Tests & Procedures

This NIH/NIDDK 6-pg fact sheet on the flexible sigmoidoscopy procedure describes the purpose of the test, how patients can prepare for it, and what patients can expect during and after the procedure. A diagram showing the sigmoid colon and rectum is also included.

This 2-pg handout from the American Diabetes Association explains how people with diabetes are at higher risk of heart and blood vessel disease, and describes tests and procedures used to diagnose and treat heart and blood vessel conditions, including PCI, ABI, CABG, ECG, and echocardiogram. Catheters, stents, coronary calcium, CT, MRI, and PET scans are also discussed.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's 48-page color booklet is for anyone interested in learning how lab and imaging tests are used to help diagnose and treat blood cancers. Different diagnostic and monitoring tests are described. Tips on keeping track of test results are also included.

This FDA 1-page color fact sheet allays safety concerns about full-body, X-ray scanners that are widely used for airport security screening purposes. It also covers the potential risks of metal detectors and refers consumers to the FDA website for more information.

This 2-pg, printer-friendly, foldable pamphlet from the National Cancer Institute and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services highlights rationales for mammography. Breast cancer risk by age is highlighted. Listed indications include every 1 to 2 years for women over 40; breast exams are advocated. Coverage for Medicare beneficiaries is detailed. Available in English, Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

This FDA 2-pg color fact sheet describes how ultrasounds work, the various diagnostic uses and types of ultrasounds, their safety, how they are regulated by the agency, and what patients can expect when they receive one.

CDC's 10-pg brochure on genital HPV, the most common sexually transmitted virus in the US, includes information on transmission, prevention, and lowering risk for HPV. It also covers the differences between high-risk and low-risk HPV infections, vaccinations, and for women, the importance of regular screening for cervical cancer.

CDC's 3-pg handout on the importance and accessibility of STD testing, the health risks in not getting tested given the frequency of STDs, what's involved in testing including costs and where to get tested, answers to confidentiality concerns, and how to inform your partner if you have an STD.

This 8-page color brochure from the CDC encourages everyone to get tested for HIV, describing how 1 in 5 may have it and not know it. Readers learn how those with HIV may look and feel healthy, but still infect others; about different HIV tests; and how it can take 3 months for HIV antibodies to appear in a test. A glossary and resources are included.

This 1-page printer-friendly handout defines intractable seizures and describes the tests used to evaluate them. It discusses the types of surgery that can be done and the benefits. It also addresses when surgery is appropriate. Drawings of an EEG being done on a child are featured.

AHRQ's 2-pg info card provides quick tips on how to be proactive about your surgery, understanding the risks and benefits, recovery time and questions to ask your physician.

The National Cancer Institute's 68-pg, comprehensive, illustrated booklet covers common questions and answers about radiation therapy, including external bean and internal radiation. Effects of radiation therapy are detailed, along with options for managing side effects. Late effects are also covered. A companion clinician guide is available for healthcare professionals.