Lesson Two - Tests
| Site: | MoodleHUB.ca đ |
| Course: | Chronic Conditions [1 cr] - AB Ed copy 1 |
| Book: | Lesson Two - Tests |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Sunday, 14 September 2025, 5:28 AM |
Information
- This lesson is designed to take approximately 20 minutes.
- You have the following tasks and assignments to complete in this lesson:
- Study all Lesson 2 content, including videos, supplementary reading, etc.
- 3.1 Final Project
Lesson Outcomes
- Examine the different tests that might be carried out for chronic conditions
Introduction
At the end of Lesson 1, regular check ups and doctor visits were discussed as an important step in preventing chronic conditions. They can also be used as a time for a patient to share symptoms with their doctor who can then order diagnostic tests.
The diagnostic tests that might be ordered to determine what condition is causing the patient's symptoms will be the focus of this lesson.
Pixabay
Lab Tests
There are a variety of tests that are done in a lab. In addition to diagnosing conditions, they are often used to monitor a condition that has already been diagnosed. Just a few of them follow.
Click each collapsible row for more information. If you want to explore any of these tests even more, click on the hyperlinked name.
Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPE)
Measures certain proteins in the liquid part of the blood to identify any issues. Too many or too few of these proteins can point to inflammation and markers for other conditions. This is the best way to confirm chronic inflammation.
Measures certain proteins in the liquid part of the blood to identify any issues. Too many or too few of these proteins can point to inflammation and markers for other conditions. This is the best way to confirm chronic inflammation.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
The liver naturally makes CRP when inflammation is present. High levels of CRP can be a result of a number of different inflammatory conditions. This is a very sensitive test for inflammation. Unfortunately, CRP levels will be elevated with both chronic and acute inflammation, so this test will not identify which type of inflammation is present.
This test is done as part of the diagnosis process for inflammation, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The liver naturally makes CRP when inflammation is present. High levels of CRP can be a result of a number of different inflammatory conditions. This is a very sensitive test for inflammation. Unfortunately, CRP levels will be elevated with both chronic and acute inflammation, so this test will not identify which type of inflammation is present.
This test is done as part of the diagnosis process for inflammation, stroke, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
This test is not a direct measure of inflammation. It is most often used as an aid in diagnosing and monitoring how a previously diagnosed inflammatory disease is progressing. Inflammation causes red blood cells to clump together which increases their density, causing them to settle to the bottom of a test tube faster than if there was no inflammation present. The more the red blood cells have settled at the end of an hour, the greater the inflammatory response.
This test is done to check for rheumatoid arthritis.
This test is not a direct measure of inflammation. It is most often used as an aid in diagnosing and monitoring how a previously diagnosed inflammatory disease is progressing. Inflammation causes red blood cells to clump together which increases their density, causing them to settle to the bottom of a test tube faster than if there was no inflammation present. The more the red blood cells have settled at the end of an hour, the greater the inflammatory response.
This test is done to check for rheumatoid arthritis.
Plasma Viscosity
Blood plasma is thickened by inflammation. The thicker the blood, the higher the inflammation.
Blood plasma is thickened by inflammation. The thicker the blood, the higher the inflammation.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram measures the electrical activity of the heart. The test is done by strapping electrodes to the patient's arms, legs, and chest. The electrodes are then hooked to a machine that makes tracings of the heart's electrical activity onto a paper. This is a short test usually taking about 5â10 minutes.
A doctor may order a 24 hour test in which the patient is hooked up to electrodes for 24 hours and carries a small portable computer that records the results of the test.
This test may be ordered when a doctor suspects hypertension, heart disease, or stroke.
An electrocardiogram measures the electrical activity of the heart. The test is done by strapping electrodes to the patient's arms, legs, and chest. The electrodes are then hooked to a machine that makes tracings of the heart's electrical activity onto a paper. This is a short test usually taking about 5â10 minutes.
A doctor may order a 24 hour test in which the patient is hooked up to electrodes for 24 hours and carries a small portable computer that records the results of the test.
This test may be ordered when a doctor suspects hypertension, heart disease, or stroke.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This is a common blood test done to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other cells in the blood.
