Electrocardiogram - Better Health Channel.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a medical test that detects cardiac (heart) abnormalities by measuring the electrical activity generated by the heart as it contracts. The ECG can help diagnose a range of conditions including heart arrhythmias and ... [... more]
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Hearing tests explained
Hearing tests check a person's ability to hear the loudness and pitch of sounds. The results are charted on a graph (audiogram) to help pinpoint the severity and causes of hearing problems. Tests include pure tone audiometry, using an audiometer, ... [... more]
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MRI scan - Better Health Channel.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a scan used for a medical imaging procedure. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to take pictures of the body's interior. An MRI is used to investigate or diagnose conditions (for example tumours) that ... [... more]
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Barium tests
Barium tests are used to examine conditions of the digestive tract such as narrowing, ulceration or damage. Tests include the barium meal or barium swallow and barium enema. The images are generated using a machine called a fluoroscope. The ... [... more]
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Allergy testing
Allergy testing determines which particular substances or allergens provoke an allergic reaction. The procedure may include skin and blood tests or special diets. Allergy symptoms include skin rashes, swelling, sneezing, asthma and nausea. ... [... more]
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Ultrasound scan - Better Health Channel.
Ultrasound is a scan used to study internal body structures. Ultrasound scans work by emitting high frequency sound waves and recording the reflected sound or 'echoes' to create an image. Ultrasound is considered a safe and normally painless ... [... more]
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Colonoscopy - Better Health Channel.
A colonoscopy is a medical procedure that examines the large bowel. This procedure can be used to look for cancer of the colon or colon polyps, and to help diagnose symptoms such as unexplained diarrhoea or abdominal pain. The colon is the last ... [... more]
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HIV testing
Early testing, detection and treatment for HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) can help people with HIV to stay healthy and delay the onset of complications including AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Treatment aims to control HIV and ... [... more]
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Pap tests and women with disabilities
The Pap test is our best protection against cervical cancer. However, Australian and overseas studies suggest that women with sensory, physical, intellectual or psychiatric disabilities are less likely than other women in the community to have ... [... more]
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Pregnancy tests - chorionic villus sampling
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a pregnancy test that checks the baby for genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome. A small sample of the placenta is taken via needle and examined in a laboratory. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a ... [... more]
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Breast x-ray screening
A mammogram or breast x-ray can detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. Early detection can improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery. A mammogram every two years is recommended for women aged 50 to 69 years. A breast x-ray or ... [... more]
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Newborn screening
Every newborn in Australia is given a blood test to check for the presence of particular genetic or metabolic disorders, including phenylketonuria (PKU), hypothyroidism and cystic fibrosis. The few drops of blood needed for the test are taken by ... [... more]
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