Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that regulates blood pressure, stress response, and reproductive health. Testing for cortisol imbalances can be done through blood, urine, or saliva tests, with blood testing being the most common. Patients should inform their doctor of any medications they are taking and avoid strenuous exercise before testing. […]
Visual field tests measure a person’s entire field of vision, including peripheral vision, and can detect blind spots and eye diseases. Different types of tests include automated perimetry, rate doubling perimetry, electroethinogram, and comparison. A visual field test measures a person’s entire field of vision. This includes both central and peripheral, or side, vision. These […]
The Parvovirus B19 IgG test involves a simple blood draw to check for antibodies, while a more invasive bone marrow sample may be taken to check for the virus itself. The virus, also known as fifth disease, is common and usually mild. The bone marrow test is only done in certain situations. During a parvovirus […]
Hardware test engineers ensure error-free computer hardware manufacturing by designing and conducting tests, evaluating products from an end-user perspective, and communicating with developers and team members. They may need to improvise additional testing and work extra hours before product launches. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills are essential. A hardware test engineer is a type of […]
The ACTH stimulation test measures cortisol levels in response to ACTH injection to diagnose adrenal gland problems. Preparation is important for valid results, and abnormal results may require further testing such as imaging or blood tests. ACTH, also called cosyntropin, causes the adrenal glands to release cortisol into the bloodstream. An ACTH stimulation test is […]
Fitness tests vary depending on their purpose, such as for medical or military reasons, and typically include measurements of flexibility, strength, and aerobic endurance. They may also be used for personal training or school assessments to evaluate physical fitness levels. The components of an aptitude test can vary depending on the purpose of the test; […]
Hot air ballooning originated with the Montgolfiere brothers’ unmanned test balloons in 1782. Today, the term is used to test the viability of ideas, products, and political campaigns through surveys or public reaction before investing resources. Companies also use test balloons to determine if a product is worth inventing or making, and to set prices […]
Sickle cell tests can detect sickle cell disease or the gene, with newborns in the US routinely screened. Tests can be done on fetuses or adults, and confirmation may involve a hemoglobin S solubility test or evaluation for hemoglobinopathy. A sickle cell test is done to assess whether a person has sickle cell disease or […]
The Weber test uses a tuning fork to determine if a patient has hearing loss in one ear. If the patient hears the sound differently in each ear, it may be a sign of conductive or sensorineural hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss shows increased hearing in the affected ear, while sensorineural hearing loss shows the […]
Military urinalysis is a urine test to detect illegal drug use or make a medical diagnosis. Service members are kept in a controlled area until they provide an adequate urine sample, which is then transported to a laboratory for testing. Soldiers may be subjected to random tests without notice. If traces of illegal drugs are […]
The Schirmer test is used to diagnose chronic dry eye disorders by measuring the amount of moisture absorbed by a strip of filter paper placed between the eyeball and lower eyelid. Results can vary based on age and other factors, and further investigation may be needed to confirm a diagnosis. The Schirmer test is an […]
The Thomas test assesses hip muscle contracture and flexibility, useful for medical evaluation, physical therapy, and personal training. Patients lie down and extend one leg to check if the hip flexors are flexible. Orthopedic doctors may use it to diagnose hip problems, and personal trainers can use it to measure progress. Dr. Hugh Owen Thomas […]
Spurling’s test diagnoses compressed nerves in the neck by moving the head and neck to assess pain. Pain in the neck and arm is a positive sign, caused by injury to vertebrae, herniated discs, or muscle spasms. The test carries a risk of serious harm and should only be performed by a trained professional. Spurling’s […]
The Rinne test compares sounds transmitted through air versus bone conduction to detect conductive hearing loss. A tuning fork is placed on the mastoid process, and if the patient continues to hear the sound when it is moved near the ear, conductive hearing loss is ruled out. A Weber test should also be conducted to […]
Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells that signals the brain when the body is full. Obese people often have high levels of leptin but their brains don’t recognize its signal to stop eating. Blood tests can measure leptin levels, and treatment with leptin can help with weight loss. Leptin is a hormone produced […]
A step test measures cardiovascular strength and can be performed in a doctor’s office, gym, or at home. It requires a step or solid surface, counting time, and tracking steps per minute. It should be challenging but not cause injury or extreme fatigue. Results can vary depending on the type of test performed. Cardiovascular health […]
The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification is earned by those with at least two years of experience in human resource management and administration who pass an exam administered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). The exam covers six general areas of study and candidates have several options for preparation, including self-study, classroom […]
A hydrogen breath test diagnoses gastrointestinal issues caused by lactose intolerance, bacterial overgrowth, or malabsorption. The non-invasive test involves fasting, drinking a sugar solution, and periodic breath samples. Results can help doctors recommend treatment. A hydrogen breath test is a diagnostic test that is done to find out more about the causes of gastrointestinal problems. […]
A urodynamic evaluation is an outpatient examination of the urinary tract to diagnose urination disorders. The bladder’s pressure, nerve signals, urine flow rate, and sphincters’ ability are measured through various tests, including X-rays. Patients must arrive with a full bladder and may experience minor pain, discomfort, or light bleeding afterward. A urodynamic evaluation is an […]
A hearing test detects hearing problems by playing sounds through headphones at varying volumes. Further tests are performed if problems are found. Auditory brainstem response audiometry can be used for infants and the mentally handicapped. More complex tests are given to those with suspected hearing impairment. A hearing test is a test of an individual’s […]
