Diagnostic Tests

Provides a concise summary for health care providers of blood tests for diabetes and prediabetes, covering uses, technical features, and pros and cons of different tests

Describes hemoglobin variants and how they can cause false results for the A1C test. Discusses how false results can affect diabetes diagnosis and care in people with hemoglobin variants.

Explains how the A1C test can lead to misdiagnosis, overtreatment, or undertreatment of diabetes in people with hemoglobinopathies. Explains when to suspect a patient has a variant.

Defines and explains the A1C diabetes blood test. Discusses using the test for diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes and monitoring of glucose levels in people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

A procedure that uses a long, flexible, narrow tube with a light and tiny camera on one end to look inside your rectum and entire colon. Colonoscopy can show irritated and swollen tissue, ulcers, and polyps.

Describes the purpose of the test, how patients can prepare for it, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure.

Describes the purpose of the test, how patients can prepare for it, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure. This publication is also available in Spanish.

Provides general information about the lower gastrointestinal (GI) x-ray series. Describes the purpose of the test and what patients can expect before, during, and after the procedure. This publication is also available in Spanish.

Describes tests that identify serological and genetic markers associated with celiac disease. If tests indicate the possibility of celiac disease, a biopsy determines diagnosis.

A procedure in which a doctor uses an instrument called an endoscope to see the lining of your upper GI tract. Doctors use upper GI endoscopy to find, and sometimes treat, problems in the upper GI tract.

Upper gastronintestinal (GI) endoscopy is a procedure in which a doctor uses an instrument called an endoscope to see the lining of your upper GI tract. Doctors use upper GI endoscopy to find, and sometimes treat, problems in the upper GI tract.

Provides information about virtual colonoscopy. Describes the purpose of the test, how patients can prepare for it, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure.

Describes the different tests used to evaluate thyroid function and diagnose thyroid disease. Includes typical thyroid test results seen in thyroid diseases.

Testing is the only way to know how your kidneys are doing. It is especially important to get checked if you have the key risk factors: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure.

Your urine albumin test result tells you if your kidneys are damaged. Learn about the urine albumin test and what the results mean.

Your GFR test result tells you how well your kidneys are working. Learn about the GFR blood test and what the results mean.

Describes the procedure and possible reasons for performing this diagnostic test. Outlines the preparations for and explains what patients can expect during and after the test.

Provides general information about liver biopsy. Describes the purpose of the test, how patients can prepare for it, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure.

Outlines possible reasons for cystoscopy and ureteroscopy and explains the preparations involved. Describes the procedures in detail, as well as what patients can expect afterward.

Explains the range of imaging technologies used to evaluate the urinary tract, including ultrasound, conventional radiology, magnetic resonance imaging, and computerized tomography.

Provides general information about prostate and problems. Describes several tests, including digital rectal exam, PSA blood test, urinalysis, and others.

Describes normal bladder function, as well as problems in the urinary system that may require urodynamic testing. Discusses different urodynamic procedures and why they are used.