Diagnostic Tests & Nuclear Medicine
with Complete Solutions
contrast agents - ANSWER-are often used to improve the visibility of internal bodily
structures
diagnostic tests - ANSWER-To establish presence/absence of disease; result provides
a definite diagnosis
Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA scan) - ANSWER-uses two x-ray beams of
different intensity are used to determine total bone mineral density. DXA scanner
produces a high energy beam a low energy beam. The machine measures the amount
of X-rays that pass through the bone from each beam. This will vary depending on how
thick the bone is. Based on the difference between the two beams, your doctor can
measure your bone density. The lower your bone mineral density, the higher your risk of
osteoporotic bone fractures so these scans are a very powerful tool in early detection of
osteoporosis. Patient is exposed to ionizing radiation, but the amount lower than that of
a standard X-ray.
echocardiogram - ANSWER-ultrasound of the heart that shows the structure of the
heart and blood flow to the heart. High frequency sound waves are sent through the
skin, and they bounce off the heart to produce an image of the heart as it moves.
Echocardiograms are used to measure the size and shape of the heart, to see how well
the heart is pumping, and to accurately measure blood flow to the heart.
Echocardiograms are often done in combination with a stress test.
Electrocardiography (ECG) - ANSWER-is a test that is used to find out more information
about the heart. This is a very common diagnostic test. It is conducted by placing
electrodes at certain areas around the body. These electrodes are connected to a
machine that will measure the electrical conductivity of the heart.
False: MRI's do no expose patients to ionizing radiation - ANSWER-True or False:
MRI's expose patients to ionizing radiation
Film badge - ANSWER-measures the amount of X-rays to which a person has been
exposed. All individuals whose work is associated with radiation who are likely to
receive exposures above 10% of the limits stated in the Occupational Exposure Limit
are required to wear a radiation dosimeter (above 5% of the limits for persons under 18
years of age).
Holter monitor - ANSWER-portable device that records an ECG continuously for 24 to
48 hours. It can be taken home and worn to record the electrical activity of the heart for
a few days as the patient goes about his/her normal activities. Used to identify any
problems that might have been detected in the office.
with Complete Solutions
contrast agents - ANSWER-are often used to improve the visibility of internal bodily
structures
diagnostic tests - ANSWER-To establish presence/absence of disease; result provides
a definite diagnosis
Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA scan) - ANSWER-uses two x-ray beams of
different intensity are used to determine total bone mineral density. DXA scanner
produces a high energy beam a low energy beam. The machine measures the amount
of X-rays that pass through the bone from each beam. This will vary depending on how
thick the bone is. Based on the difference between the two beams, your doctor can
measure your bone density. The lower your bone mineral density, the higher your risk of
osteoporotic bone fractures so these scans are a very powerful tool in early detection of
osteoporosis. Patient is exposed to ionizing radiation, but the amount lower than that of
a standard X-ray.
echocardiogram - ANSWER-ultrasound of the heart that shows the structure of the
heart and blood flow to the heart. High frequency sound waves are sent through the
skin, and they bounce off the heart to produce an image of the heart as it moves.
Echocardiograms are used to measure the size and shape of the heart, to see how well
the heart is pumping, and to accurately measure blood flow to the heart.
Echocardiograms are often done in combination with a stress test.
Electrocardiography (ECG) - ANSWER-is a test that is used to find out more information
about the heart. This is a very common diagnostic test. It is conducted by placing
electrodes at certain areas around the body. These electrodes are connected to a
machine that will measure the electrical conductivity of the heart.
False: MRI's do no expose patients to ionizing radiation - ANSWER-True or False:
MRI's expose patients to ionizing radiation
Film badge - ANSWER-measures the amount of X-rays to which a person has been
exposed. All individuals whose work is associated with radiation who are likely to
receive exposures above 10% of the limits stated in the Occupational Exposure Limit
are required to wear a radiation dosimeter (above 5% of the limits for persons under 18
years of age).
Holter monitor - ANSWER-portable device that records an ECG continuously for 24 to
48 hours. It can be taken home and worn to record the electrical activity of the heart for
a few days as the patient goes about his/her normal activities. Used to identify any
problems that might have been detected in the office.
