Glossary of Medical Terms: Common Procedures and Tests

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Abdomen / Abdominal	Area between the chest and the hips that contains the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and spleen.
Adhesion	A band of scar tissue that joins normally separated internal body structures, most often after surgery, inflammation, or injury in the area.
Adnexa	Conjoined, subordinate, or associated anatomic parts.
Allergen Multi-Box Screen	Allergen screen for immunoglobin E. A "box" is a category test, such as of trees or mold. If a tree category allergy is detected, then an allergen-specific test would be done to determine which tree.
Allergen-Specific Antigen	Allergen screen for immunoglobin E. This is an individual test for a specific allergy.
ALT	Alanine amino transferase.
Amniotic Fluid	Clear liquid that surrounds and protects the fetus throughout pregnancy.
Anesthesiologist	Specialist who administers anesthetics (drugs or other agents to prevent or relieve pain during medical procedures) to a patient before being treated.
Angiography	X-ray that uses dye injected into arteries so that blood circulation can be studied.
Angioplasty	The use of a small balloon on the tip of a catheter inserted into a blood vessel to open up an area of blockage inside the vessel.
Anteroposterior	In x-ray imaging, taken or viewed from front to back (as opposed to from back to front, which is posteroanterior).
Aortic Aneurysm	Swelling of the main blood vessel leaving the heart (aorta), usually representing an underlying weakness in the wall of the aorta at that location.
Aortic Valve	The valve that regulates blood flow from the heart into the aorta.
Appendectomy	Surgical removal of the vermiform appendix.
Arthroscopy	A minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment procedure used for conditions of a joint. This procedure uses a small, lighted, optic tube (arthroscope) which is inserted into the joint through a small incision in the joint. Images of the inside of the joint are projected onto a screen; used to evaluate any degenerative and/or arthritic changes in the joint; to detect bone diseases and tumors; to determine the cause of bone pain and inflammation.
AST	Aspartate amino transferase.
Average Direct Pay Price	The average price a self-pay patient will pay when in the hospital for an inpatient stay or outpatient procedure. Arrangements can be made to pay over time.
Average Prompt Pay Price	The average price a Self Pay patient will pay when paid-in-full in advance of an inpatient stay or outpatient procedure.
Average Total Charges	The estimated average total charges a person will experience when in the hospital for an inpatient stay or outpatient procedure.

Basic Metabolic Panel	A group of eight tests used as a general screening tool.
Bilateral	Affecting both sides of the body. For example, bilateral breast cancer is cancer occurring in both breasts at the same time.
Bilirubin	Bilirubin is a substance formed when hemoglobin breaks down. A bilirubin test measures the amount of bilirubin in the blood.
Blood Type ABO	A blood test that categorizes blood into one of four types: A, B, AB or O.
Blood Type Rh	A blood test that checks for the presence or absence of the Rh antigen, also called the Rh factor.
Brain Lesion	A destructive change in brain tissue, such as a wound, injury or inflammation.

Carotid Artery	The major artery in the neck that supplies blood to the brain.
Carpal Tunnel	Passageway in the wrist through which nerves and the flexor muscles of the hands pass.
Cautery	Instrument or substance used to destroy tissue by burning it with a hot iron, electric current, caustic, or by freezing it.
CC	Complication or comorbidity
C Difficile	Clostridium difficile: an intestinal bacteria that can be detected by a culture.
Cellulitis	Subcutaneous inflammation of connective tissue.
Cervical Spine	The area of the spinal cord located in the neck.
Cervix	Relating to the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb) located between the bladder and the rectum. It forms a canal that opens into the vagina, which leads to the outside of the body.
Cesarean Section	Surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision in the lower abdomen and uterus.
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Chlamydia	A sexually transmitted disease.
Cholecystectomy	Surgical removal of the gallbladder.
Colon	Large intestine.
Colonoscopy	Endoscopic examination of the colon.
Comorbidity	Existing simultaneously with and usually independently of another medical condition.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel	A group of 14 tests used as a general screening tool.
Contrast	A substance that is opaque to x-rays. When administered, it allows a radiologist to examine the organ or tissue it fills.
Coronary	Coronary arteries come from the aorta to provide blood to the heart muscle.
Coronary Bypass	Surgical procedure in which a healthy blood vessel is transplanted from another part of the body into the heart to replace or bypass a diseased vessel.
Coronary Catheterization	Minimally invasive procedure that accesses coronary circulation and blood-filled chambers of the heart using a catheter. It is performed for both diagnostic and interventional (treatment) purposes.
CPK	Creatine phosphokinase: an enzyme present in various tissue types.
CPT Code	Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) is a code used by all hospitals, physicians and insurance companies to identify a specific type of service or procedure.
Creatinine	A waste product formed by the breakdown of a substance (creatine) important for converting food into energy (metabolism).
CT Scan	Computed Tomography (CT) is a non-invasive, diagnostic procedure that uses a series of x-rays to show a cross-sectional view of the inside of the body.
Cystocele	Condition in which weakened pelvic muscles cause the base of the bladder to drop from its usual position down into the vagina.

