Systemic Sclerosis : Tests

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Tests could include:
Examination of the skin may show tightness, thickening, and hardening. Tests may include: ESR; Rheumatoid factor; Antinuclear antibody; Urinalysis; Chest x-ray; Pulmonary function studies; Skin biopsy.
Source:ADAM
Date:April 26, 2007
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
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 chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.
Source:ADAM
Date:July 18, 2007
A chest x ray is a procedure used to evaluate organs and structures within the chest for symptoms of disease. Chest x rays include views of the lungs, heart, small portions of the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland and the bones of the chest area.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Detailed information on chest x-rays, including reasons for the procedure
Source:StayWell
A chest x ray is a procedure used to evaluate organs and structures within the chest for symptoms of disease. Chest x rays include views of the lungs, heart, small portions of the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid gland, and the bones of the chest area.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery
A chest x ray is a procedure used to evaluate organs and structures within the chest for symptoms of disease. Chest x rays include views of the lungs , heart , small portions of the gastrointestinal tract, and the bones of the chest area.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
A CPK is a blood test that measures creatine phosphokinase (CPK), an enzyme found mainly in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle.
Source:ADAM
Date:January 22, 2007
The creatine kinase test measures the blood levels of certain muscle and brain enzyme proteins. Purpose Creatine kinase (CK or CPK) is an enzyme (a type of protein) found in muscle and brain.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. ECG is used to measure the rate and regularity of heartbeats as well as the size and position of the chambers, the presence of any damage to the heart, and the effects of drugs or devices used to regulate the heart (such as a pacemaker. See also stress test and Holter monitor (24h.
Source:ADAM
Date:July 17, 2006
The electrocardiogram (ECG) displays important information about the heart, including the occurrence of a heart attack or lack of oxygen, whether conduction of the heartbeat is disturbed, or its rate or rhythm altered. It is useful as a rapid indicator of the diagnosis and it is easy, painless, and inexpensive to record.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health
Detailed information on electrocardiogram, including how the EKG/ECG is performed and what happens after the procedure
Source:StayWell
Electrocardiography is a commonly used, noninvasive procedure for recording electrical changes in the heart. The record, which is called an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), shows the series of waves that relate to the electrical impulses that occur during each beat of the heart.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery
Did you know that electrical currents flow throughout your body? Because the strongest of these travels through your heart, doctors are able to monitor your heart by placing electrical sensors on the surface of your skin. They do this by giving you an electrocardiogram -- abbreviated either ECG or EKG (from the original German spelling of the word).
Source:StayWell
The ECG (also known as EKG) is a test that records electrical signals from your heart onto a paper strip. The pattern of these signals can tell the doctor whether your heart is normal, under stress, or experiencing electrical problems, strain, or damage.
Source:StayWell
Detailed information on an electrocardiogram (EKG) procedure, including how the procedure is performed, reasons for the procedure, and pre- and post-evaluation instructions
Source:StayWell
The Harvard Health Letter celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. In the first of a series, the Health Letter takes a look back at three decades in medicine.
Source:StayWell
Electrolytes are positively and negatively charged molecules, called ions, that are found within cells, between cells, in the bloodstream, and in other fluids throughout the body. Electrolytes with a positive charge include sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; the negative ions are chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Electrolytes are positively or negatively charged particles that readily dissolve in water. The predominant positively charged electrolytes in the body are sodium, potassium, calcium , and magnesium, while negatively charged electrolytes include chloride, phosphates, and bicarbonate.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Electrolytes are positively and negatively charged molecules called ions, that are found within the body ' s cells and extracellular fluids, including blood plasma. A test for electrolytes includes the measurement of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Surgery
Electrolytes are positively and negatively charged ions that are found within the cells and extracellular fluids, including blood plasma. A test for electrolytes includes the measurement of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Esophageal manometry is a test to measure the pressure inside the lower part of the esophagus.
Source:ADAM
Date:July 25, 2006
Esophageal ManometryEsophageal manometryis a test to measure the strength and function of theesophagus(the "food pipe"). Results can help identify causes of heartburn, swallowing problems, or chest pain.
Source:StayWell
ESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It is a nonspecific screening test that indirectly measures how much inflammation is in the body.
Source:ADAM
Date:June 18, 2007
The sedimentation rate test, also called the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or sed rate test, measures the speed at which the red blood cells (erythrocytes or RBCs) separate from the liquid part of the blood (plasma) and settle to the bottom in a tube of anticoagulated blood. Purpose The sedimentation rate is a non-specific indicator of the presence of inflammation or infection .
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), or sedimentation rate (sed rate), is a measure of the settling of red blood cells in a tube of blood during one hour. The rate is an indication of inflammation and increases in many diseases.
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
These tests evaluate the immune system, whose function is to defend the body against such invaders as bacteria and viruses. The immune system also plays a role in the control of cancer , and is responsible for the phenomena of allergy, hypersensitivity, and rejection problems when organs or tissue are transplanted.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
Pulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they move oxygen into the blood.
Source:ADAM
Date:November 12, 2007
Pulmonary function tests are a group of procedures that measure the function of the lungs, revealing problems in the way a patient breathes. The tests can determine the cause of shortness of breath and may help confirm lung diseases, such as asthma , bronchitis or emphysema .
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
A pulmonary function test shows how well your lungs are working. A complete test has three parts. You may be given the entire test or only certain parts. The entire test is painless and lasts 45–90 minutes.
Source:StayWell
Pulmonary function tests are a group of procedures that measure the function of the lungs , revealing problems in the way a patient breathes. These tests can determine the cause of shortness of breath and may help confirm the diagnosis of such lung diseases as asthma , chronic bronchitis, or emphysema .
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health
Pulmonary function tests are a group of procedures that measure how well the lungs are functioning. Purpose Pulmonary function tests help a doctor to diagnose respiratory diseases and disorders such as asthma , chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and emphysema, and mechanical injury by measuring the degree of lung impairment.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Children's Health
Pulmonary Exercise Stress TestRisks and ComplicationsLike many tests, this test involves some risks. They may include:Shortness of breath or wheezingRise or fall in blood pressureFainting, dizziness, or fatigueAbnormal heartbeat or heart rateHeart...
Source:StayWell
Normal individuals have a large reserve in lung function that allows breathing capacity to increase at least twenty to thirty times during periods of vigorous physical activity. It is not the ability to breathe that normally limits maximum exercise capability, nor does physical activity normally change lung function, either in the short-term or over time with training.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Public Health
RF is an antibody that attaches to a substance in the body called immunoglobulin G (IgG), forming a molecule known as an immune complex. The immune complex can trigger different types of inflammation-related processes in the body. This article discusses the test to detect and measure the level of RF in the blood.
Source:ADAM
Date:May 27, 2007
The RF is an antibody detectable in the blood in about 70 percent of persons with rheumatoid arthritis but can often be found in other people as well. In fact, healthy people with no arthritis and no medical problems at all make tiny amounts of this antibody.
Source:StayWell
A skin lesion biopsy is the removal of a piece of skin to diagnose or rule out an illness.
Source:ADAM
Date:February 5, 2008
A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a small piece of living skin is removed from the body for examination, usually under a microscope, to establish a precise diagnosis. Skin biopsies are usually brief, straightforward procedures performed by a skin specialist (dermatologist) or family physician.
Source:Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine
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
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
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
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
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
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