OHSU Health Information Library Topics

Tests and Procedures

Alpha-Fetoprotein (Amniotic Fluid)

This test checks a sample of amniotic fluid to confirm a suspected birth defect called an open neural tube defect in your fetus. Spina bifida is an example of a neural tube defect.

Alpha-Fetoprotein (Blood)

If you are pregnant, this test looks for a fetal substance called alpha-fetoprotein in your blood. Higher levels of AFP may mean your fetus has a birth defect.

Amniocentesis Procedure  (tests & procedures)

Amniocentesis is a procedure used to obtain a small sample of the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy. The fluid is analyzed to help diagnose certain birth defects.

Bilirubin (Amniotic Fluid)

This test is done to see how well your baby is developing inside you.

Breast Biopsy  (tests & procedures)

A breast biopsy is a procedure in which samples of breast tissue are removed with a special biopsy needle or during surgery to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)  (tests & procedures)

A breast MRI is a procedure in which large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer are used to take detailed pictures of the breast in order to search for abnormalities that may signal the presence of cancer.

Breast Scan  (tests & procedures)

A breast scan is a procedure in which nuclear radiology is used to assess and diagnose various conditions, such as tumors, abscesses, hematomas, organ enlargement, and cysts, as well as organ function and blood flow to the tissue.

Breast Ultrasound  (tests & procedures)

Ultrasound, or sound wave technology is used to examine breast tissue. It may also be used to assess blood flow to areas inside the breasts.

Breast-Conserving Surgery  (tests & procedures)

A lumpectomy is a type of breast-conserving surgery in which a cancerous lump and a portion of the breast tissue around the cancerous lump are removed, leaving the breast intact.

CA 125

This test looks for the protein CA 125 in your blood. CA 125 is higher in many women with ovarian cancer.

Cervical Biopsy  (tests & procedures)

A cervical biopsy is a procedure performed to remove tissue from the cervix to test for abnormal or precancerous conditions, or cervical cancer.

Cesarean Delivery  (tests & procedures)

Cesarean delivery is the surgical delivery of a baby by an incision through the mother's abdomen and uterus. This procedure is performed when it is determined to be a safer method than a vaginal delivery for the mother, baby, or both.

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)  (tests & procedures)

This prenatal test involves taking a sample of tissue from the placenta to test for chromosomal abnormalities and certain other genetic problems.

Colposcopy  (tests & procedures)

Colposcopy is a procedure that uses an instrument with a magnifying lens and a light, called a colposcope, to examine the cervix (opening to the uterus) and vagina for abnormalities.

Cytomegalovirus (Amniotic Fluid)

This test checks a developing baby for cytomegalovirus (CMV), a virus that belongs to the herpes family of viruses.

Dilation and Curettage (D and C)  (tests & procedures)

A dilation and curettage procedure, also called a D and C, is a surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated so that the cervical canal and uterine lining can be scraped with a spoon-shaped instrument to remove abnormal tissues.

Endometrial Ablation  (tests & procedures)

Endometrial ablation is a procedure to permanently remove a thin tissue layer of the lining of the uterus to stop or reduce excessive or abnormal bleeding in women for whom childbearing is complete.

Endometrial Biopsy  (tests & procedures)

An endometrial biopsy is a procedure performed to obtain a small tissue sample from the lining of the uterus.

Episiotomy  (tests & procedures)

During childbirth, the vagina may not stretch enough. If this occurs, your health care provider may perform an episiotomy to help enlarge the opening and deliver the baby.

External and Internal Heart Rate Monitoring of the Fetus  (tests & procedures)

The fetal heart rate may change as the fetus responds to conditions in the uterus. An abnormal fetal heart rate or pattern may indicate that the fetus is not getting enough oxygen or that there are other problems.

Fetal Fibronectin

This test measures the amount of a protein made during pregnancy. It can help your doctor know if you are at risk for premature delivery.

Fetal Ultrasound  (tests & procedures)

Fetal ultrasound is a test used during pregnancy that creates an image of the fetus in the mother's uterus, or womb.

Fragile X Syndrome (Amniotic Fluid)

This test checks a sample of your amniotic fluid to find out whether your fetus may have fragile X syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.

HCG (Blood)

This test is the gold standard for determining whether you are pregnant. It shows that you are pregnant before an imaging test, such as an ultrasound, can do so.

HCG (Urine)

This test measures the amount of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in your urine. It can tell whether you are pregnant within days of a missed period.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

This test looks for the virus that causes genital warts and cervical, throat, and anal cancer.

Hysterectomy  (tests & procedures)

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Different portions of the uterus, as well as other organs, may be removed at the same time.

Hysteroscopy  (tests & procedures)

Hysteroscopy is the visual examination of the canal of the cervix and interior of the uterus using a thin, lighted, flexible tube called a hysteroscope.

Laparoscopy  (tests & procedures)

Laparoscopy is a procedure that utilizes a laparoscope, a thin flexible tube containing a video camera to examine the organs of the abdominal cavity.

Lecithin-Sphingomyelin Ratio (Amniotic Fluid)

This test measures two substances found in amniotic fluid near the end of pregnancy. The amounts can tell your doctor how mature your unborn baby's lungs are.

Liver Kidney Microsomal Antibody

This test looks for a certain type of antibody in your child’s blood. Having this antibody may mean that your child has liver damage caused by a form of hepatitis.

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP)  (tests & procedures)

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses a wire loop heated by electric current to remove cells and tissue as part of the diagnosis and treatment for abnormal or cancerous conditions in a woman’s lower genital tract.

Mammogram Procedure  (tests & procedures)

A mammogram is an X-ray examination of the breast amd is used to detect and diagnose breast disease in women.

Mastectomy  (tests & procedures)

A mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or a portion of a breast is removed as a part of a treatment plan for breast cancer.

Pap

This screening test looks for abnormal cells in the cervix. If abnormal cells are found, your doctor can treat them right away, before they become cancerous.

Pap Test  (tests & procedures)

A Pap test is a screening test to collect and microscopically examine cells taken from the cervix.

Pelvic Ultrasound  (tests & procedures)

Ultrasound, or sound wave technology, is used to examine the organs and structures in the female pelvis.

Progesterone

This test measures the level of a hormone called progesterone in your blood. You may need this test if you are having trouble getting pregnant.

Robotic Hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman's uterus. When this surgery is done through small incisions using a thin, lighted scope with a camera on the end (a laparoscope), it is called a laparoscopic hysterectomy.

TORCH Panel

The TORCH panel test is used to help diagnose infections that could harm the fetus during pregnancy.

Toxoplasma Gondii (Amniotic Fluid)

This test looks for a parasite that can infect an unborn child. A pregnant woman can pick up this parasite by eating undercooked meat, drinking contaminated water, or handling cat feces.

Tubal Ligation

Tubal ligation is surgical procedure you may choose if you are an adult woman and you do not want to get pregnant in the future. You may have heard tubal ligation referred to as "getting your tubes tied."

Uterine Artery Embolization  (tests & procedures)

This procedure, also be referred to as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), is a minimally-invasive surgery that involves identifying which arteries supply blood to the fibroids and then blocking off those arteries.