Debride	To cleanse by surgical removal of lacerated or contaminated tissue.
Diagnostic X-Ray	Diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
DRG Code	Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) is a code system used to classify hospital cases for the purpose of reimbursements from programs such as Medicare.
Drug-Eluting Stent	A stent is a small, lattice-shaped, metal tube inserted permanently into an artery to hold it open so that blood can flow through it. Drug-eluting stents are stents that contain drugs that reduce the chance the arteries becoming blocked.
Duodenum	The first section of the small intestine.

Edema	An abnormal excess accumulation of serous fluid in connective tissue or in a serous cavity.
Embolism	The sudden obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus.
Endarterectomy	The surgical removal of plaque or blood clots in an artery.
Endometrium	Mucous membrane lining of the inner surface of the uterus that grows during each menstrual cycle and is shed in menstrual blood.
Endoscopic	Relating to a procedure that uses an endoscope, a long, flexible, lighted tube, to diagnose or treat a condition.
Enterocele	Prolapse of the small intestine through the top of the vagina.
Esophageal Sphincter	A circular band of muscle which connects the esophagus to the stomach.
Estimated Average Charge	The estimated average charge is an approximate calculation of the total hospital charges for a specific service or procedure at a Purple.org facility. It is not a fixed quote. An estimated average charge does not include other fees from your surgeon, anesthesiologist, pathologist or radiologist.
Ethmoid Sinus	Sinus of the meatuses (passageways) of the nasal cavity (behind the bridge of the nose).
Extremity	That part of a limb that is farthest from the torso.

Fallopian Tubes	Thin tubes that extend from each side of the uterus, toward the ovaries, as a passageway for eggs and sperm.
Femur	Thighbone.
Ferritin	A protein in the body that binds to iron.
Fetus / Fetal	Unborn baby from the eighth week after fertilization until delivery.
Fibroids	Non-cancerous growths in, on, or within the walls of the uterus.
Fibula	Calf bone; the outer and thinner of the two bones of the human leg between the knee and ankle.
Fibular	Relating to the fibula (calf bone), the outer, narrower, and smaller of the two bones of the lower leg, extending from the knee to the ankle.
Fluoroscopy	Study of moving body structures, similar to an X-ray "movie." A continuous X-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined, and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail.
Forearm	The part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist.
Free T4	A test to help evaluate thyroid function.
Fusion	Correction of an unstable part of the spine by joining two or more vertebrae. Usually done surgically, but sometimes done by traction or immobilization.

Gastroenterostomy	Surgical creation of an opening between the stomach wall and the small intestines; performed when the normal opening has been eliminated.
GC PCR	A test to identify the bacteria Neisseria Gonorrhoeae, responsible for the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea.
GI	Gastrointestinal
Glucose Test	A test to measure the amount of a type of sugar in the blood.
Glycated Hemoglobin Test (Hgb A1C)	A test to measure the amount of glucose concentration over a period of time.

Hemoglobin	Hemoglobin is a substance within red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body.
Hematocrit	This test measures the amount of space (volume) red blood cells occupy in the blood.
Hernia	Protrusion of part of an organ through the muscle that surrounds it.
HIV	Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight infection and disease.
Hysterectomy	Surgical removal of the uterus.

