hydrogen atoms, they bounce back, and a computer records the signal. Different types of tissues send back different signals. Single MRI images are called slices. The images can be stored on a computer or printed on film. One exam produces dozens or sometimes hundreds of images. For more information, see the specific MRI topics: Abdominal MRI; Chest MRI; Cranial MRI; Heart MRI; Lumbosacral spine MRI; Spine MRI.

Cardiac nuclear imaging is also called a “perfusion scan.” A radioactive tracer is delivered into the bloodstream. Then a camera scans the tracer in the blood as it flows through the heart muscle.

Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging, including how the image is performed and what happens following the procedure

New MRI machines and new techniques result in images that show prostate cancer in much greater detail, allowing biopsies to be targeted more precisely, and thus cancer staging can be more accurate as well.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) is a test that lets your doctor see detailed pictures of the inside of your body. MRI combines the use of strong magnets and radio waves to form an MRI image.Before Your TestMRI uses ...

Studies have found that MRI tests used in addition to mammography detected more cancers in women at high risk for breast cancer. Women at average risk would not necessarily benefit from the additional testing.

A Harvard Medical School physician answers your question about the safety of MRIs for those who have stents.

When I had an MRI of my knee, I was told the test was dangerous for people who have metal devices in their bodies. Since then, I developed angina and my cardiologist put in a metal stent. If I need an MRI in the future, will I be able to get one?

Persons with pacemakers cannot get an MRI because it conflicts with the pacemaker's function. Future pacemakers will likely be made MRI-safe, but this will probably take at least several more years.

How safe is it for a baby who is 6 months old to have an MRI? Claire McCarthy, M.D., is a senior medical editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is an instructor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Boston, and co-director of the pediatrics department at Martha Eliot Health Center, a neighborhood health service of Children's Hospital. The author of two books, "Learning How the Heart Beats" and "Everyone's Children", Dr. McCarthy was a regular columnist for "Sesame Street Parents Magazine" from 1995 to 1998 and is currently a contributing editor for "Parenting Magazine".

Is a regular MRI more accurate then an open MRI? Diana Post, M.D., is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

For women at high genetic risk, adding MRI screening to mammography may improve early detection of breast cancer.

MRI produces a map of hydrogen atoms distributed in the body. Hydrogen is the simplest element known, the most abundant in biological tissue, and one that can be magnetically polarized. It will align itself within a strong magnetic field, like the needle of a compass. The earth's magnetic field is not strong enough to polarize a person's hydrogen atoms, but the superconducting magnet of an MRI machine can do this. The strength of the earth's magnetic field is approximately 1 gauss. Typical field strength of an MRI unit, with a superconducting magnet, is 1,500 gauss, expressed as 1.5 kilogauss or 1.5 Tesla units. This comprises the "magnetic" part of MRI. There are also low field units with 0.5 Tesla strength, often with open MRI units. Once a patient's hydrogen atoms have been aligned in the magnet, pulses of very specific radio wave frequencies jolt them out of alignment. The hydrogen atoms alternately absorb and emit radio wave energy, vibrating back and forth between their resting (polarized) state and their agitated (radio pulse) state. This comprises the "resonance" part of MRI. The patient does not detect this process. The MRI equipment detects the duration, strength, and source location of the signals emitted by the atoms as they relax. This data is translated into an image on a television monitor. The amount of hydrogen in diseased tissue differs from the amount in healthy tissue of the same type, making MRI particularly effective at identifying tumors and other lesions. In some cases, chemical agents such as gadolinium can be injected to improve the contrast between healthy and diseased tissue. A single MRI exposure produces a two-dimensional image of a slice through the entire target area. A series of these image slices closely spaced (usually less than half an inch [1.25 cm]) provides a virtual three-dimensional view of the area.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a unique and versatile medical imaging modality. Doctors can obtain highly refined images of the body's interior using MRI. By using strong magnetic fields and pulses of radio waves to manipulate the natural magnetic properties in the body, this technique produces images not possible with other diagnostic imaging methods. MRI is particularly useful for imaging the brain and spine, as well as the soft tissues of joints and the interior structure of bones. The entire body can be imaged using MRI, and the technology poses few known health risks.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the newest diagnostic medical imaging technologies that uses strong magnets and pulses of radio waves to manipulate the natural magnetic properties in the body to generate a visible image. In the field of mental health, an MRI scan may be used when a patient seeks medical help for symptoms that could possibly be caused by a brain tumor. These symptoms may include headaches, emotional abnormalities, or intellectual or memory problems. In these cases, an MRI scan may be performed to "rule out" a tumor, so that other tests can be performed in order to establish an accurate diagnosis .

