Medical Assistant Exam: General Medical Assisting Knowledge - Names for Common Diagnostic Procedures and Treatments

The following list includes terms associated with the most common diagnostic procedures and treatments. This list includes only a few notations and reminders about the meaning of word parts, as many of the terms discussed in this section are not based on the Latin and Greek word parts. They are nevertheless important terms for the medical assistant to recognize and understand.

Skeletal System
- radiograph: also known as an X-ray; is used to visualize bone fractures and other abnormalities
- arthroscopy: arthro means 'joint'; the visual examination of the internal structure of a joint
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): used to take pictures of soft tissue structures, such as the interior of complex joints
- bone density test: used to determine losses or changes in bone density

Muscular System
- electromyography: myo means 'muscle'; a diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity within a muscle fibers in response to nerve stimulation
- electroneuromyography: neuro means 'nerve' and myo means 'muscle'; a diagnostic procedure for testing and recording neuromuscular activity by the electric stimulation for the nerve trunk that carries fibers to and from the muscle
- range of motion: a diagnostic procedure to evaluate joint mobility and muscle strength

Cardiovascular System
- angiography: angio means 'blood vessel'; a radiographic study of the blood vessels after the injection of a contrast medium
- cardiac cauterization: cardio means 'heart'; a diagnostic procedure in which a catheter is passed into a vein or artery and then guided into the heart
- digital subtraction angiography: angio means 'blood'; the combination of an angiography with computerized components to clarify the view of the area of interest by removing the soft tissue and bones from the images
- duplex ultrasound: a diagnostic procedure to image the structures of the blood vessels and the flow of blood through the vessels
- electrocardiogram: cardio means 'heart'; a record of the electrical activity of the myocardium, the muscle layer lining the wall of the heart
- stress test: a test that assesses cardiovascular health and function during and after stress (exercise)
- thalium stress test: a test that evaluates how well blood flows through the coronary arteries of the heart muscle during exercise

Lymphatic and Immune System
- mammography: mammo means 'breast'; a radiographic examination of the breasts to detect the presence of tumors or precancerous cells
- scratch test: a diagnostic test to identify commonly troublesome allergens, such as tree pollen and ragweed
- chemotherapy: chemo means 'drugs or chemicals'; the use of chemical agents and drugs in combinations selected to destroy malignant cells and tissues

Respiratory System
- bronchoscopy: the visual examination of the bronchi, or air passages, using a bronchoscope
- laryngoscopy: the visual examination of the larynx using a laryngoscope inserted through the mouth and placed into the pharynx to examine the larynx
- polysomnography: somno means 'sleep'; a measurement of physiological activity during sleep, most often performed to detect nocturnal defects in breathing associated with sleep apnea
- pulmonary function tests: pulmon means 'lung'; a group of tests that measure volume and flow of air by utilizing a spirometer
- spirometer: a recording device that measures the amount of air inhaled or exhaled and the length of time required for each breath
- pulse oximeter: an external monitor placed on the patient’s finger or earlobe to measure oxygen saturation level in the blood
- tuberculin skin test: a screening test for tuberculosis (TB) during which the skin of the arm is injected with a harmless antigen extracted from TB bacteria

Digestive System
- abdominal computed tomography (CT): a radiographic procedure that produces a detailed cross-section of the tissue structure within the abdomen
- cholangiography: a radiographic examination of the bile ducts with the use of a contrast medium
- esophagogastroduodenoscopy: an endoscopic procedure that allows direct visualization of the upper GI (gastrointestinal) tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum
- hemoccult: hemo means 'blood'; a laboratory test for hidden blood in the stool; also known as the fecal occult blood test

Urinary System
- urinalysis: the examination of urine to determine the presence of abnormal elements
- bladder ultrasound: the use of a handheld transducer to measure the amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination
- cystography: cysto means 'bladder'; a radiographic examination of the bladder after instillation of a contrast medium via a urethral catheter
- cystoscopy: cysto means 'bladder'; the visual examination of the urinary bladder using a cystoscope
- intravenous pyelogram: a radiographic study of the kidneys and ureters
- KUB: stands for kidney, ureters, bladder; a radiographic study of these structures without the use of a contrast medium

Nervous System
- carotid ultrasonography: an ultrasound study of the carotid artery
- echoencephalography: the use of ultrasound imaging to diagnose a shift in the midline structures of the brain
- myelography: a radiographic study of the spinal cord after the injection of a contrast medium through a lumbar puncture
- lumbar puncture: the process of obtaining a sample of cerebrospinal fluid by inserting a needle into the subarachnoid space of the lumbar region to withdraw fluid

Eyes and Ears
- tympanometry: the use of air pressure in the ear canal to test for disorders of the middle ear
- binaural testing: testing that involves both ears
- monoaural testing: testing that involves one ear
- audiometry: the use of an audiometer to measure hearing acuity

Integumentary System
- laser: a means of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation; used to treat skin conditions and other disorders of the body
- biopsy: the removal of a small piece of living tissue for examination to confirm or establish a diagnosis
- exfoliative cystology: a technique in which cells are scraped from the tissue and examined under a microscope

Endocrine System
- thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test: a blood test to measure the circulating blood levels of thyroid-stimulating hormones
- thyroid scan: a test that measures thyroid function; a form of nuclear medicine
- chemical thyroidectomy: the administration of radioactive iodine to destroy thyroid cells
- lobectomy: the surgical removal of one lobe of the thyroid gland
- synthetic thyroid hormone: a therapy hormone used to replace lost thyroid function
- fasting blood sugar: a measurement of glucose levels after the patient has not eaten for eight to 12 hours
- fructosamine test: a blood test that measures average glucose levels over the past three weeks
- hemoglobin A1c: a blood test that measures the average blood glucose level over the previous three to four months
- cortisone: the synthetic equivalent of corticosteroids produced by the body; administered to suppress inflammation; an immunosuppressant
- epinephrine: a synthetic hormone used as a vasoconstrictor to treat conditions such as heart dysrhythmias and asthma attacks

Reproductive System
- testicular exam: a manual exam useful in early detection of testicular cancer
- colposcopy: a direct visual exam of the tissues of the cervix and vagina
- endometrial biopsy: the removal of a small amount of tissue from the lining of the uterus for the purpose of microscopic examination
- hysterosalpingography: a radiographic examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes
- Papanicolaou test (Pap smear): an exfoliative biopsy for the detection of conditions that may be early indicators of cervical cancer
- chorionic villus sampling: the examination of cells retrieved from the chorionic villi, which are minute, vascular projections on the chorion
- amniocentesis: a surgical puncture with a needle to obtain a specimen of amniotic fluid
- episiotomy: a surgical incision made through the perineum to enlarge the vaginal orifice to prevent tearing of the tissue as the infant moves out of the birth canal during delivery
- episiorrhaphy: the surgical suturing to repair an episiotomy