COMMON TESTS RAN IN THE ED

Question 1

This test looks at the blood cells and can tell if someone has an infection (high white blood cells) or is anemic (low red blood cells)

Answer 1

CBC (complete blood count)

Question 2

This test looks at a patient’s electrolytes, kidney function, and liver function

Answer 2

CMP (complete metabolic panel or chemistry profile)

Question 3

This test looks at the electrical conduction system of the heart

Answer 3

ECG (electrocardiogram)

Question 4

This imaging test creates 2D images and is used to primarily to see bones and detect cancers and pneumonia. It uses radiation to produce images

Answer 4

X-ray

Question 5

This imaging test creates 3-D images and is primarily used to diagnose conditions in organs and soft tissues. It is more powerful than an X-ray by taking a 360 degree image.

Answer 5

CT scan

Question 6

This imaging test creates 3-D images and is primarily used to scan the spine, brain, breasts, muscles, abdomen, and neck. It uses a powerful magnet and radio waves which create cross-sectional images.

Answer 6

MRI

Question 7

This test is ordered to analyze the urine for blood, infection, etc. It helps diagnose UTIs and kidney stones

Answer 7

Urinalysis

Question 8

This test is ordered to look at the acid base status of the patient.

Answer 8

ABG (arterial blood gases)

Question 9

This test is ordered in the setting of a chest pain patient or some type of cardiac pathology. This metabolite is elevated when there’s damage to the heart like an MI.

Answer 9

troponin

Question 10

This test is ordered in the setting where a chemical is released by the atria when sufficient stretch occurs (i.e., conditions of volume overload). Most commonly used to distinguish primary pulmonary from cardiac etiologies of dyspnea (i.e., heart failure or COPD/pneumonia).

Answer 10

BNP/ANP (brain/atrial natriuretic peptide)

Question 11

This test can be used to rule out DVT or PE in low risk or intermediate risk patients. It is the physiological by-product of fibrin degradation. When found in the blood it can indicate the presence of a large clot.

Answer 11

D-dimer

Question 12

This test may be used to: Determine if a patient is experiencing lactic acidosis, help find out if enough oxygen is reaching the body’s tissues. Help diagnose sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to a bacterial infection.

Answer 12

Lactate blood test

Question 13

This test appears in the urine of a pregnant woman, and it is used to determine the exact age of a fetus.

Answer 13

beta-hCG