Earliest Pregnancy Test
Earliest pregnancy test or radio immuno assay pregnancy test, is a blood test that helps in the diagnosis of pregnancy even before the first missed period. The test is especially used by assisted reproduction centers for confirmation or documentation of the success of a technique. It is based on detection of the hormone HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), which is a hallmark of pregnancy. This hormone is produced mainly by the developing embryo and so is specific for the purpose of pregnancy testing. Thus, radio immuno assay of HCG is the most accurate and best early pregnancy test.
Prostate Specific Antigen Test
Prostate specific antigen test or PSA test is a blood test used for the screening of prostate cancer. PSA test is highly sensitive for detecting any disease of prostate, and is rightly called a tumor marker, for the role it plays in detection of prostate cancer. An abnormal prostate specific antigen test can be suggestive of several diseases related to the prostate and so the values need to be carefully interpreted along with other positive findings on a case to case basis. Needless to say, this requires the experience of an adept urologist, who regularly deals with prostate cancer patients. A wrong interpretation of a PSA test, may sometimes prevent early diagnosis, and at other times may even lead to additional unnecessary investigations.
EMG Nerve Conduction Test
EMG nerve conduction test is known by several names, like EMG test, EMG nerve conduction study, nerve conduction velocity test or EMG NCV test, and so on. It consists of two types of tests performed for evaluation of nerves and muscles. EMG stands for electromyography, which simply means to measure the electrical activity in muscles. NCV stands for nerve conduction velocity, which is a nerve conduction test to measure the conduction of electrical impulses in a specific peripheral nerve, which is under study. EMG NCV test is utilized by a neurologist or an orthopedist, for evaluation of muscular weakness or peripheral nervous dysfunction in several diseases.
Card Ulnar Nerve Test
Card ulnar nerve test, or simply card test, is used by an orthopedist or neurologist for assessment of the ulnar nerve. It tests the power of intrinsic muscles of hand called the interossei, which are exclusively supplied by ulnar nerve. A subjective feeling of having a clumsy hand can be felt by a patient with ulnar nerve palsy. But this can also be due to carpal tunnel syndrome or several other diseases. Hence, a simple card ulnar nerve test helps us to know the exact reason behind clumsy hands, and paves the way for further investigations (like EMG test) and treatment.
Dugas Shoulder Dislocation Test
Dugas test is used by an orthopedist for rapid diagnosis of shoulder dislocation before taking an x-ray. It is a simple maneuver, which can be performed by a layman to quickly check for a dislocated shoulder after a fall or an accident. It is mostly used for confirmation of the relocation (reduction) after a dislocated shoulder treatment maneuver. An unstable shoulder dislocation or shoulder instability results in spontaneous dislocation and relocation of the shoulder joint. Such shoulder joints may easily dislocate while going towards the x-ray unit, or while taking the x-ray. Hence, clinical confirmation of the success of a treatment maneuver by Dugas test can avoid multiple x-ray examinations in a person with shoulder dislocation.
Bárány’s Caloric Test
Bárány’s caloric test or caloric stimulation is used by physicians and ENT specialists to assess responsiveness of the brain-stem and the vestibulocochlear nerve, which supplies the ear. The inner ear regulates balance and causes reflexive eye movements in response to movement of the head. The mechanism of hearing and balance are regulated by the cochlea and semi-circular canals present in the inner ear, respectively. This test involves manipulation of the sensations perceived by the inner ear by using hot or cold water and observing its effect on eye movements. Bárány’s test is often included in electronystagmography (ENG), which is an investigation for diagnosing the cause of unexplained vertigo or dizziness.
Lachman’s ACL Injury Test
Lachman’s test is used by an orthopedist for testing the integrity of anterior cruciate ligament after knee injuries. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a strong band present inside the knee, which prevents forward slipping of the upper end of the tibia (leg bone) inside the knee joint. ACL injury is common after motor bike accidents or mishaps while playing outdoor sports. Lachman test is useful for rapid diagnosis of knee ligament injuries in an ER, before confirmatory tests, like and X-ray or MRI can be done.
Cozen’s Tennis Elbow Test
Cozen’s test or tennis elbow test is a clinical test used for diagnosis of tennis elbow. It is a simple screening test, which can be easily performed even by a layman without any help. Tennis elbow is a common disease in middle aged women, especially, those involved with housework, or with lifting weights. Untrained weight-lifting or playing of outdoor sports, like tennis, cricket, or baseball, can be an important cause of tennis elbow. Cozen’s test is a cost effective means for diagnosing tennis elbow, especially, in the people, who cannot afford an MRI.