Patch testing for skin allergies
Patch testing is a way of identifying whether a substance that comes in contact with the skin is causing inflammation of the skin (contact dermatitis). There are two types of contact dermatitis: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact ... [... more]
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CT scan
A CT (computerised tomography) scanner is a special kind of X-ray machine. Instead of sending out a single X-ray through your body as with ordinary X-rays, several beams are sent simultaneously from different angles. Dr Sarah Burnett, consultant ... [... more]
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Urography (pyelography)
Urography is an X-ray examination used to check the kidneys and the tubes that drain them (ureters). Dr Sarah Burnett, consultant radiologist, Mr John Macfarlane, consultant urological surgeon and Dr John Pillinger, GP A special dye is used to ... [... more]
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Gastroscopy - examination of the gullet and stomach
Gastroscopy is an examination of the inside of the gullet, stomach and duodenum. It is performed by using a thin, flexible fibre-optic instrument that is passed through the mouth and allows the doctor to see whether there is any damage to the ... [... more]
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Ear examination (otoscopy)
Otoscopy is an examination that involves looking into the ear with an instrument called an otoscope (or auriscope). This is performed in order to examine the 'external auditory canal' - the tunnel that leads from the outer ear (pinna) to the eardrum. [... more]
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Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis is one of several diagnostic tests that can be carried out during pregnancy. It is used to detect any possible chromosome abnormalities in the unborn child that may cause Down's syndrome or other congenital problems. In ... [... more]
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Anaesthetic
An anaesthetic is used to temporarily reduce or take away sensation, usually so that otherwise painful procedures or surgery can be performed. Anaesthesia-induced sleep is not the same as ordinary sleep but a form of temporary unconsciousness ... [... more]
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Angiography
Angiography is a test that uses an injection of a liquid dye to make the arteries easily visible on X-rays. Dr Neal Uren, consultant cardiologist and John Pillinger, GP An angiogram was once commonly used to check the condition of blood vessels. ... [... more]
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Arthroscopy
An arthroscopy is a type of test to see inside a joint. An arthroscope is a telescope that can be inserted into the joints, enabling the doctor to see directly inside the area. Arthroscopy is often used for treatment of knee, ankle and shoulder ... [... more]
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Blood tests
Blood tests are a very useful diagnostic tool. Blood is made up of several different kinds of cells and other compounds, including various salts and certain proteins. Dr Rachel Green, consultant haematologist and Dr Patrick Davey, ... [... more]
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Bone densitometry scans (general)
A bone densitometry scan is a special type of X-ray test used to measure the calcium content of the bone, usually in the lumbar region (the lower back) and the hips. The examination is also called a DEXA-scan, QDR-scan or BMD (bone mineral ... [... more]
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Bone density scans for osteoporosis
Bone scans measure the amount of bone in a particular site of the body, usually the lower part of the spine, the hip, the forearm or the heel. Doctors use the scans to help them to assess the likelihood of future bone fractures and whether any ... [... more]
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