MEDICAL TEST HEALTH TERMS LEGAL GLOSSARY

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Bicarbonate (HCO3) Test: This test measures the level of bicarbonate in the blood. The acid-base balance of a solution is called ph. Substances called buffers keep the pH of the blood from varying over too wide a range. Bicarbonate is the most important buffer in the blood and prevents blood from becoming too acidic so it is important to test for it, if it is found necessary.

Bilirubin Test: This test measures the amount of bilirubin in a blood sample. Bilirubin is a brownish yellow substance found in bile. It is produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells. Bilirubin is then removed from the body through the stool (feces) and gives stool its normal brown color.

Blood Alcohol Test: Measures the amount of alcohol (ethanol) in your body. Alcohol is quickly absorbed into the blood and can be measured within 40 to 70 minutes after you have consumed any alcoholic drink. The amount of alcohol in the blood reaches its highest level about an hour after drinking. However, food in the stomach may increase the amount of time it takes for the blood alcohol to reach its highest level. About 90% of alcohol is broken down in the liver. The rest of it is passed out of the body in urine and your exhaled breath.

Blood Culture: This is a test to detect infection in the blood. The blood does not normally contain any bacteria or fungi. A blood culture can detect and identify bacteria or fungi in the blood. Blood type tests are done before a person receives a blood transfusion and to check a pregnant woman's blood type. Human blood is classified, or typed, according to the presence or absence of certain markers (called antigens) on the surface of red blood cells. Blood type may also be done to see if two people are likely to be blood relatives.

Blood Glucose Test: Measures the amount of a type of sugar, called glucose, in your blood. Glucose comes from carbohydrate foods. It is the main source of energy used by the body. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use and control the amount of glucose in your blood. Insulin is produced in the pancreas and released into the blood when the amount of glucose in the blood rises.

Breast Biopsy: Removes a sample of breast tissue that is looked at under a microscope to check for breast cancer. A breast biopsy is usually done to check a lump found during a breast examination or a suspicious area found on a mammogram or ultrasound. There are several ways to do a breast biopsy. The sample of breast tissue will be looked at under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

Breast Ultrasound: A procedure that uses reflected sound waves to view and produce a picture of the internal structures of the breast. A breast ultrasound can show all areas of the breast, including the area closest to the chest wall, which is hard to study with a mammogram. Breast ultrasound does not use x-rays or other types of possibly harmful radiation.

Bronchoscopy: A procedure that allows your doctor to look at your airway through a thin viewing instrument called a bronchoscope. During a bronchoscopy, your doctor will examine your throat, larynx, trachea and the lower airways.

Biomicroscopy: The slit-lamp examination looks at structures that are at the front of the eye. The slit-lamp is a low-power microscope combined with a high-intensity light source that can be focused to shine as a slit beam. While you are seated in the examining chair, the instrument is placed in front of you and you rest your chin and forehead on a support to keep your head steady. Your eyes are then examined through the biomicroscope. A fine strip of paper that is stained with an orange-colored dye (fluorescein) may be touched to the side of your eye. The dye stains the tear film on the surface of the eye to help with the examination. The dye rinses out of the eye with tears. After this examination, drops may be placed in your eyes to dilate the pupils. The drops take about 15 to 20 minutes to work. The examination is then repeated, allowing the back of the eye to be examined.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained within this personal injury site is of a general nature and is not meant to be a restatement of any rules of law. Your use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should hire an attorney to obtain legal advice for your specific case. 
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