Medical Diagnostic Tests
Health care providers will order a variety of medical tests and examinations based on complaints verbalized by patients. The names of some of the tests will overwhelm many – not knowing how to spell, pronounce and having no idea what it entails. Some of the noninvasive and painless tests that may be ordered are:
» X-rays — Use electromagnetic energy to produce images of internal organs, tissues and bones. Fractures, infections, fluid and tumors of bones are visualized. No special prep is required.
» CT Scan — Computed tomography scan computer processes X-ray images and creates a slice/cross-sectional image of body parts. Kidney function lab tests will be ordered before the scan is done. A contrast substance which allows for better images may or may not be ordered. If contrast is used, fasting (no food) may be required. Patients will be placed on a bed to enter the scanner. The machine rotates and noises will be heard. Earplugs may be used to decrease the noises. Remain still during the test, which takes 10-30 minutes. Abnormalities in the chest, liver and gallbladder can be diagnosed.
» MRI — Magnetic resonance imaging produces precise details of body parts, especially soft tissues, with the help of magnetic field and radio waves. The test takes 15-90 minutes based on body parts being scanned. It diagnoses strokes, brain injuries and abnormalities, malignancies and liver diseases. Preparation includes no fasting. Tell the technician of any metal devices (pacemakers, metal clips, joints or artificial heart valves) that you have. Patients will be gowned and all metal devices (prosthesis, hearing aids, underwire bra, jewelry) removed. Contrast may or may not be used. Noises are made by the machine. Earplugs can be worn. Remain still during test. Let technician know if you are claustrophobic.
» PET Scan – Positron emission tomography uses radiotracers to assess organs and tissue functions. The test takes 2-3 hours and diagnoses coronary artery diseases, heart failure and brain tumors. Patient is instructed to not engage in strenuous physical activity for 1-2 days prior to test, have no food for six hours before test and to not eat foods high in sugar. The contrast (radiotracer) contains sugar. A finger-stick glucose test will be done prior to the contrast being given. The contrast is swallowed or injected. The patient will wait 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to test for the radiotracer to enter organs. Remove jewelry and metal objects. Inform technician if claustrophobic. Remain still during test.
As family caregivers, you can assist your loved ones in preparing for the exams. If proper preparation is not completed, the test will be canceled and rescheduled.
Fear may be present. Ask the technician to let them look around the scanners. There are openings on the ends of the CTS, MRI and PET scanners. Sometimes seeing the openings lets them know they are not encapsulated in the scanner. Have them drink lots of water following tests if contrasts were used. Check with your doctor for test results in 2-4 days.
Rev. Jiles Taylor-George, RN, BSN, MSN is a native of Tallahatchie County. She is a Certified Family Caregiver Support Group Facilitator.
