Glossary for examinations

Collected over a full day by saving all urine produced.  Used to investigate kidney function and metabolic disorders.

Keywords: collected urine sample

The contrast seen in X-ray images—differences in grayscale and darkness—is based on the varying degrees of absorption (attenuation) of X-rays in the patient's tissues and bones. 

Keywords: X-ray, X-ray radiation, absorption

Accreditation communicates competence, credibility, and reliability to clients and patients. 

Accreditation is a procedure based on international criteria to verify the competence of an operator and the credibility of the certificates it issues. 

Before an accreditation decision is made, it is assessed whether the operator meets the requirements described in the accreditation standard. 

Keywords: international criteria, competence

A fundamental principle of radiation protection, stating that radiation exposure should always be kept as low as reasonably achievable. 

Keywords: radiation protection, radiation exposure

An intensified and altered way of reacting to foreign substances in the body caused by sensitization of the immune system. Allergic reactions may occur, for example, to foods, medications, or pollen.

Keywords: allergy, foreign substance

An examination performed using a portable recording device. 

Keywords: recording device, portable

A vascular imaging method using contrast agents. Blood vessels can be examined using computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 

Keywords: angiography, blood vessels, contrast agent, computed tomography, CT, fluoroscopy, magnetic resonance imaging, MRI

A biopsy is a tissue or cell sample taken using a needle through the skin. 

A tissue sample is taken with a thicker needle, while a cell sample can be obtained with a thinner needle that aspirates cells into a syringe. 

A sample may also be taken through a skin incision. 

Keywords: tissue sample, cell sample, biopsy

The liquid component of blood without blood cells.

Computed tomography (CT) examination of the torso. Using a CT scanner, cross-sectional images are obtained with X-rays. The term “torso” refers to the part of the human body excluding the head and limbs.  When examining the torso, imaging typically includes the lungs and abdominal region.

Keywords: computed tomography, X-ray, lungs, abdomen

A sample taken from the fingertip after a skin puncture, collected into a thin glass tube (capillary). 

Keywords: fingertip, capillary

Clinical neurophysiology examines the function and disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system as well as the muscles, primarily using electrical measurements.

The most common examinations include electroencephalography (EEG) for measuring the brain’s electrical activity and electroneuromyography (ENMG) for assessing nerve and muscle function.

In addition, clinical neurophysiology investigates sleep-related breathing disorders, other sleep disturbances, and symptoms of excessive daytime sleepiness.

Keywords: central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, muscles, brain, EEG, ENMG, sleep disorders

Clinical physiology studies the vital functions of the human body and their disorders. In clinical physiology, the function of the lungs, heart, and esophagus is examined using various measurements, either as short-term tests or long-term recordings.

Keywords: lungs, heart, esophagus, long-term recording

Urine composition varies throughout the day. To accurately assess certain substances, urine may need to be collected over a specific period—usually 24 hours, sometimes less. 

Keywords: urine, 24-hour collection

Computed tomography (Finnish: TT, English: CT) is an examination in which cross-sectional images of the desired area are obtained using X-rays. This allows the creation of detailed three-dimensional images of different body regions and organs. 

Computed tomography is also referred to as slice imaging or computer-assisted tomography.  

Keywords: CT, TT, X-ray, cross-sectional image, slice imaging, computer tomography

A contrast agent is a substance used in imaging examinations to improve the differentiation or contrast of body structures or fluids compared to surrounding tissues. 

X-ray contrast agents are generally classified as iodine-based and non-iodine-based, the latter mainly containing barium. Iodine-based contrast agents are used, for example, in imaging of blood vessels, urinary tract, and joints, whereas barium-based agents are used in gastrointestinal imaging.  Gadolinium-based agents are used to enhance magnetic resonance imaging. Allergic reactions to contrast and enhancement agents are rare but possible. However, imaging units are well prepared to manage such reactions.

Keywords: imaging examination, X-ray examination, iodine, gadolinium

A sensor that measures the body's electrical activity (i.e. EEG and ECG). 

