MRI scan – head
MRI scan – head Alternative Names: Magnetic resonance imaging scan An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan of the head uses, not X-rays, but strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of structural problems and abnormalities in the skull, brain, and other nearby structures (e.g. sinuses) — problems such as head injuries, headaches, […]
MRI scan – Cervical spine
MRI scan – Cervical spine Alternative Names: Magnetic resonance imaging scan An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan of the cervical (neck) spine uses strong magnetic fields to create detailed images of structural problems and abnormalities associated with the cervical spine, spinal cord, and nerve roots in the spinal cord. An MRI scanner is a tunnel-like […]
MRI scan – Abdomen
MRI scan – Abdomen Alternative Names: Magnetic resonance imaging scan An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan of the abdomen uses, not X-rays, but strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of structural problems and abnormalities. Common problems include abdominal pain, masses or swellings, loss of weight or appetite, and injuries. These problems […]
Mammogram
Mammogram Alternative Names: Mammography, Breast X-ray A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. It is done as a routine screening procedure, if a breast lump is suspected or found during a physical examination, or if there are other symptoms such as pain, nipple discharge, or nipple retraction. During a mammogram, the breasts are placed, […]
Lymph Node biopsy
Lymph Node biopsy During a lymph node biopsy, a tissue sample is removed from lymph nodes, which are found under the skin in areas such as the neck, armpit, and groin. The procedure is done to find the cause of swollen, or enlarged, nodes. Possible causes include infections, cancers in nearby areas, lymphoma, and leukaemia. […]
Lung Function Tests
Lung Function Tests Alternative Names: Pulmonary function tests Lung function, or pulmonary function, tests assess how well you can move air in and out of your lungs. These tests are especially useful for monitoring and treating asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease (COAD). During the tests, you breathe into mouthpiece, and a […]
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy In a laparoscopy, a fibre optic tube (laparoscope) is used to examine the inside of the abdomen and pelvis in cases of e.g. endometriosis, pelvic infection, unexplained pelvic or abdominal pain, infertility, and suspected tumours or cancers. A laparoscopy is also done to perform some surgical procedures such as removing a small tissue sample […]
Lactose Tolerance Test
Lactose Tolerance Test A lactose tolerance test (LTT) is performed in cases of suspected lactose (the form of sugar found in dairy foods) intolerance. The LTT assesses whether there is a deficiency of lactase (the enzyme needed to absorb lactose) by seeing if blood sugar levels rise after lactose has been eaten. The test is […]
Intravenous Pyelogram
Intravenous Pyelogram Alternative Names: IVP An Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) is an X-ray technique that is used to examine the kidneys and urinary tract, in cases where there is blood in the urine, suspected kidney stones, injuries, obstructed urine flow, and suspected polycystic kidney disease and tumours. Your bowels should be empty for the test. An […]
Hysterosalpingogram
Hysterosalpingogram Alternative Names: HSG A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) takes X-ray images of the uterus and fallopian tubes in cases where there are suspected tumours, infertility, and recurrent pelvic/abdominal pain. A catheter (thin tube) is guided through the cervix into the uterus. A dye, which shows up on the X-ray, is injected through the catheter, and X-rays […]