It’s practically guaranteed that all of us will undergo a diagnostic test at least once in our lifetimes. Technological advances in the field of diagnostics have made early detection of many diseases possible, for earlier treatment, and better outcomes. Also, advanced screening methods can help prevent more diseases than ever before.
While accurate diagnosis and early screening can save your life, the uses of diagnostic tools do not end there. They are also used to monitor the progress of treatment to find out if and how it’s working.
With the many diagnostic tools out there, you are probably unclear about how each works. Sure, you may be familiar with the more well-known tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasound, and bone density scans – but what about all the others?
Below are just some of the diagnostic testing services we offer at SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation:
- 72-hour Continuous Glucose Monitoring. A patient’s blood glucose levels will be tracked continuously, every 5 to 15 minutes while fasting for 72 hours to check for hypoglycemia.
- Allergy Testing. This testing may take the form of either a blood test, a skin test, or an elimination diet to check for allergies to over 40 different substances.
- Carotid Doppler. This diagnostic imaging test utilizes ultrasound to examine the carotid arteries in the neck. The images produced can reveal narrowing or blockages of the arteries. It is usually recommended for patients suspected of having coronary artery disease.
- A method of examining the colon and rectum and checking for any abnormalities such as precancerous growths. This screening is considered the gold standard for colon cancer.
- Also called an upper endoscopy, an EGD is a diagnostic procedure that examines your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to identify potential gastrointestinal issues.
- EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies. Two diagnostic tests, usually conducted together, that involve measuring the conduction of nerve signals to muscles. It is used to identify any dysfunction with the muscles or nerves that control them.
- Holter Monitoring. A Holter monitor is a portable device that is worn outside your body, with electrodes that are attached to your skin, for at least 24 hours. It monitors your heart’s activity and is usually recommended for patients with heart problems like an irregular heartbeat.
- Nuclear Cardiac Stress Testing. This diagnostic test utilizes radioactive tracers to study blood flow to your heart during exercise and while at rest.
- Pulmonary Function Testing. PFTs are diagnostic tests conducted to see if the lungs are working properly. The tests measure lung volume and capacity and checks flow rate and gas exchange.
- Segmental Pressure Testing for PAD. This diagnostic testing method entails taking your blood pressure at different areas of your leg to check for arterial narrowing, especially in patients experiencing claudication (pain and cramping, usually in the legs, during exercise).
- Sleep Studies. This screening takes place in a sleep lab. It is used to diagnose sleep disorders such as restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and sleepwalking.
- Urodynamic Tests. This test is used to check whether the bladder and urethra are functioning properly. It is usually recommended to patients who suffer from incontinence or frequent urination.
- Vascular Ultrasound. A noninvasive testing method, vascular ultrasound is used to examine a patient’s blood circulation and to identify blood clots. The blood vessels from the neck down to the legs are examined via ultrasound for blockages.
Internal Medicine Specialists in Midlands, SC
SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation can diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions in adults. If you have any questions about our diagnostic services, please call (803) 749-1111 or request an appointment now.
