What is a fall risk assessment? Falls are common in adults 65 years of age and older. In the United States, about a third of older adults who live at home and about half of the people living in nursing homes fall at least once a year. There are many factors that increase the risk of […]

What is a creatine kinase (CK) test? This test measures the amount of creatine kinase (CK) in the blood. CK is a type of protein, known as an enzyme. It is mostly found in your skeletal muscles and heart, with lesser amounts in the brain. Skeletal muscles are the muscles attached to your skeleton. They

What is a cortisol test? Cortisol is a hormone that affects almost every organ and tissue in your body. It plays an important role in helping you to: Respond to stress Fight infection Regulate blood sugar Maintain blood pressure Regulate metabolism, the process of how your body uses food and energy Cortisol is made by your adrenal glands, two

What are chickenpox and shingles tests? These tests check to see if you are or have ever been infected with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This virus causes chickenpox and shingles. When you are first infected with VZV, you get chickenpox. Once you get chickenpox, you can’t get it again. The virus remains in your nervous system but is dormant (inactive).

What are cord blood testing and cord blood banking? Cord blood is the blood left in the umbilical cord after a baby is born. The umbilical cord is the rope-like structure that connects a mother to her unborn baby during pregnancy. It contains blood vessels that bring nourishment to the baby and remove waste products. After

What are concussion tests? Concussion tests can help find out if you or your child has suffered a concussion. A concussion is a type of brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Young children are at a higher risk of concussions because they are more active and because their brains are

What is a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)? A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) is a test that measures 14 different substances in your blood. It provides important information about your body’s chemical balance and metabolism. Metabolism is the process of how the body uses food and energy. A CMP includes tests for the following: Glucose, a

What is a complement blood test? A complement blood test measures the amount or activity of complement proteins in the blood. Complement proteins are part of the complement system. This system is made up of a group of proteins that work with the immune system to identify and fight disease-causing substances like viruses and bacteria. There are

What is a colposcopy? A colposcopy is a procedure that allows a health care provider to closely examine a woman’s cervix, vagina, and vulva. It uses a lighted, magnifying device called a colposcope. The device is placed at the opening of the vagina. It magnifies the normal view, allowing your provider to see problems that

What is cognitive testing? Cognitive testing checks for problems with cognition. Cognition is a combination of processes in your brain that’s involved in almost every aspect of your life. It includes thinking, memory, language, judgment, and the ability to learn new things. A problem with cognition is called cognitive impairment. The condition ranges from mild to