It is completed when a patient presents with weakness, fatigue, or bruising.
This is a common blood test done to check the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other cells in the blood.
It is completed when a patient presents with weakness, fatigue, or bruising.
Prothrombin Time and International Normalized Ratio (INR)
This tests how quickly the patient's blood clots. If it is ordered to be done multiple times, it must be done at the same time of day each time it is administered because factors such as medication, hydration level, and even certain foods can affect the results.
This tests how quickly the patient's blood clots. If it is ordered to be done multiple times, it must be done at the same time of day each time it is administered because factors such as medication, hydration level, and even certain foods can affect the results.
ACPA or anti-CCP
This test looks for and measures cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies in the blood. According to the American College of Rheumatology, 95% of patients who test positive for these antibodies will be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in the future.
This test looks for and measures cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies in the blood. According to the American College of Rheumatology, 95% of patients who test positive for these antibodies will be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in the future.
Rheumatoid Factor
This blood test measures the RF antibody levels present in the blood. Normal antibodies help destroy and eliminate disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Rheumatoid factor antibodies attach themselves to normal body tissues and cause damage. High levels of RF antibodies can be caused by autoimmune diseases and some infections.
There are two tests that measure RF antibody levels.
This blood test measures the RF antibody levels present in the blood. Normal antibodies help destroy and eliminate disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Rheumatoid factor antibodies attach themselves to normal body tissues and cause damage. High levels of RF antibodies can be caused by autoimmune diseases and some infections.
There are two tests that measure RF antibody levels.
- Agglutination tests: This test mixes blood with tiny latex beads that are covered with human antibodies. If RF is present, the latex beads clump together. This test can also be done using sheep's blood cells covered with rabbit antibodies rather than the latex beads. If RF is present the sheepâs blood cells will clump together.
- Nephelometry test: This test mixes the blood that is being tested with antibodies that cause the blood to clump if RF is present. As more RF is present, more blood clumps. The result is a cloudiness in the blood sample when a laser light is shone on the tube.
Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) or Random Blood Sugar (RBS)
Fasting blood sugar is usually the first test done to determine if someone has diabetes. In this blood test, blood glucose is measured after a patient has not eaten for at least eight hours.
Random blood sugar, also called a casual blood glucose test, is done at random times of the day. A healthy person will not have much variation of blood glucose levels throughout the day. However, a person with diabetes will have greater fluctuations throughout the day. This means that several RBS tests done at various times of day and that vary widely could be an indication that follow up is needed.
Fasting blood sugar is usually the first test done to determine if someone has diabetes. In this blood test, blood glucose is measured after a patient has not eaten for at least eight hours.
Random blood sugar, also called a casual blood glucose test, is done at random times of the day. A healthy person will not have much variation of blood glucose levels throughout the day. However, a person with diabetes will have greater fluctuations throughout the day. This means that several RBS tests done at various times of day and that vary widely could be an indication that follow up is needed.
Hemoglobin A1c
This test can also be called glycated hemoglobin A1c or glycohemoglobin A1c. This test measures the glucose that is attached to the red blood cells. Glucose that is unable to enter other body cells binds to red blood cells at a steady rate. Since red blood cells last for 3â4 months, this test can give a doctor a good idea of how well blood sugar was controlled for the last 2â3 months.
This is a good test to diagnose or see how well diabetes is controlled over time.
This test can also be called glycated hemoglobin A1c or glycohemoglobin A1c. This test measures the glucose that is attached to the red blood cells. Glucose that is unable to enter other body cells binds to red blood cells at a steady rate. Since red blood cells last for 3â4 months, this test can give a doctor a good idea of how well blood sugar was controlled for the last 2â3 months.
This is a good test to diagnose or see how well diabetes is controlled over time.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
This test is most commonly used to diagnose gestational diabetes, or diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. This test is a series of blood glucose measurements taken after the patient drinks a high glucose drink.
This test is most commonly used to diagnose gestational diabetes, or diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. This test is a series of blood glucose measurements taken after the patient drinks a high glucose drink.
Blood Test
A blood test may be done to determine what a patient is allergic to. When performing this test, the lab will look for different antibodies which can help identify what the patient is allergic to.
