New and Updated Topics
Updated Medical Test Topics
A primary care physician or a specialist in the field reviewed the following medical test topics. All information has been verified for medical accuracy, and new medical information has been added if available. The Test Overview in each test topic has been reorganized to define the test clearly and to explain why it is done. Information on how the test affects the body has been added if appropriate. To provide consistent information across all test topics, standard language has been developed for some topic sections. A link to a medical test information form has been added to the How to Prepare section of all appropriate topics. This form will help people prepare to talk with their health professional about a medical test.
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): The SI values for the test results have been changed to microKat/L to reflect current standards. The list of factors that may cause a slight increase in alanine aminotransferase values has been updated to reflect the most common causes.
- Ambulatory Electrocardiogram: We have clarified that ambulatory electrocardiograms can be called a variety of names including ambulatory EKG, Holter monitoring, 24-hour EKG, or cardiac event monitoring. We have added another example of a continuous recorder that is implanted and worn for more than a year.
- Ammonia: This topic has undergone a new medical review and was found to be accurate and up-to-date.
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): The indications for this test have been updated to reflect current practice. The SI values for the test results have been changed to microKat/L to reflect current standards. The list of factors that may cause an increase in aspartate aminotransferase values has been updated to reflect the most common causes.
- Cardiac Perfusion Scan: We have clarified the examples of erection-enhancing medicines to include Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra.
- Colposcopy and Cervical Biopsy: This topic now notes that test results may take several days or more.
- Contraction Stress Test: The choices for inducing labor have been clarified in this updated topic. And we now say that some type of delivery may be done (not necessarily a cesarean delivery) if contractions do not stop.
- Echocardiogram: We have clarified that you should not eat heavily for a few hours before a stress echocardiogram. We have added that a transesophageal echocardiogram is not recommended if you have severe arthritis of the neck.
- Endometrial Biopsy: The possibility of having an endometrial biopsy after an abnormal Pap test has been clarified in this updated topic. And we have added a statement that a woman should talk to her doctor about the need to avoid sex and using tampons after an endometrial biopsy.
- Helicobacter pylori Tests: This topic has undergone a new medical review and was found to be accurate and up-to-date.
- Home Blood Pressure Test: We have revised the guidelines for preparing for the test to advise avoiding caffeine and tobacco use for at least 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure. We have added the instruction to sit quietly with both feet on the floor for at least 5 minutes before taking your blood pressure. We have added that you should ask your doctor if you should take your blood pressure at the same time of day each time you take it.
- Hysteroscopy: In this updated topic, we have clarified that hysteroscopy is best done when a woman is not having a menstrual period. And we have added a statement that a woman should talk to her doctor about whether she will need to avoid having sex, using tampons, and playing sports after a hysteroscopy.
- Mental Health Assessment: This topic has undergone a new medical review and was found to be accurate and up-to-date.
- Mononucleosis Tests: The information about heterophil antibodies has been revised to make it clear that these antibodies are not made specifically against the Epstein-Barr virus but are made in response to certain infections. We have removed mention of genetic tests for mono, because no genetic tests are done clinically to test for mono. Where IgG is mentioned, it is defined. We have made it clearer that experts have found no evidence of a connection between the Epstein-Barr virus and chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Phenylketonuria (PKU) Test: We have updated the information about when newborns are usually screened. And we have revised what the normal blood phenylalanine values are. For children who have PKU, we now say that testing may occur as often as once a week in a baby's first year and then once or twice a month throughout childhood. And for pregnant women who have PKU, testing should occur at least once a week.
- Thyroid Hormone Tests: This topic has undergone a new medical review and was found to be accurate and up-to-date.
- Total Serum Protein: More detailed information about the albumin/globulin ratio has been added to the Test Overview.
- Vaginal Self-Examination (VSE): This topic has undergone a new medical review and was found to be accurate and up-to-date.
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