Echocardiography is a test that uses sound waves to produce live images of your heart. The image is called an echocardiogram. This test allows your doctor to monitor how your heart and its valves are functioning. The images can help them get information about: blood clots in the heart chambers.
A biopsy is the removal of tissue from any part of the body in order to examine it for the disease. Some biopsies may remove a small tissue sample with a needle while others may surgically remove a suspicious nodule or lump. The type of procedure used to perform a biopsy will depend on the location of the tissue that needs to be examined.
What is an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram (echo) is a test that uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to make pictures of your heart. The test is also called echocardiography or diagnostic cardiac ultrasound.
Quick facts
Why do people need an echo test?
Your doctor may use an echo test to look at your heart’s structure and check how well your heart functions.
The test helps your doctor find out:
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that detects electrical activity in your brain using small, flat metal discs (electrodes) attached to your scalp. Your brain cells communicate via electrical impulses and are active all the time, even when you’re asleep. This activity shows up as wavy lines on an EEG recording.
An EEG is one of the main diagnostic tests for epilepsy. An EEG may also play a role in diagnosing other brain disorders.
An EEG can determine changes in brain activity that may be useful in diagnosing brain disorders, especially epilepsy. An EEG can’t measure intelligence or detect mental illness. An EEG may be helpful for diagnosing or treating the following disorders:
An EEG may also be used to confirm brain death in someone in a persistent coma. A continuous EEG is used to help find the right level of anesthesia for someone in a medically induced coma.
A biopsy is the removal of tissue from any part of the body in order to examine it for disease. Some biopsies may remove a small tissue sample with a needle while others may surgically remove a suspicious nodule or lump. The type of procedure used to perform a biopsy will depend on the location of the tissue that needs to be examined. Biopsies may be performed using imaging guidance—such as ultrasound, x-ray, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—to determine exactly where to place a needle through the skin to the area of the abnormality.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet and radio waves to look at organs and structures inside your body. Health care professionals use MRI scans to diagnose a variety of conditions, from torn ligaments to tumors. MRIs are very useful for examining the brain and spinal cord.
During the scan, you lie on a table that slides inside a tunnel-shaped machine. Doing the scan can take a long time, and you must stay still. The scan is painless. The MRI machine makes a lot of noise. The technician may offer you earplugs.