Health Article description.A test for catecholamines measures the amount of the hormones epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the blood. These catecholamines are made by nerve tissue, the brain, and the adrenal glands. Catecholamines help the body respond to stress or fright and prepare the body for "fight-or-flight" reactions. The...

Health Article description.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...

Health Article description.You may have Rh-negative blood, and your baby may have Rh-positive blood. If the two types of blood mix, your body will make antibodies. This is called Rh sensitization. In most cases, this isn't a problem the first time you're pregnant. But in...

Health Article description.Guides you through choosing a test to check for colorectal cancer. Looks at symptoms of colorectal cancer. Covers stool tests, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, and virtual colonoscopy. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Health Article description.A carbon monoxide blood test is used to detect carbon monoxide poisoning. Poisoning can happen if you breathe air that contains too much carbon monoxide. This gas has no color, odor, or taste, so you can't tell when you are breathing it. The test...

Health Article description.Describes monitoring blood sugar levels in those with diabetes. Gives step-by-step instructions. Covers how to record testing results and how to prevent sore fingers.

Health Article description.The quad screening is a blood test that may be done at 15 to 22 weeks of pregnancy. It's used to look for certain birth defects or genetic conditions in the fetus. The quad screening measures the amounts of four things in your blood. They are: Alpha-

Health Article description.Covers blood test that checks the amount of sugar (glucose) bound to hemoglobin. Explains that test is done to check how well you are managing your diabetes. Covers how it is done and discusses results.

Health Article description.During the first trimester of pregnancy, screening tests for birth defects and genetic conditions may be done. These tests look for possible problems with your baby. The tests may be called first-trimester screening, combined first-trimester...

Health Article description.Syphilis tests are done to check for a syphilis infection. They look for antibodies to the bacteria that cause syphilis. Some tests look for the syphilis bacteria. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection. That means it is spread through sexual contact: vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also spread to the fetus of...

Health Article description.Covers screening tests, diagnostic tests, and medical exams used to find a disease or determine risk for certain health problems. Covers well-child visits. Includes links to info on routine tests for men, for women, and at various stages of life.

Health Article description.Covers causes and symptoms of high blood pressure. Explains systolic and diastolic pressure numbers. Looks at treatment and prevention steps. Includes risks of untreated high blood pressure such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

Health Article description.Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot (thrombus) in a deep vein, usually in the legs. These clots require medical care right away. These clots are dangerous because they can break loose, travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, and block...

Health Article description.Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gaseous waste product from metabolism. The blood carries carbon dioxide to your lungs, where it is exhaled. More than 90% of it in your blood exists in the form of bicarbonate (HCO3). The rest of it is either dissolved carbon dioxide gas (CO2) or carbonic acid (H2CO3). Your kidneys and lungs...

Health Article description.Watch this video to learn what to expect during a blood test.

Health Article description.Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) tests are used to detect a Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection in the stomach and upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). H. pylori can cause peptic ulcers. But most people with H. pylori in their digestive...

Health Article description.Testing can be done during pregnancy to look for possible genetic conditions or birth defects in a fetus. These problems may have only a minor impact on a child's life. Or they can have a major effect on quality or length of life. You and your...

Health Article description.Covers iron deficiency anemia. Explains role of iron in making hemoglobin, part of red blood cells. Covers causes and symptoms. Includes info on tests used to diagnose anemia. Discusses foods that may help prevent anemia. Covers treatment with medicines.

Health Article description.Provides info on an initial diagnosis. Discusses diagnostic tests, including PSA test and digital rectal exam. Covers symptoms common to prostate cancer and other conditions. Discusses treatment with active surveillance, surgery, or radiation. Also offers prevention tips.

Health Article description.Guides through decision to have a PSA test to check for prostate cancer. Includes what PSA results tell you and what they do not. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you decide.

Health Article description.Keeping your blood sugar in a target range reduces your risk of problems from diabetes. These problems may include eye disease (retinopathy), kidney disease (nephropathy), and nerve disease (neuropathy). If you're pregnant, staying in a target...

Health Article description.Discusses stool analysis, a test used to look for bacteria, parasites, or blood in the digestive tract. Covers why and how it is done. Looks at risks. Covers normal and abnormal results.

Health Article description.Covers type 1 diabetes in children. Includes info on managing diabetes. Discusses using glucose monitors for blood glucose testing. Includes links to info on dealing with diabetes in school. Includes info on hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

Health Article description.Discusses testing and diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Covers polyps, small growths inside the colon or rectum. Includes when screening tests such as colonoscopy should be done. Discusses treatment with surgery and chemotherapy. Offers prevention tips.