Doppler ultrasound test
Doppler ultrasound test Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to examine and measure blood flow within blood vessels. It is commonly used in cases of varicose veins, deep venous thrombosis, poor circulation (peripheral vascular disease), blockage of the carotid artery (the major artery in the neck), and stroke. The area to be examined is covered with […]
CT scan: head
CT scan: head Alternative Names: Brain scan, CT scan of the skull A CT (Computerised Tomography) head, or brain, scan is done to investigate structural problems in the skull, brain, and other structures (e.g. sinuses) — problems such as head injuries, headaches, nerve symptoms, and seizures or epilepsy. A CT head scan helps doctors to […]
CT scan: lumbar spine
CT scan: lumbar spine Alternative Names: CT scan of the lower back A CT (Computerised Tomography) scan of the lower back is carried out to investigate problems associated with the lower spine, spinal cord, and nerve roots in the spinal cord — problems such as low back pain, weakness in the legs, and injuries to […]
CT scan: cervical spine
CT scan: cervical spine Alternative Names: CT scan of the neck A CT (Computerised Tomography) scan of the cervical (neck) spine is performed to investigate problems associated with the neck, spinal cord, and nerve roots in the spinal cord. These problems include neck pain, weakness in the arms and legs, and injuries to the spine. […]
CT scan: abdomen
CT scan: abdomen Alternative Names: Abdominal CT scan A CT (Computerised Tomography) abdominal scan is used to investigate symptoms, such as pain, swellings, and injuries in the area of the stomach, as well as loss of weight and appetite. Some of these symptoms may be caused by infections (e.g. in the liver or pancreas) or […]
Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy During a colonoscopy, a doctor examines your colon and rectum using a special, flexible instrument (colonoscope), which is inserted into the anus and guided up through to the colon. The colonoscope allows the doctor to view suspicious areas and to take a small tissue sample; he can also use it to perform some surgical […]
Cholesterol test
Cholesterol test Alternative Names: Lipogram A cholesterol test, or lipogram, measures different types of cholesterol (blood lipids) such as total cholesterol, “bad” cholesterol (Low Density Lipoprotein), “good” cholesterol (High Density Lipoprotein) and triglyceride. During the test, blood is withdrawn through a needle that is inserted into a vein, usually inside the elbow. The sample is […]
Cervical biopsy
Cervical biopsy Alternative Names: Cervical punch biopsy, Colposcopy, Biopsy of the cervix In a cervical biopsy, or colposcopy, tissue samples are taken from the opening of the womb (cervix) because some abnormality has been detected during a physical examination or PAP smear. The doctor uses a special microscope (colposcope) to examine the cervix, and then […]
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy Bronchoscopy is used to visualise the upper airways (trachea and bronchi) and diagnose causes of bleeding, foreign bodies, and conditions such as infections, tuberculosis, and cancers. The procedure is carried out on an empty stomach and under sedation. After your nose and throat are numbed, the doctor passes a flexible instrument (a bronchoscope) through […]
Breast: open biopsy
Breast: open biopsy Alternative Names: Open biopsy, Lumpectomy In an open biopsy, or lumpectomy, a sample of breast tissue is removed to determine whether a breast lump is cancerous or non-cancerous (benign). The test may be performed using local or general anaesthetic. All or part of the lump is removed and sent to a laboratory […]