A cortisol test is done to measure the level of the hormone cortisol in the blood. The cortisol level may show problems with the adrenal glands or pituitary gland. Cortisol is made by the adrenal glands. Cortisol levels go up when the pituitary gland releases another hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)...

DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is a male hormone (androgen) that is made in the adrenal glands. The body turns it into testosterone. A test for DHEA-S checks the level of this hormone in the blood. Testosterone affects sexual features and development. In men, it is made in large amounts by the testicles. In...

The overnight dexamethasone suppression test checks to see how taking a steroid medicine called dexamethasone changes the levels of the hormone cortisol in the blood. This test checks for a condition in which large amounts of cortisol are produced by the adrenal glands ( Cushing's syndrome). Normally, when the pituitary...

A comprehensive metabolic panel is a blood test that measures your sugar (glucose) level, electrolyte and fluid balance, kidney function, and liver function. Glucose is a type of sugar your body uses for energy. Electrolytes keep your body's fluids in balance. They also help keep your body working normally, including...

A lactic acid test is a blood test that measures the level of lactic acid made in the body. Most of it is made by muscle tissue and red blood cells. When the oxygen level in the body is normal, carbohydrate breaks down into water and carbon dioxide. When the oxygen level is low, carbohydrate breaks down for energy and...

Your first prenatal visit will probably be the longest visit you'll have. Your doctor or midwife will take your medical history and do a complete physical exam. You may also have some tests. This will provide information that can be used to check for any problems as your pregnancy progresses. Medical history Your doctor...

Vision is the result of electrical signals that travel between the retina and the part of the brain involved with vision (occipital cortex). Electrophysiology tests check to see how well this visual nerve pathway sends the electrical signals needed for vision. These tests measure electrical activity that occurs in your...

A thyroid biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the thyroid gland and looked at under a microscope for cancer, infection, or other thyroid problems. The thyroid gland is found in front of the windpipe (trachea), just below the voice box (larynx). A sample of thyroid tissue can be taken...

A lymph node biopsy removes lymph node tissue to be looked at under a microscope for signs of infection or a disease, such as cancer. Other tests may also be used to check the lymph tissue sample, including a culture, genetic tests, or tests to...

Hemophilia can be treated by replacing missing blood clotting factors. This is called clotting factor replacement therapy. Clotting factors are replaced by injecting (infusing) a clotting factor concentrate into a vein. Infusions of clotting factors help blood to clot normally. Clotting factor replacement therapy can...

Briefly looks at impetigo, a common bacterial skin infection in children. Covers causes and symptoms. Covers treatment with antibiotics. Explains that it is contagious. Offers prevention tips.

A contraction stress test checks to see if your baby will stay healthy during contractions when you are in labor. This test includes external electronic fetal monitoring. The test is done when you are 32 or more weeks pregnant. During a contraction, the blood and oxygen supply to your baby drops for a short time. This...

What is vaginitis? Vaginitis is infection or inflammation of the vagina. It can cause itching and burning, a change in vaginal discharge, and sometimes pain during sex. What causes it? Vaginitis may be caused by bacteria, yeast, or other organisms. Bath products, douches, and spermicides also can irritate the vagina and...

Blood donation means giving some of your blood so that it can be used to help someone else. Donated blood helps people who have lost blood in an accident. It also helps people who have an illness such as cancer, anemia, sickle cell disease, or hemophilia. If you donate blood before you have surgery, your own blood will...

What is acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)? Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is also called acute lymphocytic leukemia. It's a type of leukemia that causes the body to make too many lymphoblasts. Lymphoblasts are a type of young white blood cell. They usually become mature infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes...

What is acute myeloid leukemia (AML)? Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is also called acute myelogenous leukemia. It's a type of leukemia that causes the body to make too many myeloblasts. Myeloblasts are a type of young white blood cell. They usually become mature, infection-fighting cells. But if those young cells don't...

What is chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)? Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer of the blood cells. It's a type of leukemia in which the bone marrow makes too many young white blood cells called lymphocytes. In CLL, some of these lymphocytes grow abnormally and don't mature or die off as they should. Instead...

What is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)? Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes too many white blood cells. In CML, young white blood cells grow abnormally, and they don't mature or die off as they should. These abnormal cells can crowd out normal blood cells and cause problems...

Covers how and why a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing is done. Also includes how to prepare, risks, and what the results mean.

What is basal cell skin cancer? Basal cell skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer. It grows slowly and usually doesn't spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. But if this cancer isn't treated, it can damage the nearby skin and deeper tissues. When it's found and treated early, it is almost always...

What is squamous cell skin cancer? Squamous cell skin cancer is a common type of skin cancer. It's often caused by too much sun. This cancer grows slowly. When found and treated early, most of these cancers can be cured. If not treated, this skin cancer may grow and spread (metastasize). What are the symptoms? Skin...

Pericardiocentesis is done to find the cause of fluid buildup around the heart and to relieve pressure on the heart. The tissue sac that surrounds the heart is called the pericardium. It protects the heart and parts of the major blood vessels connected to the heart. Normally, there is a small amount of fluid between...