Image Post-Processing	Manipulating the information from the CT scan to better visualize the part of the body that is being examined.
Incarcerated / Strangulated	Compressed, constricted, or obstructed so as to cut off the flow of blood or other fluid.
Incisional	Relating to the surgically cutting of or into body tissues or organs.
Infusion	The introducing of a solution into a vein.
Inguinal	Relating to or near the groin.
Inpatient Procedure	A procedure that requires the patient to stay at the hospital at least one night.
Insurance (Commercial/Private)	An employer provided or personally purchased insurance policy that provides coverage for health care services. Deductibles, coinsurance, out-of-pocket limits and types of coverage vary.
Internal Fixation	The stabilization of broken bones by direct fixation to one another with surgical wires, pins, screws, or plates.
Ionized Calcium Test	A test to measure the amount of calcium that is not bound to protein in the blood.
Ischemia	Deficient supply of blood to a body part that is due to obstruction of the inflow of arterial blood.

Laparoscopic	Relating to the use of a viewing tube with a lens or camera (and a light on the end), which is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen to examine the contents of the abdomen and remove tissue samples.
LAP-BAND Laparoscopic	(Laparoscopic Gastric Banding) A common bariatric procedure which involves the placement of an adjustable silicone elastic band on the upper part of the stomach typically using a laparoscopic technique.
Lead Test	A test to measure the amount of lead present in the blood.
Ligation	The tying of a duct or blood vessel with a ligature to prevent bleeding during surgery.
Lipase	Lipase is an enzyme that helps digest fats.
Lipid Panel	A group of tests used to measure lipids, or fatty substances, in the body. The panel includes total cholesterol, types of cholesterol and triglycerides.
Liver/Hep Function Panel	A group of tests used to detect and monitor liver disease or damage.
Lumbar	Relating to or near the lower back between the ribs and the hipbones.
Lumbosacral	Relating to or near the small of the back and the back part of the pelvis between the hips.
Lymph Node(s)	Small organs located in the channels of the lymphatic system which store special cells to trap bacteria or cancer cells traveling through the lymph vessels.

Magnesium Level	A test to measure the amount of magnesium in the blood.
Mammogram	X-ray of the breast tissue.
Mammography	Diagnostic procedure to detect breast tumors by the use of X-rays.
Mastectomy	Surgical removal of all or part of the breast.
MCC	Major complication or comorbidity.
Meniscus	Crescent-shaped cartilage between the upper end of the tibia (shin bone) and the femur (thigh bone).
Microalbumin Test	A test that measures the amount of albumin in the urine. Albumin is a protein that is produced in the liver and released into the blood.
Mono Test	A test for mononucleosis, an infectious disease caused by a virus.
MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiogram)	Diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of a large magnet, radiofrequencies and a computer to produce detailed images of the blood vessels.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)	Diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.

Nasal Septum	Partition of bone and cartilage between the nasal cavities.
Natriuretic Peptide/Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test	A test for natriuretic peptide or brain natriuretic peptide, a hormone that is an indicator of how efficiently the heart is working.
Neonate	A newborn infant.

Obstetric Panel	A group of blood tests performed before and during a pregnancy.
Occult Blood Screen	A test to detect blood in the stool by placing a small sample of stool on a chemically treated card, pad or wipe.
Other Charges	Estimated average hospital charges do not include physicians fees such as your surgeon, anesthesiologist, pathologist or radiologist. They will bill you separately for their services.
Otitis	Inflammation of the ear.
Outpatient Location	A non-hospital surgical facility dedicated to providing outpatient surgery and procedures.
Outpatient Procedure	A procedure that does not require the patient to stay overnight at the hospital.

Pathologist	Physician who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope.
PCR	Polymerase chain reaction, a technique used in a number of laboratory tests.
Pelvic Floor	Muscles and connective tissue providing support for pelvic organs; e.g. bladder, lower intestines, uterus (in females); also aids in continence as part of the urinary and anal sphincters.
Pelvis	Basin-shaped structure that supports the spinal column and contains the sacrum, coccyx, and hip bones (ilium, pubis, and ischium).
Peritoneal	Relating to the peritoneum, or the lining of the abdominal cavity.
PET	A noninvasive, painless procedure that combines the technology from a positron emission tomography (PET) and a computed tomography (CT) to create one highly powerful diagnostic imaging system.
Phosphorous	Phosphorus is a component of DNA and RNA and is necessary for all living cells.
Pleurisy	Inflammation of the pleura that is characterized by sudden onset, painful and difficult respiration and exudation of fluid or fibrinous material into the pleural cavity.
Potassium	Potassium is an essential component necessary for all living cells.
Procedure Code	A code used by all hospitals, physicians and insurance companies to identify a specific type of service or procedure.
Prolapsing	A condition that occurs when an internal organ slips from its normal position.
Prosthesis	Artificial body part replacement.
Protime (INR)	A test to measure the clotting tendency of blood.
PSA	A prostate-specific antigen screen to evaluate the possibility of prostate cancer.
PTT	Partial thromboplastin time measures the time it takes the blood to clot.
Pulmonary Embolisms	Blockage of the pulmonary (lung) artery by foreign matter or by a blood clot.