A blood test may be done to determine what a patient is allergic to. When performing this test, the lab will look for different antibodies which can help identify what the patient is allergic to.
Imaging Tests
As the name implies, imaging tests are used to create images of the various body systems.
Click each collapsible row for information on types of imaging tests. Again, the test names are hyperlinked if you want more information about any of these tests.
Echocardiogram
Another name for an echocardiogram is an echo. It is called this because it picks up echoes of the sound waves from the ultrasound as they bounce off the different parts of your heart. These echoes are then turned into a moving picture of your heart.
It is used to help diagnose heart disease.
Another name for an echocardiogram is an echo. It is called this because it picks up echoes of the sound waves from the ultrasound as they bounce off the different parts of your heart. These echoes are then turned into a moving picture of your heart.
It is used to help diagnose heart disease.
Chest X-Rays
Chest x-rays are commonly done if a doctor suspects that someone has coronary artery disease. Using electromagnetic waves, images are produced in various shades of black and white. These images can show the following:
Chest x-rays are commonly done if a doctor suspects that someone has coronary artery disease. Using electromagnetic waves, images are produced in various shades of black and white. These images can show the following:
- Fluid in the lungs as a possible complication of congestive heart failure.
- Changes in the shape and/or size of the heart which can indicate heart failure.
- Pulmonary arteries and veins are visible on x-rays and may show if aortic aneurysms, blood vessel problems, or congenital heart disease are present.
- Calcium in the heart which can be an indicator of damage to part of your heart.
Angiogram
An iodine dye sent through the blood vessels to the area to be studied allows for special x-rays to be taken of blood flow. These x-rays are taken using a camera called a fluoroscopy. These pictures are then printed on regular x-ray film or stored in a computer system.
An iodine dye sent through the blood vessels to the area to be studied allows for special x-rays to be taken of blood flow. These x-rays are taken using a camera called a fluoroscopy. These pictures are then printed on regular x-ray film or stored in a computer system.
Nuclear Stress Test
A nuclear stress test is a type of stress test that measures the blood flow through the muscles of the heart when the patient is relaxed or during stress. It is also known as a cardiac perfusion scan.
In this test, a radioactive tracer is given through an IV. This tracer then travels through the bloodstream to the heart muscle where it gets absorbed. Areas that do not absorb the tracer may not be getting enough blood.
A nuclear stress test is a type of stress test that measures the blood flow through the muscles of the heart when the patient is relaxed or during stress. It is also known as a cardiac perfusion scan.
In this test, a radioactive tracer is given through an IV. This tracer then travels through the bloodstream to the heart muscle where it gets absorbed. Areas that do not absorb the tracer may not be getting enough blood.
Computed Tomography (CT)
A CT scanner is a machine that is used to take multiple images of the target organ while the patient lies on a special table that is attached to the scanner. These images are like slices of the organ that are put together to form a complete image of the body part.
A CT scanner is a machine that is used to take multiple images of the target organ while the patient lies on a special table that is attached to the scanner. These images are like slices of the organ that are put together to form a complete image of the body part.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An MRI machine is a machine with a large magnet and a sliding table. The body has natural magnetic properties that the MRI uses to produce detailed images of any part of the body.
This test can be uncomfortable for claustrophobic patients, as the test is done in a confined space for anything from 30 minutes to two hours.
An MRI machine is a machine with a large magnet and a sliding table. The body has natural magnetic properties that the MRI uses to produce detailed images of any part of the body.
This test can be uncomfortable for claustrophobic patients, as the test is done in a confined space for anything from 30 minutes to two hours.
Ultrasound
Using high frequency sound waves, an ultrasound machine produces images of soft tissues. The machine sends out the sound waves through a small handheld âwandâ. Based on how these waves move through the body, the machine is able to create images to aid in the diagnostic process. The limitation is that the sound doesnât travel well through bone or air so ultrasound is ineffective at imaging areas such as the head or lungs.
Using high frequency sound waves, an ultrasound machine produces images of soft tissues. The machine sends out the sound waves through a small handheld âwandâ. Based on how these waves move through the body, the machine is able to create images to aid in the diagnostic process. The limitation is that the sound doesnât travel well through bone or air so ultrasound is ineffective at imaging areas such as the head or lungs.
Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) uses two different x-ray beams to measure bone density in the spine and hip. This is the most accurate way to measure bone density. Stronger and denser bones let less x-ray pass through them and show
up darker.
Courtesy of MyHealth.Alberta.ca
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with or without the endorsement of Alberta Health or AHS.
Other Tests
Other specialized tests might be ordered by the doctor as well.
Click each collapsible row to view more information. Again, the test names are hyperlinked if you want more information about any of these tests.
Spirometry
A spirometry test measures lung function by checking how much air the patient can exhale and how fast the patient can breathe out after a deep breath. This estimates how narrow the patientâs bronchial tubes are. This test may be done before and after using a common bronchodilator (brong-koh-DIE-lay-tur) to open the airways. If the function improves after using a bronchodilator, it is likely the patient has asthma.
A spirometry test measures lung function by checking how much air the patient can exhale and how fast the patient can breathe out after a deep breath. This estimates how narrow the patientâs bronchial tubes are. This test may be done before and after using a common bronchodilator (brong-koh-DIE-lay-tur) to open the airways. If the function improves after using a bronchodilator, it is likely the patient has asthma.
Peak Flow
A peak flow meter measures how hard the patient can breathe out. Lower than usual readings may be a sign the patientâs lungs may not be working as well as they should be. This could be a sign that already diagnosed asthma is getting worse. Like with spirometry, this test may be done before and after using a bronchodilator to open the airways. If the function improves after using a bronchodilator, it is likely the patient has asthma.
A peak flow meter measures how hard the patient can breathe out. Lower than usual readings may be a sign the patientâs lungs may not be working as well as they should be. This could be a sign that already diagnosed asthma is getting worse. Like with spirometry, this test may be done before and after using a bronchodilator to open the airways. If the function improves after using a bronchodilator, it is likely the patient has asthma.
Methacholine Challenge
Methacholine is a known asthma trigger that will cause mild constriction of the airways when inhaled. If the patient reacts to the methacholine, they likely have asthma. This test can indicate asthma even if the initial lung function test is normal.
Methacholine is a known asthma trigger that will cause mild constriction of the airways when inhaled. If the patient reacts to the methacholine, they likely have asthma. This test can indicate asthma even if the initial lung function test is normal.
Provocative Testing
This test is done to help with further diagnosis of exercise or cold induced asthma. To perform this test, the patient's airway obstruction is measured prior to and after taking part in vigorous physical activity or taking several breaths of cold air. The results are then compared and used to inform the final diagnosis.
This test is done to help with further diagnosis of exercise or cold induced asthma. To perform this test, the patient's airway obstruction is measured prior to and after taking part in vigorous physical activity or taking several breaths of cold air. The results are then compared and used to inform the final diagnosis.
Genetic Testing
Genetic testing can be done in utero (on a baby while the mother is pregnant) or at any time during a person's life. Testing can be done on body tissue, blood, urine or saliva. Using the sample the DNA of cells can be checked for changes in the genes, and the number, order, and structure of chromosomes.
Genetic testing can be done in utero (on a baby while the mother is pregnant) or at any time during a person's life. Testing can be done on body tissue, blood, urine or saliva. Using the sample the DNA of cells can be checked for changes in the genes, and the number, order, and structure of chromosomes.
Joint Fluid Analysis
To do a joint fluid analysis, a needle is inserted into the joint and fluid is removed and analysed. This is done to rule out other causes of joint pain such as infection or gout.
To do a joint fluid analysis, a needle is inserted into the joint and fluid is removed and analysed. This is done to rule out other causes of joint pain such as infection or gout.
Skin Prick Test
This test may also be called a puncture test or prick test. To administer this test, the skin is pricked with a small amount of a possible allergen. If the skin shows a reaction, such as itchiness, redness or swelling, it may indicate that an allergy is present.
This test may also be called a puncture test or prick test. To administer this test, the skin is pricked with a small amount of a possible allergen. If the skin shows a reaction, such as itchiness, redness or swelling, it may indicate that an allergy is present.