Karyotype is a test to identify and evaluate the size, shape, and number of chromosomes in a sample of body cells. Extra or missing chromosomes, or abnormal positions of chromosome pieces, can cause problems with a person's growth, development, and body functions.

A sweat test, also called a sweat chloride test, measures the amount of chloride in sweat. It is done to help diagnose cystic fibrosis. Normally, sweat on the skin surface contains very little chloride. People with cystic fibrosis have a high level...

Provides an overview and step-by-step instructions and photos for doing exercises after breast cancer surgery.

During fundoplication surgery, the upper curve of the stomach (the fundus) is wrapped around the lower end of the esophagus. Then it's sewn into place so that the lower portion of the esophagus passes through a small tunnel of stomach muscle. This...

What is age-related hearing loss? Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is a progressive loss of the ability to hear that happens as people get older. It affects both ears. It starts with problems hearing high-pitched sounds. Over time, the ability to hear lower-pitched sounds may be affected as well. This kind of...

Guides you through decision to use gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) medicines to treat uterine fibroids. Discusses how GnRH-a therapy works. Lists reasons for and against. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Guides you through the decision to take insulin for type 2 diabetes. Provides info on when insulin may be needed to control blood sugar levels. Covers benefits and risks of insulin. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

An angiogram is an X-ray test that uses dye and a camera to take pictures of the blood flow in an artery or a vein. An angiogram can be used to look at the arteries or veins in the head, arms, legs, chest, back, or belly. This test is done to look for problems in the arteries or veins. An angiogram is done for many...

Learn what effects COVID-19 may have on the body long after recovery.

You chew nicotine gum as a way to help yourself quit using tobacco. The gum has nicotine and feels and looks like chewing gum. When you chew the gum, the nicotine begins to slowly release into your mouth. Then you hold the gum in your mouth between your cheek and gums. Here's how you use nicotine gum. Read the materials...

Discusses why and how skin biopsies are done. Covers preparing for surgery and post-surgery risks. Explains how to interpret results, including abnormal results. Covers what affects test results.

Briefly discusses brain aneurysm (also called cerebral aneurysm). Covers possible causes, including hardening of the arteries, hypertension, and smoking. Lists symptoms. Discusses treatment with surgery. Links to info on strokes.

Linda, 39 Read more about Linda and how she found ways to add exercise to her day. "Walking is great for me, because I don't have to buy anything to do it, and it doesn't take a lot of my time." Linda works full time, has three young children, and...

Cryotherapy (cryosurgery) destroys genital warts by freezing them. A doctor applies a very cold substance, such as liquid nitrogen, around the warts to freeze them. You may have a mild or moderate burning sensation during treatment.

Teeth whitening uses a bleaching product or an abrasive to make teeth whiter. Teeth whitening isn't a medical procedure—it doesn't result in healthier teeth. But it can result in a brighter smile. This in turn can make people feel better about themselves. Teeth whitening works better for some types of stains than...

Ebola vaccine can prevent Ebola virus disease (Zaire ebolavirus). Ebola virus disease is a rare disease that most commonly affects people and nonhuman primates (such as monkeys, gorillas, and ...

Prothrombin time (PT) is a blood test that measures how long it takes blood to clot. A prothrombin time test can be used to check for bleeding problems. PT is also used to check whether medicine to prevent blood clots is working. A PT test may also be called an INR test. INR (international normalized ratio) stands for a...

Moisture alarms are the most successful single treatment for bed-wetting. They work best for older children who can hear the alarm and wake themselves. If attempts to use a reward system (motivational therapy), drink most fluids in the morning and afternoon, and use the toilet right before going to bed aren't helping...

Guides through the decision to have surgery for tennis elbow (also called lateral epicondylitis). Explains how surgery is done. Covers risks. Lists reasons for and against surgery. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

What is a traumatic brain injury (TBI)? A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can range from a mild concussion to a severe head injury. It is caused by a blow to the head or body, a wound that breaks through the skull (such as from a gunshot), a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain. This can cause bruising...

Guides you through how to control itching when you or your child has chickenpox (varicella) rash. Includes home treatment with baths, over-the-counter medicines, and lotions.

Explains what dental X-rays are and why they are done. Covers commonly used types of dental X-rays, including bitewing and panoramic X-rays. Includes info on risks. Also covers what results mean.

Surgery for tennis elbow may involve: Cutting (releasing) the tendon. Removing inflamed tissue from the tendon. Repairing (reattaching) tendon tears if it can be done without overtightening the tendon. Surgery may be done using arthroscopy,

The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test is a blood test that finds lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). This protein measures general levels of inflammation in your body. The hs-CRP can be used to find the risk for heart disease and stroke in people who don't already have heart disease. The hs-CRP...