Some common tests and their abbreviations:

Ultrasound: (Sonogram, Echo, Cardiac, Vascular, Abdominal, etc) A painless test where ultrasonic sound waves are transmitted into the body and the sound that is bounced back is visualized on a screen enabling the doctor to see structures inside the body without cutting the skin. There is no radiation or magnetization involved in this test.

CT, CAT Scan: Computerized (Axial) Tomography. A painless test where an x-ray beam is sent through the body and measured as it comes out the other side. This displays images of the body in cross-section using a computer to create the images.

PET scan: Positron Emission Tomography. An x-ray test where a patient is injected with a glucose or fatty acid substance and then placed under a CAT scan. The injected substance will concentrate in certain areas of the body and cause them to “light up” on the computer screen. This often helps to identify areas of cancerous growth. This test does involve the use of an IV line.

SPECT scan: Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography. An x-ray test where a patient is injected with a contrast substance and then placed under the x-ray camera, which is rotated around the patient. A three dimensional image can be produced using a computer, which reduces the interference of overlapping organs on the image. This test also involves the use of an IV line.

Spiral Computed Tomography: An x-ray test where the patient is injected with contrast, placed under the x-ray camera, and the x-ray is moved around the patient in a continuous spiral, rather than in increments.

Gastric emptying study:  An x-ray test where the patient is fed (either orally or via g-tube) a liquid mixed with a contrast agent and then placed under an x-ray camera to time how long it takes for the stomach to empty into the intestines. A picture is taken in one-minute increments for up to 90 minutes. The patient can lie down and watch TV or sleep during this test. An IV may or may not be utilized, otherwise, very painless test.

Swallowing study: An x-ray test where the patient is fed orally a food or liquid mixed with a contrast agent and a picture is taken as the patient swallows. This helps to determine if the patient is at risk for aspirating (breathing in) food into their lungs. Aspiration can cause pneumonia.