Health Library

The Health Library is a collection of health and wellness resources created for learning and accessibility. Select a topic below for related health information or search for a topic in the search bar for more information on other medical conditions.

Imaging Tests

  • An angiogram is an X-ray test that uses dye and a camera to take pictures of the blood flow in an artery or a vein. An angiogram can be used to look at the arteries or veins in the head, arms, legs, chest, back, or belly. This test is done to look for problems in the arteries or veins. An angiogram is done for many...

  • An arthrogram is a test using X-rays to obtain a series of pictures of a joint after a contrast material (such as a dye, water, air, or a combination of these) has been injected into the joint. This allows your doctor to see the soft tissue structures of your joint, such as tendons, ligaments, muscles, cartilage, and...

  • Discusses barium enema, a procedure used to help diagnose problems in the large intestine (colon and rectum). Covers why it's done, how it's done, and how to prepare. Looks at risks. Covers possible results.

  • Guides through decision to have a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) test for osteoporosis. Explains DXA test. Includes risk factors for osteoporosis you can and cannot change. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you decide.

  • A bone density test is a kind of X-ray test. It measures the density of minerals (such as calcium) in your bones. This information helps your doctor estimate the strength of your bones. We all lose some bone mass as we age. Bones naturally become thinner as you grow older. This is because existing bone tissue is...

  • Learn what to expect when your child gets a CT scan.

  • Learn what to expect when you get a CT scan.

  • A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an X-ray test. It looks at the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes and the area around them. It often is done for women who are having a hard time getting pregnant (infertility). During the test, a dye ( contrast material) is put through a thin tube. That tube is put through the...

  • An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an X-ray test that provides pictures of the kidneys, the bladder, the ureters, and the urethra ( urinary tract). An IVP can show the size, shape, and position of the urinary tract, and it can evaluate the collecting system inside the kidneys. During IVP, a dye called contrast material...

  • A magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) is a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of blood vessels inside the body. In many cases MRA can provide information that can't be obtained from an X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT)...

  • A magnetic resonance cholangiogram (MRC) is a test that can help doctors look for problems in the belly. The image is done from outside the body. No instruments are inserted in the body. Doctors can use MRC to find gallstones before surgery to remove the gallbladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy). But the test is most...

  • Learn what to expect when your child gets an MRI.

  • Learn what to expect when you get an MRI.

  • Discusses test (also called MRI scan) that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. Covers why it is done, how to prepare, and how it is done.

  • Learn about how to prepare and what you can expect during a screening mammogram.

  • Guides you through breast cancer screening choices if you have dense breasts. Discusses the benefits and risks of choosing more testing after a mammogram, such as ultrasound or MRI. Includes interactive tool to help you make your decision.

  • Discusses mammogram, an X-ray test of the breasts used to screen for breast problems. Covers at what ages women should have a mammogram. Discusses how it is done and how to prepare for it. Covers possible results.

  • Experts agree that mammograms are the best screening test for people at average risk of breast cancer. But they don't all agree on the age at which screening should start. And they don't agree on whether it's better to be screened every year or every two years. Here are some of the recommendations from experts...

  • A myelogram uses X-rays and a special dye called contrast material to make pictures of the bones and the fluid-filled space (subarachnoid space) between the bones in your spine (spinal canal). A myelogram may be done to find a tumor, an infection,...

  • Nuclear medicine scans use a special camera (gamma) to take pictures of tissues and organs in the body after a radioactive tracer (radionuclide or radioisotope) is put in a vein in the arm and is absorbed by the tissues and organs. The radioactive...

  • A radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test uses a radioactive tracer and a special probe to measure how much tracer the thyroid gland absorbs from the blood. The test can show how much tracer is absorbed by the thyroid gland. The RAIU test often is done along with a thyroid scan, which shows if the tracer is evenly spread...

  • Briefly discusses test used to see if a kidney stone or something else is blocking your urinary tract. Covers how it is done and possible results.

  • Single photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a test that uses a special type of camera and a tracer (a radioactive substance in liquid form) to look at organs or bones in the body. During the test, the tracer is put into a vein (intravenous, or IV) in your arm. Sometimes it's taken by mouth or inhaled through...

  • A sonohysterogram uses ultrasound to look at the inside of your uterus. A salt (saline) solution is put in the uterus for a clearer image. Ultrasound images from a sonohysterogram can help find the cause of bleeding or problems with getting pregnant. Unlike a hysterosalpingogram, a sonohysterogram doesn't use...

  • A swallowing study is a test that shows what your throat and esophagus do while you swallow. The test uses X-rays in real time (fluoroscopy) and records what happens when you swallow. While you swallow, the doctor and speech pathologist watch a video screen. For a swallowing study, you will swallow liquid mixed with...

  • Discusses test that uses X-rays to find problems in the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Covers why and how it is done. Offers tips on preparing for the test. Covers risks. Looks at results and at what could affect the test.

  • Learn how a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) is done and how to prepare your child for this test.

  • A cystourethrogram is an X-ray test that takes pictures of your bladder and urethra while your bladder is full and while you are urinating. A thin flexible tube ( urinary catheter) is inserted through your urethra into your bladder. A liquid material that shows up well on an X-ray picture ( contrast material) is...

  • Learn what to expect when your child gets an X-ray.

  • Learn what to expect when you get an X-ray.

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