Lesson Two - Tests
Completion requirements
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 “wand”. 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 doesn’t 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 “wand”. 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 doesn’t 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.