Test information

Visual Acuity Test

The test for farsighted vision is a standard procedure at the ophthalmology department which measures the visual acuity in everyday lives. The near vision test measures the ability to read and see objects close up (approximately 30cm away) and is used to determine if the patient needs reading glasses. Corrected vision will be measured to assess if the patient feels any inconvenience in wearing glasses or contact lenses.

Tonometry

Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the fluid pressure inside the eye that helps maintain the shape of the eye and provides nutrition to the cornea and the lenses. By delivering a brief puff of air at your eye, the test machine measures the eye pressure by examining how the light reflections change as the air hits the eye. In some cases, the intraocular pressure measurements appear higher than normal (within the 10-21 mmHg range). Patients with an elevated IOP may be subject to a detailed screening test to detect glaucoma.

Fundus Photography

This test provides a photograph of the interior surface of the eye, including the retina, retina vessel, and optic disc. This test is used to visualize the damage level of retina from diabetes or hypertension, diagnose glaucoma, and identify drusen associated with aging.

Audiometry

A hearing test provides an evaluation of the sensitivity of a person's sense of hearing for different sound levels and screening of any abnormal symptoms or signs of hearing impairment. This is a basic test used for diagnosis in Otorhinolaryngology.

Body Measurement

This test calculates the body mass index based on the height and weight measurement and the body fat and muscle percentage relative to the overall weight. Your weight is automatically measured by standing on the device while your height is measured via ultrasonic waves. Your body composition is measured using frequency by holding on to and stepping on electrodes. This test takes about 2 minutes and test result is available on the monitor and as a print form.

Pulmonary Function Test

This test measures the lung capacity and ventilation function to check for abnormalities in the bronchial tubes or the lung. As the most basic test to evaluate the patient’s lung function, this test measures the total lung capacity, voluntary ventilation, expiratory reserve volume, and inspiratory reserve volume. This test is helpful in diagnosing bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, obstructive pulmonary disease, and other lung-related diseases.

ECG (Electrocardiogram)

An ECG is used to measure the heart’s electrical conduction system and produces a pattern reflecting the electrical activity of the heart. In general, electrocardiogram at stable state will be performed. This test is used to diagnose cardiovascular diseases such as cardiac hypertrophy, arrhythmia, and ischemic heart disease (IHD).

Blood Sampling

Blood test is a basic procedure used to measure the overall health condition. Your blood sample will be collected to evaluate the blood count (anemia, inflammation), blood chemistry (liver function, kidney function, uric acid, hyperlipidemia), electrolyte, blood sugar level, hepatitis (type B, type C), syphilis, HIV/AIDS, thyroid hormones, and cancer markers (liver cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer).

Mammography

For a mammogram, the breast is compressed between 2 plates to flatten and spread the tissue. The more the breast is compressed, the less exposure to radiation and the better and more readable mammogram is produced which allow the detection of small cancers. If it is difficult to diagnosis with only the mammogram, other tests such as magnification radiography or breast ultrasound may be conducted in addition for more accurate diagnosis. If abnormalities are discovered during these tests, a tissue biopsy may be required.

Gynecology Tests

1) Gynecological examination
This test is performed to check the female reproductive system. The test includes external visual exam of the genital and the internal visual exam using a speculum to evaluate the amount and condition of the vaginal discretion.

2) PAP Smear Test
A Pap Smear test is a screening test to collect and microscopically examine cells taken from the cervix. It is the most efficient and economic tool to detect early signs of cervical cancer, the second most common type of cancer in women. This test is recommended for all sexually active women on an annual basis.

3) HPV Test
HPV testing is used to look for the presence of HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer. Based on the results, patients are classified into high-risk HPV types and low-risk HPV types then given information on whether follow-up tests are necessary on a regular basis.

4) Gynecologic ultrasonography
This test visualizes the female pelvic organs including the uterus, the ovaries, and the Fallopian tubes and is useful in discovering structural abnormalities in the pelvic organs. This test can detect changes in the endometrium, ovarian cystoma, ovarian cancer, and myoma of the uterus. Female patients who did not begin menstruation or have had no sexual intercourse will not receive vaginal test. If such test is needed, abdominal ultrasound or pelvic ultrasound may be considered. Patients may feel slight discomfort while receiving the pelvic ultrasound but the accuracy of the test result is comparable to vaginal examination.
For an abdominal ultrasound, you need to fill your bladder (refrain from going to the restroom). The images from an abdominal ultrasound are less accurate since the pelvic organs are further away.

