MEDICAL TEST HEALTH TERMS LEGAL GLOSSARY

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Schilling 24-hour Urine Test: Done to evaluate whether vitamin B-12 is being absorbed by the body. It is usually done when the results of a vitamin B-12 blood test are low. The body needs this B vitamin to make blood cells and to maintain a healthy nervous system. A lack of vitamin B-12 can be caused by a lack of the vitamin in the diet or, more commonly, by a problem with absorbing the vitamin from the intestines. A substance made in the stomach called intrinsic factor helps the intestines absorb vitamin B-12. A Schilling test may be given in two parts. Part one measures the amount of vitamin B-12 passed in urine after a known amount of the vitamin tagged with a radioactive substance is swallowed. If the intestines absorb vitamin B-12 normally, a certain amount of the vitamin (up to 25% of the amount swallowed) will be passed in the urine. If the intestines cannot absorb the vitamin normally, very little or no vitamin B-12 will be present in the urine. A Schilling test with abnormal results (no vitamin B-12 in the urine) may be repeated after giving an oral dose of intrinsic factor and radioactive B-12. This is called part two of the test, and it tells whether the vitamin deficiency is caused by a lack of intrinsic factor or from a problem with the intestines.

Sickle Cell Test: A blood test done to screen for sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disease that causes red blood cells to become deformed (sickle-shaped). The red blood cells deform because they contain an abnormal type of hemoglobin, called Hemoglobin S, instead of the normal hemoglobin, called hemoglobin A. Sickled blood cells are destroyed by the body faster than normal blood cells, which can lead to the body receiving an inadequate supply of oxygen; this condition is called sickle cell anemia. Also, sickled blood cells can become trapped in blood vessels, reducing or blocking blood flow. This can damage organs, muscles, and bones and may lead to life-threatening conditions. The best way to screen for sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease is to examine the blood using a method called high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This test identifies which type of hemoglobin is present. To confirm the results of HPLC a genetic information, or DNA test may be done.

Skin or Wound Culture: A test to detect and identify organisms that may be infecting the skin or a wound. A sample of skin, tissue, or fluid is collected from the affected area and placed in a container with a compound (called growth medium or culture medium) that promotes the growth of organisms. If no organisms grow, the culture is negative. If organisms that can cause infection (pathogenic organisms) grow, the culture is positive. The type of organism will be identified with a microscope, chemical tests, or both.

Skin Biopsy: A procedure in which a sample of skin tissue is removed, processed, and examined under a microscope. Several different methods may be used to obtain a skin sample, depending on the size and location of the abnormal area of skin, called a skin lesion. The skin sample is placed in a solution, such as formaldehyde, or in a sterile container if infection is suspected. In each of these procedures, the tissue is processed and then examined under a microscope. Skin biopsies most often are done to diagnose skin cancer, which may be suspected when an abnormal area of skin has changed color, shape, size, or appearance or has not healed after an injury. Skin cancers are the most common type of cancers. Early diagnosis of a suspicious skin lesion and skin biopsy can help identify skin cancers and lead to early treatment.

Skull X-ray: A series of pictures of the bones that make up the skull. Skull X-rays have largely been replaced by computed tomography (CT) scans. The nasal sinuses can also be viewed on a skull X-ray.

Sputum Culture: A test to detect and identify bacteria or fungi that are infecting the lungs or breathing passages. Sputum is a thick fluid produced in the lungs and in the airways leading to the lungs. A sample of sputum is placed in a container with substances that promote the growth of bacteria or fungi. If no bacteria or fungi grow, the culture is negative. If organisms that can cause infection (pathogenic organisms) grow, the culture is positive. The type of bacterium or fungus will be identified with a microscope or by chemical tests. If bacteria or fungi that can cause infection grow in the culture, other tests may be done to determine which antibiotic will be most effective in treating the infection. This is called susceptibility or sensitivity testing. This test is done on a sample of sputum that is usually collected by coughing. For people who cannot cough deeply enough to produce a sample, they can breathe in a mist solution to help them cough. 

Stool Analysis: A series of tests done on a stool sample to help diagnose certain conditions affecting the digestive tract. These conditions can include infection, poor nutrient absorption, or cancer. For a stool analysis, a stool sample is collected in a clean container and then sent to the laboratory. Laboratory analysis includes microscopic examination, chemical tests, and microbiologic tests. The stool will be checked for color, consistency, weight, shape, odor, and the presence of mucus. The stool may be examined for hidden blood, fat, meat fibers, bile, white blood cells, and sugars called reducing substances. The pH of the stool also may be measured. A stool culture is done to find out if bacteria may be causing an infection. 

Sweat Test: This test measures the amount of salt in sweat and to diagnose cystic fibrosis. Normally, sweat on the skin surface contains very little sodium and chloride. People with cystic fibrosis have 2 to 5 times the normal amount of sodium and chloride in their sweat. During the sweat test, medication that causes a person to sweat is applied to the skin. The sweat is then collected on a paper or a gauze pad and the amount of salt chemicals in the paper or gauze is measured in a lab.

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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