Investigations

Question 1

IBS investigations

Answer 1

Abdominal exam
PR exam
BMI - baseline
Coeliac test

Bloods - FBC, CRP/ESR

Question 2

What position is best for a PR exam?

Answer 2

Lyinng on left with knees up towards chest

Question 3

What diseases is faecal calprotectin raised in?

Answer 3

Crohns, UC

Question 4

What ESR is normal?

Answer 4

up to 13

Question 5

What antibodies do you test for in Hashimotos?

Answer 5

anti-TPO

Question 6

What causes hypothyroidism in hashimotos?

Answer 6

antiTPO attack TSH receptors in thyroid, so none recognised causing low level T3 + T4

Question 7

What disease can anti-thyroglobulin test for?

Answer 7

Graves

Question 8

What Immunoglobulin do you test for in Graves?

Answer 8

IgG

Question 9

What causes hyperthyroidism in Graves?

Answer 9

Overstimulation of TSH receptors by autoantibodies -> TOO MUCH CIRCULATING T4

Question 10

What must be done before a CT? bloods

Answer 10

Creatinine and urea

Question 11

What does creatinine and urea determine before a CT?

Answer 11

Determines whether patient can have IV contrast agent with CT
If creatinine high, kidney function low, unable to clear contrast

Question 12

Why is colonoscopy the diagnostic test of choice with colorectal cnacer?

Answer 12

it is a complete investigation of the large bowel
direct visualisation of the pathologies within the bowel
enables biopsies to be taken.

Question 13

What are the risks of a colonoscopy?

Answer 13

f bleeding, perforation and infection.

Question 14

What is CEA? What is it useful for?

Answer 14

INflammatory marker useful for staging cancer - high levels signal adnvacned or metastasis