Semen analysis
Semen analysis Alternative Names: Sperm count, Male fertility test Semen analysis, or a sperm count, measures the number of sperm, sperm movement (motility), and other characteristics of semen that may affect fertility. This test is done when couples are infertile and when men have been sterilised (had a vasectomy), to make sure that there are […]
Rheumatoid factor
Rheumatoid factor Alternative Names: RF A blood test that measures RF (rheumatoid factor) — a type of antibody that is produced by the immune system — is done when considering autoimmune conditions. These conditions, in which the body’s immune system seems to attack its own tissues and organs, include rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), […]
Renal biopsy
Renal biopsy Alternative Names: Kidney biopsy A renal, or kidney, biopsy involves removing a tissue sample from the kidney for analysis in a laboratory. It is done to determine the cause of kidney disease or to assess the health of a transplanted kidney. The test is done on an empty stomach. The skin on your […]
PSA test
PSA test Alternative Names: Prostate Specific Antigen Testing for PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is performed routinely to pick up any abnormalities of the prostate gland as early as possible. PSA is a protein (antigen) that is released from the cells of the prostate gland; greater amounts than normal of PSA could indicate prostate cancer or […]
Pleural biopsy
Pleural biopsy Alternative Names: Pleural needle biopsy In a pleural, or needle, biopsy a tissue sample is taken from the membrane between the lungs and the inside surface of the ribs (the pleura). This test is done in suspected cases of TB (tuberculosis), infections of the pleura (pleurisy), cancer of the pleura (mesothelioma), or lung […]
PAP smear
PAP smear Alternative Names: Papanicolaou test A PAP (Papanicolaou) smear is an examination, under a microscope, of cells taken from the cervix (opening of the uterus or womb) to make sure that these cells are not abnormal or cancerous. Once the doctor has scraped some cells from the cervix, the sample is sent for analysis. […]
Ophthalmoscopy
Ophthalmoscopy Alternative Names: Fundoscopy Ophthalmoscopy, or fundoscopy, examines the eye and retina (light sensitive layer at the back of the eye), using a special torch-like instrument (ophthalmoscope). This useful and simple test is part of routine eye examinations. It is especially important for diabetics, people with high blood pressure, and anyone who has vision problems. […]
Nerve Conduction Test
Nerve Conduction Test Alternative Names: Nerve conduction velocity A nerve conduction test, which measures the speed at which impulses are transmitted along nerves, is done in cases of muscle weakness and when nerve damage is suspected. Damage can be caused by diabetic or alcoholic neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, Guillam-Barre syndrome, or a disc that pushes […]
Muscle biopsy
Muscle biopsy During a muscle biopsy, a small tissue sample from a muscle is removed so that it can be examined and analysed in a laboratory. It is commonly done in cases where the cause of muscle weakness is unknown, suspected muscular dystrophy, and where certain conditions (e.g. polyarteritis nodosa) affect muscle tissue. In sports […]
MRI scan – Lumbar spine
MRI scan – Lumbar spine Alternative Names: Magnetic resonance imaging scan An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan of the lower (lumbar) spine uses, not X-rays, but strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of structural problems and abnormalities associated with the lower spine, spinal cord, and nerve roots in the spinal cord. […]