Duplex ultrasound allows a physician to gather information not just about structures in the body, but also how blood moves through blood vessels by combining regular ultrasound with Doppler ultrasound. Doppler ultrasound is capable of analyzing sound waves that are emitted and then bounce back from moving red blood cells. This information is interpreted by a computer to show the speed at which blood cells are moving through a blood vessel. Color Doppler allows one to see which direction blood is flowing and if valves are leaking.
Diagnostic Procedures
Allergy tests, echocardiograms, biopsies, semen analysis and spinal taps are just a few of the medical diagnostic procedures that are performed on patients diagnose diseases and conditions. These classification procedures do not involve x-ray imaging or a surgical procedure, but, involve taking measurements and samples of fluids, tissues and cells. Learn more about diagnostic procedures from our experts.
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See All 2 AnswersYou should have a digital rectal exam if your prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is abnormal because a digital rectal exam can help your doctor determine the cause of your abnormal PSA test. An abnormal PSA level can have various causes, such as enlargement of the prostate (benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH), inflammation of the prostate or prostate cancer.
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Northside Hospital answeredA diagnostic electrophysiology study is an EKG reading that sends small wires through the veins to test the heart's electrical system.
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Memorial Hospital of Tampa answeredThere are two parts to pathology—clinical pathology and anatomic pathology. Pathology tests can help diagnose a condition.
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Citrus Memorial Hospital answeredSee All 2 AnswersWhen you arrive for an endoscopy you'll have a preoperative check where you'll receive an IV and have your vital signs checked.
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NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital answeredSee All 3 AnswersThis procedure allows your physician to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum (the first section of the small intestine).
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MountainView Hospital answeredYour doctor will evaluate a variety of health indicators including lung function and cardiac function.
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Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnosic procedure that allows the physician to examine the lower part of the large intestine—the rectum and bottom two feet of the colon. It is helpful in identifying the causes of diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, abnormal growths and bleeding. A thin, flexible tube is inserted into the large intestine through the rectum. The tube has a tiny light and camera at its end that is connected to a TV monitor, allowing the doctor a good view of this part of the large intestine. If necessary, the doctor may take a small tissue sample (biopsy) from the lining of the intestine to look at later under a microscope.
A sigmoidoscopy typically takes 5 to 10 minutes, requires only an enema for preparation, and can be done without sedation. Patients may experience some cramping and discomfort during this procedure.
Physicians may also couple a sigmoidoscopy with another procedure known as a double-contrast barium enema. With this, barium is infused into the rectum via an enema tube and an x-ray is taken of the area. The barium helps produce a clearer, more detailed x-ray of the area.
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Computed tomography (CT) colonography (virtual colonoscopy) is recommended for people at risk for colorectal cancer every five years. This method is under investigation. It is an advanced CT scan of the colon and rectum that produces two- and three-dimensional images of the colon and rectum that allow a doctor to look for polyps or cancer.
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COPD Foundation answeredSee All 2 AnswersSpirometry is a simple, non-invasive test that is used to diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When you take the test, you will be asked to blow all the air out of your lungs into a mouthpiece connected to a machine known as a spirometer. The machine will calculate two numbers: the amount of air you blow out in the first second, and the amount of air you blow out in six seconds or more.
A spirometry test can also show your doctor how severe your COPD may or may not be. There are several stages of COPD.