Chest X-ray

A chest x-ray is the most basic form of radiography used to detect abnormalities in the lung, heart, mediastinum, diaphragm, clavicle, ribs, and the thoracic vertebrae.

The lung which is filled with air is divided by the mediastinum. The lung appears darker compared to the bones of the chest wall and the mediastinum which appear as white spaces on the film. Since the lesions in the lung appear as white spots on the chest film, it is easy to detect these lesions.

Bone Densitometry

Bone mineral density (BMD) test or bone mass measurement test is an essential tool to diagnose osteoporosis. A BMD test uses a small amount of X-rays to measure the amount of minerals in your bones. This simple procedure measures the bone mass and detects osteoporosis.

Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography does not use harmful ionizing radiation and in general, the patient does not feel any pain or inconvenience during the procedure. However, in the case of transrectal prostate ultrasonography, the patient may complain of minor pain or unpleasant feeling.

1) Abdominal Ultrasonography
In abdominal sonography, the solid organs of the abdomen such as the liver, gall bladder, and kidneys are imaged to detect abnormalities. The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes and you will need to fast (have nothing to eat or drink) for eight hours prior to the examination.

2) Pelvic Ultrasonography
With a pelvic sonogram, organs of the pelvic region including the uterus, ovary, and bladder are visualized. A typical pelvic sonogram requires approximately 10 t0 15 minutes. For abdominal sonography, a full bladder provides a "window" through which the pelvic organs can be seen. Therefore, you should refrain from urinating just prior to the examination. In some cases, an additional vaginal sonography which involves the insertion of a transducer into your vagina may be recommended.

3) Breast Ultrasonography
Ultrasound may be performed in addition to mammography to examine breast tissue when abnormalities are found in the breast images or if the patient develops a breast lump. Breast ultrasound is a useful tool to detect cysts, and benign or malignant tumors.
For dense breast patients, receiving a breast ultrasound in addition to mammography may help detect lesions.

4) Thyroid Gland Ultrasonography
Ultrasonography is used to evaluate the size and shape of the thyroid gland and the thyroid nodules both benign hyperplastic lesions and true neoplasms.

5) Carotid Ultrasonography
Carotid ultrasonography is an ultrasound-based diagnostic imaging technique to reveal structural details of the carotid arteries which bring needed blood to your brain. This test is used to look for blood clots, atherosclerotic plaque buildup, and other blood flow problems.
This examination is used to identify patients at increased risk of stroke. Patients with arteriosclerotic vascular disease or those at high risk of arteriosclerosis due to diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia are advised to receive this examination.

6) Transrectal Ultrasonography
Transrectal ultrasound is used to evaluate the size of the prostate gland, determine if the prostate is enlarged, and reveal benign prostatic hypertrophy or prostate cancer. The ultrasound transducer (probe) is placed into the rectum to evaluate the prostate gland. You may feel slight pain or pressure when the transducer is in place.

Treadmill test

The Treadmill Test helps to diagnose and assess the severity of ischaemic heart diseases such as angina pectoris or myocardial infarction. ETT consists of exercising on a treadmill with small electrodes stuck on to your chest. The test begins gently and gradually the level of intensity is increased through a combination of increased treadmill speed and incline. The exercise lasts for 8-10 minutes. Afterwards you will sit down for about five minutes then have you heart and blood pressure checked. This test is useful in evaluating the efficacy of the drug in hypertension patients and exercise ability of patients who received a heart surgery. For patients with chest pain, it is used to determine if irregular functioning of the heart is the cause of chest pain

Echocardiography

An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create a moving picture of the heart to evaluate the structure and hemodynamic functions of the heart. Echocardiography can help detect deformity of the heart and great vessels, dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, abnormal movements in the heart muscle, valvular heart diseases, and other abnormalities of the heart.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MRI is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields to produce detailed images of the inside of the body with the aid of a computer. Compared to CT, MRI provides higher-resolution images of the brain and does not involve exposure to ionizing radiation. MRI requires a magnetic field that is both strong and uniform; therefore, patients with an artificial heart valve should not have an MRI since the metal device may interfere with the exam or potentially pose a risk to the patient’s heart or tissues.

1) Neuroimaging & Cardiovascular MRA
MRI offers images of the brain tissues taken from various angles to diagnose cerebral infarction, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebrovascular malformation, brain tumor, and other abnormalities.

