Investigations (Subscribe)  

Myelography is a radiographic and fluoroscopic examination of the spinal canal. A contrast agent is injected through a needle into the space around the spinal cord (intrathecal sapace) to display the spinal cord, spinal canal, and nerve roots on an x ray.

Body positions in x-ray exams are based on body part, suspected defect or disease, and condition of the patient. The radiographer, also known as the x-ray tech or more formally as the radiologic technologist, uses standardized body positions in performing an x-ray exam. Positions are learned by the radiographer according...

The sedimentation rate test, also called the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or sed rate test, measures the speed at which the red blood cells (erythrocytes or RBCs) separate from the liquid part of the blood (plasma) and settle to the bottom in a tube of anticoagulated blood.

Thrombosis risk tests check for defects in the anti-coagulant system (hypercoagubility) that can cause a predisposition to thrombosis. The D-dimer test is used to screen for the presence of fibrin associated with deep vein and other forms of thrombosis.

Blood typing is a laboratory test that identifies blood group antigens (substances that stimulate an immune response) belonging to the ABO blood group system. The test classifies blood into four groups designated A, B, AB, and O. Antibody screening is a test to detect atypical antibodies in the serum that...

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)Diagnostic medical sonography, or ultrasound, is a technique using high frequency sound to create images of specific areas of the body to diagnose various pathologies. The diagnostic medical sonographer performs examinations, records anatomic condition and provides diagnostic information.

A urinalysis is a group of manual and/or automated qualitative and semi-quantitative tests performed on a urine sample. A routine urinalysis usually includes the following tests: color, transparency, specific gravity, pH, protein, glucose, ketones, blood, bilirubin, nitrite, urobilinogen, and leukocyte esterase. Some laboratories include a microscopic examination of urinary sediment...

A white blood cell (WBC) count determines the concentration of white blood cells in the patient's blood. A differential determines the percentage of each of the five types of mature white blood cells.

A wound culture is a diagnostic laboratory test in which microorganisms from an infected wound are grown in the laboratory on media and identified. Wound cultures always include aerobic culture, but direct smear evaluation (Gram stain) and anaerobic culture are not performed on every wound. These tests are performed when...