What is a sweat test? A sweat test measures the amount of chloride, a part of salt, in Sweat. It is used to diagnose cystic fibrosis (CF). People with CF have a high level of chloride in their sweat. CF is a disease that causes mucus build-up in the lungs and other organs. It damages the lungs and makes it hard […]
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What is a suicide risk screening? Every year nearly 800,000 people around the world take their own lives. Many more attempt suicide. In the United States, it’s the 10th leading cause of death overall, and the second leading cause of death in people aged 10-34. Suicide has a lasting impact on those left behind and on
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What are stress tests? Stress tests show how well your heart handles physical activity. Your heart pumps harder and faster when you exercise. Some heart disorders are easier to find when your heart is hard at work. During a stress test, your heart will be checked while you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. If you’re
What is a strep A test? Strep A, also known as group A strep, is a type of bacteria that causes strep throat and other infections. Strep throat is an infection that affects the throat and tonsils. The infection is spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. While you can get strep throat at any age,
What is a stool elastase test? This test measures the amount of elastase in your stool. Elastase is an enzyme made by special tissue in the pancreas, an organ in your upper abdomen. Elastase helps break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates after you eat. It’s a key part of your digestive process. In a healthy pancreas, elastase will be passed in
What is a sputum culture? A sputum culture is a test that checks for bacteria or another type of organism that may be causing an infection in your lungs or the airways leading to the lungs. Sputum, also known as phlegm, is a thick type of mucus made in your lungs. If you have an
What is a sodium blood test? A sodium blood test measures the amount of sodium in your blood. Sodium is a type of electrolyte. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help maintain fluid levels and the balance of chemicals in your body called acids and bases. Sodium also helps your nerves and muscles work properly. You get most
What is a smooth muscle antibody (SMA) test? This test looks for smooth muscle antibodies (SMAs) in the blood. A smooth muscle antibody (SMA) is a type of antibody known as an autoantibody. Normally, your immune system makes antibodies to attack foreign substances like viruses and bacteria. An autoantibody attacks the body’s own cells and tissues by
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What is a skin cancer screening? A skin cancer screening is a visual exam of the skin that can be done by yourself or a health care provider. The screening checks the skin for moles, birthmarks, or other marks that are unusual in colour, size, shape, or texture. Certain unusual marks may be signs of skin cancer. Skin cancer
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What is a skin biopsy? A skin biopsy is a procedure that removes a small sample of skin for testing. The skin sample is looked at under a microscope to check for skin cancer, skin infections, or skin disorders such as psoriasis. There are three main ways to do a skin biopsy: A punch biopsy, which uses a special circular tool to
