Skin testing, delayed-type hypersensitivity Purpose To assess for exposure to or activation of certain diseases, most commonly tuberculosis (TB) To assess the status of a child’s immune system during illness…
Pulmonary function test Purpose To evaluate pulmonary status and function through a series of spirometric measurements To assess the effectiveness of a specific therapeutic regimen Patient preparation Make sure that…
Positron emission tomography scan Purpose To detect organ dysfunction through positrons being emitted from radioactive chemicals in the organ that are sensed by a series of detectors positioned around the…
Oropharyngeal motility (swallowing test) Purpose To diagnose hiatal hernia, diverticula, and varices To detect strictures, ulcers, tumors, polyps, and motility disorders Patient preparation Make sure that the consent form is…
Myelography Purpose To demonstrate lesions partially or totally blocking cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in the subarachnoid space (tumors and herniated intervertebral disks) To detect arachnoiditis, spinal nerve root injury, or…
Magnetic resonance imaging Purpose Powerful magnetic field and radio-frequency waves used to produce computerized images of internal organs and tissues not readily visible on standard X-rays Patient preparation Make sure…
Exercise electrocardiography (stress testing) Purpose To determine functional capacity of the heart To screen for asymptomatic coronary artery disease (CAD) To diagnose the cause of chest pain To help set…
Evoked potentials Purpose To aid in the diagnosis of nervous system lesions and abnormalities To monitor spinal cord function during spinal surgery To assess neurologic function To evaluate neurologic function…
Electromyography Purpose To differentiate among primary muscle disorders, such as muscular dystrophy, and certain metabolic disorders To identify diseases characterized by central neuronal degeneration To aid in diagnosing neuromuscular disorders…
Electroencephalography Purpose To determine the presence and type of epilepsy To aid in the diagnosis of intracranial lesions To evaluate brain activity in metabolic disease, head injury, meningitis, encephalitis, and…
