DIAGNOSTIC TESTING

Lab testing is a vital part of your treatment as it helps your doctor diagnose your health issue correctly and shows any health changes over time. Once lab results are received, your doctor is able to efficiently diagnosis your condition or determine if further testing is necessary.

Some of the tests we perform include:

• CBC (Complete Blood Count) – measures the number of blood cells and the type
• CRP (C-reactive Protein) – measures inflammation in your blood
• CPK (Creatinine Phosphokinase) – measures inflammation in your muscles
• Kidney Function Tests (Creatinine and BUN) – measure the health of your kidneys
• Liver Function Tests (AST and ALT) – measure the health of your liver
• Joint Fluid Testing – determines if you have an infection or inflammation of the joint

An electrocardiogram, also known as an EKG, is a non-invasive and very simple test used to measure the heart’s electrical activity. An EKG allows your physician to determine if your heart is beating at a normal or slow, fast or irregular pace. The test also allows us to recognize any part of the heart that may be overworked or too large.

An EKG is a quick and simple procedure. First, we will apply small, sticky electrodes to your chest, arms and legs. Small wires are then used to connect the electrodes to the EKG machine, which will record your heart’s electrical activity. Other than possible mild irritation from removing the electrodes, there is no pain associated with this test.

A flexible sigmoidoscopy exam is performed to examine the lower part of the colon. Using a thin, flexible tube we will insert a tiny video camera into the rectum that allows your physician to evaluate the inside of the rectum and the majority of the lower large intestines. Biopsies may also be taken if needed.

This exam may be recommended to inspect certain signs and symptoms of the intestines that may be causing abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, irregular bowel movements and to screen for cancer.

To ensure your colon is completely empty, we ask that you follow the pre-exam instructions provided to you by your physician. This may include a special diet, a laxative and an enema.

The procedure generally only takes about 15 minutes. Sedation is not required. Lying on your side with your knees drawn to your chest, your physician will carefully insert the sigmoidoscope into your rectum. Air will be slowly pumped into your colon to inflate it, providing a better view of the colon’s lining.

Patients can return to their normal routine immediately following the exam. You may experience light cramping due to the air that was inserted into your colon, but this should subside rather quickly.

A spirometry is a common in-office test performed to diagnose conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary fibrosis.

The test is simple and only takes five to 10 minutes for a single set of measurements. Using a special tube that is attached to the spirometer, you will take a deep breath in and breathe out as hard as you can. You will repeat this step three times to ensure accuracy.

Results are measured in two ways: by Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume (FEV-1). FVC is the highest amount of air you can exhale forcefully after breathing in as deep as you are can. FEV-1 indicates how much air can be forcefully exhaled in one second.

Your physician will take your FEV-1 measurement and divide it by your FVC number to determine a percentage. It will then be compared to the average results of people in the same height, sex and age category to determine how well your lungs are functioning.

In some instances when the spirometry results are normal, further tests may be needed to confirm whether or not you do have a breathing condition like asthma.

A Holter Monitor is a portable device that is used to observe cardiac irregularities, check pacemaker functioning or examine the effectiveness of heart medications. If a patient is showing signs of an irregular heartbeat, also known as arrhythmia, and an EKG didn’t provide enough information to determine the precise condition of your heart, it may be recommended you wear a Holter Monitor for a few days to accurately record the heart’s activity.

This is a simple, non-invasive test that will only take two to three days. A number of small electrodes will be attached to your skin and attached to the monitor. The electrodes can be hidden by your clothes and the monitor worn on your belt or attached to a strap. You must wear it at all times, even as you sleep.

X-rays

X-rays can be used to view any part of the body, such as a joint or major organ system. In a conventional X-ray, also called a radiograph, a technician passes a concentrated burst of low-dose ionized radiation through the body and onto a photographic plate. Since calcium in bones absorbs X-rays more easily than soft tissue or muscle, the bony structure appears white on the film. Any vertebral misalignment or fractures can be seen within minutes. Tissue masses such as injured ligaments or a bulging disc are not visible on conventional X-rays. This fast, non-invasive, painless procedure is usually performed in a doctor’s office or at a clinic.