diagnostic test

Any lab test, scan, scope or other procedure used to learn what is happening in the body. Examples are blood tests, urine tests, x-raysx-rayEKS-rayA picture of the inside of the body made with a small dose of radiation; also called a radiograph.Full entry Close, computed tomographycomputed tomographykum-PYOO-tid toh-MOG-ruh-feeAn imaging test that uses x-rays and a computer to make cross-section pictures of the inside of the body.tom/o cut, slice-graphy process of recordingFull entry Close, ultrasoundultrasoundUL-truh-sowndAn imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to make pictures of the inside of the body.ultra- beyond, more thansound sound wavesFull entry Close, endoscopyendoscopyen-DOS-kuh-peeA procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera to look inside the body.endo- within-scopy looking with an instrumentFull entry Close and the electrocardiogramelectrocardiogramih-lek-troh-KAR-dee-oh-gramA test that records the heart's electrical activity as waves on paper or a screen.electr/o electricitycardi/o heart-gram recordFull entry Close. A screeningscreeningSKREE-ningTesting people who have no symptoms to find a disease or risk early.Full entry Close test looks for disease in people with no symptoms; a diagnostic test is done to find the cause of a problem.

Before a test, check consent when needed, allergies (especially to contrast dye), fasting orders and kidney function. Teach the client what will happen, and afterward watch for problems such as bleeding at a puncture site.