New and Updated Topics
Updated Medical Test Topics
A primary care physician and/or a specialist in the field reviewed the following medical test topics. All information has been verified for medical accuracy, and new medical information has been added if available. The Test Overview in each test topic has been reorganized to define the test clearly and to explain why it is done. Information on how the test affects the body has been added if appropriate. To provide consistent information across all test topics, standard language has been developed for some topic sections. A link to a medical test information form has been added to the How to Prepare section of all appropriate topics. This form will help people prepare to talk with their health professional about a medical test.
The following updated medical test topics have been reviewed by a licensed medical professional specializing in the topic area and have been localized for Canada:
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): The SI values for the test results have been changed to microKat/L to reflect current standards. The list of factors that may cause a slight increase in alanine aminotransferase values has been updated to reflect the most common causes.
- Ammonia: This topic has undergone a new medical review and was found to be accurate and up-to-date.
- Ambulatory Electrocardiogram: We have clarified that ambulatory electrocardiograms can be called a variety of names including ambulatory EKG, Holter monitoring, 24-hour EKG, or cardiac event monitoring. We have added another example of a continuous recorder that is implanted and worn for more than a year.
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): The indications for this test have been updated to reflect current practice. The SI values for the test results have been changed to microKat/L to reflect current standards. The list of factors that may cause an increase in aspartate aminotransferase values has been updated to reflect the most common causes.
- Cardiac Perfusion Scan: We have clarified the examples of erection-enhancing medicines to include Cialis, Levitra, and Viagra.
- Colposcopy and Cervical Biopsy: This topic now notes that test results may take several days or more.
- Echocardiogram: We have clarified that you should not eat heavily for a few hours before a stress echocardiogram. We have added that a transesophageal echocardiogram is not recommended if you have severe arthritis of the neck.
- Helicobacter pylori Tests: This topic has undergone a new medical review and was found to be accurate and up-to-date.
- Hepatitis B Virus Tests: For this update, we have added a more thorough explanation of the markers (antigens, antibodies, and DNA) that hepatitis B tests can target. And in the Test Overview, we have clarified information about the tests that are commonly done and those that are infrequently done.
- Hepatitis C Virus Tests: The topic was made more specific for hepatitis C. The Results section was expanded to clarify the meaning of finding hepatitis C virus antibodies or hepatitis C virus RNA. Mention was made that donated organs are tested for hepatitis C, as is donated blood.
- Mononucleosis Tests: The information about heterophil antibodies has been revised to make it clear that these antibodies are not made specifically against the Epstein-Barr virus, but are made in response to certain infections. We have removed mention of genetic tests for mono, because no genetic tests are done clinically to test for mono. Where IgG is mentioned, it is defined. We have made it clearer that experts have found no evidence of a connection between the Epstein-Barr virus and chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Phosphate in Blood: This updated topic clarifies the function of phosphate as a charged particle (ion) and the relation between calcium and phosphate in the body. Calcium has been added as an electrolyte that is often measured at the same time as phosphorus to the What to Think About section.
- Phosphate in Urine: The function of phosphate as a charged particle (ion) has been clarified in this updated topic. Mention of following a diet high or low in calcium has been eliminated from the How to Prepare section.
- Serum Osmolality: This topic has been medically reviewed and was found to be accurate and up-to-date.
- Thyroid Hormone Tests This topic has undergone a new medical review and was found to be accurate and up-to-date.
- Total Serum Protein: More detailed information about the albumin/globulin ratio has been added to the Overview of this updated topic.
- Uric Acid in Blood: The reason for increased uric acid levels in blood from chemotherapy or radiation therapy has been added to the Why It Is Done section. Additional medicines that may increase or decrease uric acid levels have been added to the Results section. We have clarified the types of foods that contain high levels of purines. The topic now states that gout may develop even in people who have normal blood levels of uric acid. A new definition of purines has been added.
- Uric Acid in Urine: We have clarified the types of foods that contain high levels of purines. The topic now states that a person with tophi or uric acid kidney stones will be treated no matter what the uric acid urine levels are. A new definition of purines has been added.
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