2) Musculoskeletal MRI
MRI detects abnormalities in the spine including the bone, disk, facet joints, ligament, muscle, spinal cord, and nerves. It is also useful for diagnosing spinal disc herniation and spinal stenosis.

3) Knee MRI
MRI provides detailed images of the knee to find problems such as cartilage damage, collateral ligament damage, or arthritis.

CT (Computed Tomography)

CT is a technology that uses computer-processed x-rays to produce tomographic images of specific areas of the body and offers clear 3d images for diagnostic purposes. CT provides a cross sectional anatomy of the human body which allows for more simple and accurate diagnosis. Contrast agent may be used depending on the type of CT or to accurately show the shape of the lesion. If a contrast agent is used, at least 8 hours of fasting is needed before the CT test. Although rare, a few people experience nausea or get hives after the test.

1) Low-Dose Chest CT
This CT scan is used to detect lung-related diseases such as pneumonia, pulmonary nodules, lung cancer, and bronchiectasis.
Since no contrast agent is used, you do not need to fast before receiving this test.

2) Abdominal CT
This CT scan is used to detect abnormalities of the organs inside your abdomen including the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidney, adrenal gland, and others. Since contrast agent will be used, you need to fast 8 hours before your test. The contrast agent will be injected through the blood vessels 20 to 30 minutes before you receive the test.

3) Coronary CT
Coronary CT is a safe and painless test that uses an x-ray machine to detect coronary artery stenosis or arteriosclerosis. During a cardiac CT scan, an x-ray machine will take pictures of your heart when there is minimal movement in the heart then put the pictures together to make a three-dimensional (3D) picture of the whole heart. A contrast dye will be injected into one of your veins during the scan.

4) CT for Abdominal Fat
A CT scan is used to measure the patient’s visceral fat area and subcutaneous fat area to calculate the degree of obesity.

Liver Fibroscan

This examination uses elastic waves generated by ultrasound to measure the degree of liver stiffness (fibrosis) and fatty infiltration, expressed as numerical values. It is a non-invasive test that carries no risk of pain, infection, or side effects, and is highly useful for diagnosing liver cirrhosis - an important precursor to liver cancer. 

By detecting the presence of fatty liver, the test also supports the management of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic syndrome associated with hepatic steatosis. 

Bronchial Provocation Test

Asthma is a disease where bronchial tubes are sensitive to irritants, which cause them to inflame and produce difficult breathing. This test uses spirometry to determine if your bronchial tubes are sensitive to irritants using a special drug. Different concentrations of the drug (from low to high) will be sprayed to assess how the bronchial tube reacts. 

Skin Prick Test

An allergy skin prick test is used to find out which substances cause a person to have an allergic reaction. Suspected causes of allergy are mixed with liquid to make a solution and a drop of each solution is then placed on the skin. Then, the skin beneath each drop is pricked with a needle so that the allergen goes into the epidermis. After 15~30 minutes, the skin is then observed for a reaction to determine the cause of allergy. You should refrain from taking medication such as antihistamines or antidepressants at least five days before the test.

Otorhinolaryngoscopy

A rhinoscope (or Nasoscope) is used to examine the inside of the ear, nose, and larynx to detect lesions. It is a useful tool to diagnose anatomical abnormalities of the ear, nose, and throat including vocal fold nodules, rhinitis, nasal polyps, and tumors.

Gastroscopy

Gastroscopy involves the placing of an endoscope (a small flexible tube with a camera and light) into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to search for abnormalities. 8 hours of fasting before the examination is needed to clear the stomach and ensure accurate diagnosis. This examination is used to detect stomach cancer, esophagus cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and gastritis and a biopsy may be conducted, if necessary. After the sedative wears off, you may experience a slightly sore throat or throat discomfort for a couple of days. In such cases, drinking warm water or gargling can help you relieve the pain.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is the endoscopic examination of the large bowel and the distal part of the small bowel with a fiber optic camera on a flexible tube passed through the anus. It provides a visual diagnosis of colorectal cancer, polyps, chronic inflammatory enteritis, and ulceration and grants the opportunity for biopsy, if necessary. For one to three days ahead of the checkup, the patient is required to follow a low fiber diet. On the day before the colonoscopy, you need to take a laxative preparation to free the colon of solid matter. Patients with a history of previous abdominal surgery may not be able to receive this examination due to the increased risk of enterobrosia. You may experience minor wind pain caused by air insufflation into the colon during the procedure. However, the pain will naturally go away approximately 30 minutes later when the air is released.