MEDICAL TEST HEALTH TERMS LEGAL GLOSSARY

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Laparoscopy: A surgical procedure that uses a thin, lighted tube called a laparoscope inserted through an incision in the abdominal wall to examine the abdominal organs or the female pelvic organs. It is used to diagnose problems such as cysts, adhesions, fibroids and infection. Tissue samples can be collected for biopsy through the scope. Other instruments, such as surgical scissors, can be inserted through additional incisions.

Liapse Test: This test measures the amount of this enzyme in a blood sample. High amounts of lipase may be found in the blood when the pancreas is damaged or when the tube leading from the pancreas (pancreatic duct) to the beginning of the small intestine is blocked.

Lung Biopsy: This “test” removes a small piece of lung tissue which can be looked at under a microscope. The biopsy can be done in 4 ways. The method used depends on where the sample will be taken from and your overall health.

• Bronchoscope Biopsy: This type of biopsy uses a lighted instrument (bronchoscope) inserted through the mouth or nose and into the airway to remove a lung tissue sample. This method may be used if an infectious disease is suspected, if the abnormal lung tissue is located next to the breathing tubes (bronchi), or before trying more invasive methods, such as an open lung biopsy.
• Needle Biopsy: A needle biopsy uses a long needle inserted through the chest wall to remove a sample of lung tissue. This method is used if the abnormal lung tissue is located close to the chest wall. A computer tomography (CT), an ultrasound, or fluoroscopy, are usually used to guide the needle to the abnormal tissue.
• Open biopsy: An open biopsy uses surgery to make an incision between the ribs and remove a sample of lung tissue. An open biopsy is usually done when the other methods of lung biopsy have not been successful, cannot be used, or when a larger piece of lung tissue is needed for a diagnosis.
• Video-Asisted Torascopic Surgery: A VATS uses a scope (called a thorascope) passed through a small incision in the chest to remove a sample of lung tissue.

Lyme Disease Blood Test: Detects antibodies to the Lyme Disease bacteria which are called “Borrelia Burgdorferi.” This bacteria can be spread by certain kinds of ticks. Lyme disease may be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to those of many other illnesses. If Lyme disease is suspected, a careful medical history and physical examination will be done. Antibody tests can sometimes be used to help confirm a diagnosis of Lyme disease. Other tests may be done in certain situations.

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