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Radiological Marker	Placing a needle into the area that may be surgically removed.
Radiologist	Physician specializing in the field of radiology (x-rays or other imaging technologies, such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging) to diagnose or treat disease.
Rectocele	Condition in which weakening of the lower vaginal wall causes the rectum to bulge into the vagina.
Recurrent	To occur again; reappearance of cancer cells at the same site or in another location.
Reducible	Permitting of reduction; capable of being reduced.
Reduction of Fracture	Correction or realignment of a broken bone.
Retroperitoneal	Relating to the area behind the abdominal cavity, including: kidneys, bladder, and portions of the duodenum, pancreas, and colon.
Rotator Cuff	Muscles and tendons that form a cuff over the shoulder joint and attach the scapula to the bone in the upper arm (humerus); major function is to control and produce rotation of the shoulder.
Roux-en-Y Laparoscopic	A form of gastric bypass surgery that can also be performed as an open procedure when necessary.

Sacral	Referring to the sacrum, the wedge-shaped bone consisting of five fused vertebrae forming the posterior part of the pelvis.
Scrotum	Bag of skin that holds the testicles.
SED Rate	A sedimentation rate test measures the speed in which blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube. Abnormalities in the blood can cause cells to sink more rapidly.
Septicemia	Invasion of the bloodstream by bacteria, viruses, or fungi from an infection; also called blood poisoning.
Shunt	A connector to allow blood flow between two locations.
Skin Lesion	Destructive change in skin tissue, such as a wound, injury, or inflammation.
Spinal Canal	The passageway in successive vertebrae through which the spinal cord passes.
Stoma	Mouth like surgical opening on the surface of the body to create access to an internal organ.
Supine	Lying face upward.
Surgeon	Physician who specializes in surgery.

Thin Prep Pap Screen	A type of test used to screen for cervical cancer.
Thoracic	Relating to the chest or thorax.
Throat Culture	A test to detect and identify a bacterial, fungal or viral infection in the throat.
Thyroid Gland	Endocrine gland located in the neck that regulates metabolism (the chemical processes in the body) and growth; the gland produces thyroid hormone.
Tibia	Shin bone or larger bone of the lower leg.
Transurethral	Through the urethra (narrow channel through which urine passes from the bladder out of the body).
Transvaginal	Through the vagina (the passageway through which fluid passes out of the body during menstrual periods).
TSH	Thyroid stimulating hormone is a hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that is used to regulate thyroid function.

Ultrasound	Diagnostic imaging technique which uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.
Umbilical	Referring to the rope-like cord connecting the fetus to the placenta. The umbilical cord contains two arteries and a vein, which carry oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and waste products away from the fetus.
Urinalysis	A physical or chemical test of the urine.
Urine Pregnancy Test	A test to look for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), also called the pregnancy hormone. This hormone is only present during pregnancy.

Vascular	Pertaining to blood vessels.
Vena Cava	Either of two large veins that return oxygen-depleted blood to the right atrium of the heart.
Ventral	Toward or on or near the belly.
Vitamin B12	Vitamin B12 is necessary for creating new red blood cells, maintaining nervous system health, and growth and development in children.

X-Ray

Diagnostic test which uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.

Additional Sources

Additional sources referenced for glossary term definitions include:

Wordnet.princeton.edu - WordNet 2.1 Copyright 2005 by Princeton University. All rights reserved. WordNet is an online lexical reference system developed by the Cognitive Science Laboratory at Princeton University.
The American Heritage Stedmans Medical Dictionary, Second Edition - Houghton Mifflin
FDA.gov: U. S. Food and Drug Administration, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville MD 20857-0001
Labtestsonline.org: Copyright 2001-2007 by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry