Digestion - test and procedures

Question 1

abdominal ultrasound

Answer 1

Method of using sound waves to generate an image of abdominal organs; often used to diagnose liver cysts, gallstones, tissue abscesses, and abdominal organ enlargement.

Question 2

barium enema; lower gastrointestinal (LGI) series

Answer 2

Special X-ray of the large intestine, including the rectum, using barium as a contrast medium

Question 3

biopsy

Answer 3

The removal of a small piece of living tissue for microscopic examination.

Question 4

excisional biopsy

Answer 4

Surgical removal of an entire lesion or tumor.

Question 5

Incisional biopsy

Answer 5

Incision (cut) into the tissue for removal of a small piece of living tissue for examination microscopically.

Question 6

needle biopsy

Answer 6

Biopsy procedure in which a hollow needle is used to remove a core sample of tissue for microscopic examination.

Question 7

computerized tomography (CT)

Answer 7

Process in which radiographic images of a specific section of the body are taken from multiple angles. The images are then analyzed using a computer to identify muscular injury or disease. CT scans provide more detailed imagery than standard X-rays.

Question 8

endoscopy

Answer 8

Examination of body organs or cavities through the use of a scope

Question 9

capsule endoscopy

Answer 9

Visual examination in which a tiny, wireless camera is used to take pictures of the digestive tract.

Question 10

colonoscopy

Answer 10

Visual examination of the colon

Question 11

esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Answer 11

Visual examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum using a scope.

Question 12

gastroscopy

Answer 12

Visual examination of the stomach using a scope.

Question 13

laparoscopy

Answer 13

Minimally invasive visual examination of any internal organ by placing a small scope, called a laparoscope, through the e abdominal wall.

Question 14

proctoscopy

Answer 14

Visual examination of the rectum using a scope

Question 15

sigmoidoscopy

Answer 15

Visual examination of the sigmoid colon using a scope

Question 16

fluoroscopy

Answer 16

X-ray procedure that uses a fluoroscope to provide real-time moving images of the interior of the body; for example, to examine the swallowing mechanism.

Question 16

occult blood test

Answer 16

Test used to detect hidden blood in the feces

Question 16

laboratory (lab) test

Answer 16

Examination of body fluids or tissues from a patient to aid in diagnosing a health problem. While there are many different lab tests that a physician can order, the following labs are commonly ordered to help diagnose digestive conditions and diseases

Question 16

amylase

Answer 16

Blood test used to detect elevated levels of an enzyme common in pancreatic disorders.

Question 16

complete blood count

Answer 16

Routine test that involves counting the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood. The test is helpful in determining the presence of internal bleeding or infection.

Question 16

serology test

Answer 16

Test that helps diagnose an infection by seeking a common antigen/antibody reaction through the use of a known antigen or antibody. Used to detect the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium, hepatitis virus, and many other pathogenic sources of infection.

Question 17

liver profile

Answer 17

Blood test that measures the different enzymes involved in liver functions and the waste products that are produced as a result.

Question 17

upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series

Answer 17

Series of X-rays taken of the stomach and duodenum after a patient has swallowed a barium contrast agent