Investigations (Subscribe)  

Arthrography is the radiologic examination of soft tissue structures in the joints following an injection of a contrast agent with or without air. The structures demonstrated are the menisci, ligaments, tendons, articular cartilage, and bursae.

A bone densitometry test, or scan, is designed to check for osteoporosis, a disease that occurs when the bones become thin and weak. Osteoporosis happens when the bones lose calcium and other minerals that keep them strong.

A bone scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure used to evaluate abnormalities involving bones and joints. A radionuclide is injected intravenously, and its distribution in the skeletal system is analyzed to detect certain diseases or conditions.

Bone x rays are a diagnostic imaging test in which ionizing radiation passes through the bone. This enables an image of the bone to be produced either digitally or on film.

Computed tomography (CT) scans are completed with the use of a 360-degree x-ray beam and computer production of images. These scans allow for cross- sectional views of body organs and tissues.

Computed Radiography (Digital Xray) Computed radiography, or CR, is a digital image acquisition and processing system for radiography that uses computers and laser technology. It was developed in the mid-1980s. CR images can be recorded on laserprinted film or transmitted and stored digitally. This technological change has a significant impact on...

Doppler Ultrasonography (Vascular Study) Doppler ultrasonography, also called Doppler ultrasound, is a noninvasive diagnostic procedure that uses an ultrasound scanner to convert sound waves into images of blood flow in body tissue and organs. Doppler ultrasonography does not use ionizing radiation and is used for a variety of clinical applications.

Electrolytes are positively and negatively charged ions that are found within the cells and extracellular fluids, including blood plasma. A test for electrolytes includes the measurement of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. These ions are needed to assess renal, endocrine, and acid-base function, and are components of both renal function...

Electromyography (EMG) is used to detect, process, and record electrical muscle activity in order to aid in the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease.

Fever (pyrexia) is defined as an abnormally high body temperature or a regulated rise to a new set point of body temperature. While a body temperature above 100°F(37.8°C) is considered to be a fever by some clinicians, a significant fever is usually defined as an oral temperature of 102°F (39°C)...

Gait or walking is a coordinated action of the neuromuscular and musculoskeletal systems. The coordination of muscle contraction, joint movement, and sensory perception allows the human body to move in the environment. Individuals with neuromuscular and/or musculoskeletal involvement may have abnormal or inappropriate muscle activation, joint motion, or sensory perception....

The hematocrit is a test that measures the volume of blood by the percentage that is comprised of red blood cells. The hematocrit is also called the packed red cell volume because classically it is measured by centrifuging the blood in a capillary tube.

Hemoglobin is a protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen. A hemoglobin test reveals how much hemoglobin is in a person's blood. This information can be used to help physician's diagnose and monitor anemia and polycythemia vera, a condition in which the bone marrow produces too many blood cells.

Joint fluid analysis, also called synovial fluid analysis, or arthrocentesis, is a procedure used to assess joint-related abnormalities, such as occur in the knee or elbow. Synovial or joint fluid is an ultrafiltrate of plasma formed in the synovial membrane of movable joints. The fluid lubricates the bone and cartilage...

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a unique and versatile medical imaging modality. Doctors can obtain highly refined images of the body's interior using MRI. By using strong magnetic fields and pulses of radio waves to manipulate the natural magnetic properties in the body, this technique produces images not possible with...