Health Article description.The sedimentation rate (sed rate) blood test measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a test tube in one hour. The more red cells that fall to the bottom of the test tube in one hour, the higher the sed rate. When inflammation...

Health Article description.Naloxone is a medicine that reverses the effects of an opioid emergency. Opioids are strong pain medicines. Examples include hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, and morphine. Heroin is also an opioid. Taking too much of an opioid can slow or stop your breathing. This is an emergency. If naloxone is given soon enough, it...

Health Article description.Discusses doing regular self-checks to help find breast lumps or changes early. Covers how it is done and what to look for. Also discusses when you should see a doctor.

Health Article description.A stem cell transplant can use stem cells that come from your own blood or bone marrow. Or the stem cells can come from another person. When they come from you, it's called an autologous stem cell transplant. Most stem cells are in your bone marrow.

Health Article description.A rheumatoid factor (RF) blood test measures the amount of the RF antibody present in the blood. Normally, antibodies are produced by the immune system to help destroy and get rid of invading bacteria and viruses that can cause disease. But the RF...

Health Article description.Improving indoor airflow and bringing fresh air inside can help prevent the spread of infections. Learn about options to improve indoor airflow to help decide what will work for you.

Health Article description.An antinuclear antibody (ANA) test measures the amount and pattern of antibodies in your blood that work against your own body (autoimmune reaction). The body's immune system normally attacks and destroys foreign substances such as bacteria and...

Health Article description.If you've ever been sick to your stomach on a rocking boat or a bumpy airplane ride, you know the discomfort of motion sickness. It doesn't cause long-term problems, but it can make your life miserable, especially if you travel a lot. Children from...

Health Article description.An immunoglobulins test is done to measure the level of immunoglobulins, also known as antibodies, in your blood. Antibodies are substances made by the body's immune system in response to bacteria, viruses, fungus, animal dander, or cancer cells. Antibodies attach to the foreign substances so the immune system can...

Health Article description.A tissue type test is a blood test that identifies substances called antigens on the surface of body cells and tissues. Checking the antigens can tell if donor tissue is safe (compatible) for transplant to another person. This test may also be called human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing. Based on the antigens, the...

Health Article description.What is avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis)? Avascular necrosis is bone death that occurs when the blood supply to the bone is decreased or stopped. Without an adequate blood supply, the bone dies and collapses. If the bone affected is near a joint, the joint may also collapse. Although any bone can be affected...