Medical Tests

Medical tests provide valuable information for you and your doctor. They are done routinely or if you’re having a symptom, or a medical problem that your doctor needs to know more about for the right treatment. Medical tests vary greatly. They may be invasive procedures such as having a cardiac catheterization. Other tests may be non-invasive such as having an Obstetric (OB) Ultrasound.

• Medical blood tests provide a variety of information such as a complete blood count (CBC). This test requires a nurse or specially trained technician to insert a needle in your vein to withdraw a blood sample, which is then sent to the laboratory for specific testing. This might be done at your doctor’s office, in a hospital, or in an outpatient laboratory.
• X-rays can be done in a doctor’s office, a radiology office, or at a hospital. For some, such as a mammogram, or chest x-ray, you can stand or sit while you are being x-rayed. Others, such as scans or swallows require you to take contrast dye by mouth or through injection, and then lie down for the x-ray.
• Diagnostic tests such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and colonoscopy, may require you to schedule your procedure in advance.
• Medical tests at home, or home kit medical tests can include pregnancy test or a self breast exam.

More medical tests and procedures information can be obtained by visiting Patients' Frequently Asked Questions, an online resource center at California Pacific Medical Center. This learning tool was developed by more than 120 patients, family members, staff and physicians at California Pacific Medical Center. Sample topics include:

How often should I have a mammogram?
Why was so much blood taken in so many tubes when I got my blood tested?
Why did my doctor order a TSH?
What should I expect during a mammogram?
What is an Interventional Radiologist?

To search for a topic of your interest, click on Learning Resources. It is a searchable database of classes, info sheets and handouts, educational consultations and more developed by the physicians and staff at California Pacific Medical Center.