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses radio waves, a magnetic field, and a computer to generate images of the anatomy.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the newest, and perhaps most versatile, medical imaging technology available. Doctors can get highly refined images of the body's interior without surgery using MRI. By using strong magnets and pulses of radio waves to manipulate the natural magnetic properties in the body, this technique makes better images of organs and soft tissues than those of other brain scanning technologies. MRI is particularly useful for imaging the brain and spine, as well as the soft tissues of joints and the interior structure of bones, as well as the liver. The entire body is visible with MRI, and the technique poses few known health risks.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the newest, and perhaps most versatile, medical imaging technology available. Doctors can get highly refined images of the body's interior without surgery, using MRI. By using strong magnets and pulses of radio waves to manipulate the natural magnetic properties in the body, this technique makes better images of organs and soft tissues than those of other scanning technologies. MRI is particularly useful for imaging the brain and spine, as well as the soft tissues of joints and the interior structure of bones. The entire body is visible to the technique, which poses few known health risks.

Detailed information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including information on how the procedure is performed

People with certain kinds of pacemakers or ICDs can safely undergo an MRI, as long as a series of safety precautions is carefully followed.

Laparoscopy describes a group of operations performed with the aid of a camera placed in the abdomen. The laparoscope was first combined with a video camera in the 1980s, an accomplishment that helped free up the surgeons' hands, so they could better work with their instruments. The laparoscope also allows doctors to perform minor surgery with just a small cut in the abdomen. This technique is known as laparoscopic-assisted surgery. Initially, laparoscopy was used for procedures such as tubal ligation, a sterilization operation also known as tying the tubes. The first laparoscopic gallbladder removal was performed in 1985 in France. Soon, the technique was being used to remove the appendix. Today, exploratory laparoscopy is used after abdominal injury, and in cases of abdominal or pelvic illness. Surgeons use laparoscopic-assisted surgery to remove the colon or the kidney during live donor transplants. Weight-reducing procedures such as gastric bypass and vertical banding gastroplasty (VBG) can also be done laparoscopically. Surgeons may start large operations on the liver or pancreas with laparoscopy to check for additional tumors.

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used as a diagnostic tool and surgical procedure that is performed to examine the abdominal and pelvic organs, or the thorax, head, or neck. Tissue samples can also be collected for biopsy using laparoscopy and malignancies treated when it is combined with other therapies. Laparoscopy can also be used for some cardiac and vascular procedures.

A laparoscope is a telescope-like endoscope used to view the abdominal cavity for diagnosis and treatment during a minimally invasive surgical procedure called laparoscopy .

Laparoscopy is a type of surgical procedure in which a small incision is made, usually in the navel, through which a viewing tube (laparoscope) is inserted. The viewing tube has a small camera on the eyepiece. This allows the doctor to examine the abdominal and pelvic organs on a video monitor connected to the tube. Other small incisions can be made to insert instruments to perform procedures. Laparoscopy can be done to diagnose conditions or to perform certain types of operations. It is less invasive than regular open abdominal surgery (laparotomy).

Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical proce dure performed to examine the abdominal and pelvic organs. A laparoscopy procedure. ( Delmar Publishers, Inc. Reproduced by permission. )

Laparoscopy is a type of surgical procedure in which a small incision is made, usually in the navel, through which a viewing tube (laparoscope) is inserted. The viewing tube has a small camera on the eyepiece. This allows the doctor to examine the abdominal and pelvic organs on a video monitor connected to the tube. Other small incisions can be made to insert instruments to perform procedures. Laparoscopy can be done to diagnose conditions or to perform certain types of operations. It is less invasive than regular open abdominal surgery (laparotomy).

An advantage of laparoscopic surgery is that it causes less post-operative pain than open surgery, because the incision is smaller.

Hysteroscopy enables a physician to look through the vagina and neck of the uterus (cervix) to inspect the cavity of the uterus with an instrument called a hysteroscope. Hysteroscopy is used as both a diagnostic and a treatment tool.

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows your healthcare provider to see inside your uterus. Diagnostic hysteroscopy can help find the causes of problems in the uterus.

Hysteroscopy enables a physician to look through the vagina and neck of the uterus (cervix) to inspect the cavity of the uterus with an instrument called a hysteroscope. Hysteroscopy is used as both a diagnostic and a treatment tool.

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows a physician to look through the vagina and neck of the uterus (cervix) to inspect the cavity of the uterus. A telescope-like instrument called a hysteroscope is used. Hysteroscopy is used as both a diagnostic and a treatment tool.

Gynecologic laparoscopy refers to a group of procedures that use a small camera to examine the female reproductive organs. See also: Hysterectomy; Pelvic laparoscopy; Tubal ligation.

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which a laparoscope, a telescope-like instrument, is inserted into the abdomen through a small incision and used to diagnose or treat various diseases. Specifically, laparoscopy may be used to diagnose and treat endometriosis, a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows elsewhere in the body, usually in the abdominal cavity.

Pelvic ultrasound is a procedure where harmless, high-frequency sound waves are projected into the abdomen. These waves reflect off of the internal structures and create shadowy black and white pictures on a display screen.

Pelvic ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to form pictures of your organs. It can help assess pain or other symptoms within your pelvis. And in pregnant women, it is used to check the health of the fetus.

Pelvic ultrasound is a procedure in which high-frequency sound waves are used to create images of the pelvic organs by projecting the sound waves into the pelvis and measuring how the sound waves reflect, or echo, back from the different tissues.