MEDICAL TEST HEALTH TERMS LEGAL GLOSSARY

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Abdominal Ultrasound: An abdominal ultrasound uses reflected sound waves to produce a picture of the organs and other structures in the upper abdomen. Occasionally a specialized ultrasound is ordered for a detailed evaluation of a specific organ, such as a kidney ultrasound.

Abdominal X-Ray: Provides a picture of structures and organs in the abdomen, such as the large and small intestines, stomach, liver, spleen, and diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest cavity and the abdominal cavity. 

Allergy Testing: This test involves having a skin or blood test to determine what substance, or allergen, may trigger an allergic response in a person. Skin tests are usually done because they are rapid, reliable, and generally less expensive than blood tests, but either type of test may be used. There are 3 different types of allergy tests:

• Skin Prick Test. This test is done by placing a drop of a solution containing a possible allergen on the skin, and a series of scratches or needle pricks allows the solution to enter the skin. If the skin develops a red, raised itchy area (called a wheal) it usually means that the person is allergic to that allergen. This is called a positive reaction. 
  
  Intradermal Test. During this test, a small amount of the allergen solution is injected into the skin. An intradermal allergy test may be done when a substance does not cause a reaction in the skin prick test but is still suspected as an allergen for that person. The intradermal test is more sensitive than the skin prick test but is more often positive in people who do not have symptoms to that allergen. 
  
  Skin Patch Test. For a skin patch test, the allergen solution is placed on a pad that is taped to the skin for 24 to 72 hours. This test is used to detect a skin allergy called contact Dermatitis.

Autopsy: A medical test or better described as a procedure, which consists of a thorough examination performed on a body after death, to evaluate disease or injury that may be present and to determine the cause and manner of a person's death. Counselors or members of the clergy who specialize in bereavement services are usually available to help families through the process in determining whether they would like an autopsy to be done.

Amniocentesis: A test to analyze the liquid that surrounds a fetus. Amniotic fluid contains cells and other substances that can give clues about your baby. Amniocentesis can be done after about the 14th week of pregnancy, when there is enough amniotic fluid for testing. It is done by inserting a needle through your abdomen into your uterus. Approximately 2 tablespoons of the amniotic fluid is collected and examined. Amniocentesis is usually done during the second trimester or later in your pregnancy.

Angiogram: An x-ray test that uses fluoroscopy to take pictures of the blood flow within an artery (such as the aorta) or a vein (such as the vena cava). General angiogram can be used to evaluate the arteries or veins in the arms, legs, chest, or abdomen. Special angiogram tests can look at the arteries near the heart, lungs, brain, and aorta.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained within this personal injury site is of a general nature and is not meant to be a restatement of any rules of law. Your use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should hire an attorney to obtain legal advice for your specific case. 
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