Diagnostic Testing

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There are scores of medical tests out there with similar names, making it difficult to decipher one from the other. And then there are the different types of tests: radiology, cardiology…how can we keep them all straight?

Helping us to do so are radiologist Dr. Michael Bleshman from the University of Pennsylvania Hospital and the director of vascular medicine, Dr. Emile R. Mohler III, from the University of Pennsylvania Health Systems.

Diagnostic tests are performed when the primary physician orders them. If there is a question about a particular test or if it would be beneficial to the patient for another type of test to be performed, the physician will be contacted by the specialist with all questions.

Radiology Tests

CT Scan/ CAT Scan- This is the abbreviation for “Computed Tomography Imaging” or “Computed Axial Tomography.” This test requires the patient to lie down. Next, their body will be moved through a large tube-like device as computer images are taken of the body, one “slice” at a time. These individual “slices” (half sections) can then be viewed together to get a full internal picture. ventricle that show whether or not the heart is pumping properly.These scans can be used to detect most previously undetermined internal illnesses or abnormalities such as tumors, blood clots, internal bleeding and blood vessel defects.

Because some people suffer from claustrophobia and have difficulty being in such a confined space, there are now “open” CAT Scans and MRIs available. The downside to this is that they aren’t quite as thorough as the regular equipment, so they are used only in extreme cases.

MRI-this is the abbreviation for “Magnetic Resonance Imaging.” An MRI is very similar to a CAT Scan, in that it is a non-invasive way to photograph the internal parts of the body. Many times an MRI is conducted after a CAT Scan is performed but there are still additional questions about the patient’s condition. An MRI is best at picking up brain, back, muscular and skeletal abnormalities.

Flouroscopy- also known as the “barium swallow,” this technique is utilized to take moving x-ray pictures, most often of the digestive tract. The internist that conducts the test flips a switch that transmits x-ray beams through the body. Those beams bounce off of a fluorescent plate and are then sent to a TV monitor so that the doctor can see the “live” image of the patient’s body. In order to view the workings of the digestive tract, the patient may be told to drink liquid barium—as the patient drinks and swallows, the physician can see the flow of the liquid through the body, to determine if everything is “working” as it should.

Mammogram- This test is an x-ray picture of the breast tissue and is the best way to detect breast cancer in its earlier stages. For this test, a woman’s breast is placed on a firm, flat x-ray surface. Using a mammogram compression device, the breast tissue is spread out to obtain the best images. Radiation is sent through the breast, taking x-ray pictures of the tissue. Any abnormal lumps or masses will be reported immediately. It is recommended that women over 40 get a mammogram every one to two years.

Cardiology Tests

Cardiolite Stress Test- This test uses a radioactive substance to take photos of the heart and its function. This test is important in diagnosing heart disease, and blockages in the arteries.

During exercise (walking on a treadmill or using a stationary bike) a substance known as cardiolite is injected into a vein in the patient’s arm. The cardiolite travels to the heart and as the patient exercises, it should be well-distributed throughout the muscle. Areas of the heart that slowly absorb the substance (or not at all) show a defect. About one hour after that initial test, the patient will return for a 30-minute imaging session. During this time, scans of the heart are taken to deter