Keywords: EEG, ECG

EEG measures the brain's electrical activity. The examination is performed using an electrode cap placed on the patient's head during the measurement. 

Measurement electrodes may also be placed on the skin using a mesh cap or water-soluble adhesive. 

Keywords: EEG, brainwave, measurement electrode

ENMG is used to investigate peripheral nerve and muscle damage. It measures nerve conduction velocities with small electrical stimuli and muscle electrical activity with a thin needle. 

Keywords: ENMG, peripheral nerve, muscle, nerves, damage

Some laboratory examinations require fasting beforehand. For a fasting sample, no food should be consumed for 10–12 hours. A glass of water may be consumed during the fasting period. 

Fasting is indicated by a small "f" in front of the examination abbreviation.

Keywords: preparation for laboratory tests

An imaging procedure that uses X-rays and often contrast agents to produce real-time images of moving structures. Individual X-ray images may also be taken during the procedure.  Fluoroscopy procedures may include therapeutic interventions, such as opening blocked blood vessels or stopping bleeding.

Keywords: imaging, X-ray radiation, contrast agent

A contrast agent used in MRI contains gadolinium. It is usually administered intravenously via a cannula. In some cases, contrast may be injected directly into a joint (commonly shoulder or wrist) if deemed necessary by the radiologist. 

Keywords: contrast agent, MRI

Refers to medical imaging and other diagnostic examinations performed using appropriate methods based on symptoms. Helps in diagnosis. 

In Examinationhub includes specialties and examinations such as: 

• Radiology (i.e. X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT) 

• Nuclear medicine (nuclear imaging and treatments) 

• Clinical physiology (i.e. spirometry, ECG, stress tests) 

• Clinical neurophysiology (i.e. EEG, ENMG, sleep studies) 

However, there may be variation between regions regarding whether clinical physiology and clinical neurophysiology examinations are considered part of imaging or laboratories. 

Keywords: imaging, diagnostic imaging

A medical diagnostic and treatment method in which internal procedures are performed using a radiological imaging technique as guidance, without open surgery. 

This spares the patient from complications associated with major surgical procedures and also allows for faster recovery. 

Keywords: internal procedure

A substance that effectively blocks X-rays. Iodine-based contrast agents are used in imaging of blood vessels, urinary tract, and joints. The contrast is excreted via the kidneys. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, and imaging units are prepared to manage them. Known allergies must be communicated to the imaging unit. 

Keywords: iodine, contrast agent, X-ray imaging, allergic reaction

Ionizing radiation is high-energy radiation capable of altering the electrical charges of atoms, that is, ionizing atoms. Ionizing radiation can be electromagnetic radiation (such as X-rays and gamma rays) or particle radiation.

Keywords: radiation, X-ray radiation

A fundamental principle of radiation protection stating that exposure to radiation is justified only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Keywords: adiation protection

Medical laboratory examination is a method of obtaining information about a person’s health status or diagnosing diseases by analyzing samples taken from the body, such as blood, urine, and tissue specimens. 

The examination is usually performed in a hospital or health center laboratory, but it can also be carried out in laboratories of independent research institutes, private clinics, or companies. 

Keywords: blood sample, urine sample, tissue sample, laboratory

Laboratory examination abbreviations are preceded by prefixes that indicate from which body fluid or secretion the sample is to be taken and, for example, from which part of the blood the examination is to be performed. The use of uppercase or lowercase letters in the prefix is significant. 

Below is a list of the most common prefixes and their explanations:

Keywords: abbreviations, prefixes, codes

MRI is a medical imaging method within the field of radiology. 

The technique measures radiofrequency signals emitted by hydrogen nuclei in a magnetic field, making it well-suited for examining tissues rich in hydrogen (fatty and aqueous tissues, including bone marrow).

Keywords: MRI, MK, imaging method

Our environment contains naturally occurring radioactive substances and cosmic radiation from space. These radioactive substances are found in soil, air, and even within our own bodies.

Keywords: radioactive substances, radiation

Used to assess functional and metabolic changes in organs. X-ray and MRI primarily image anatomical structures. 

Keywords: isotope, X-ray imaging, MRI

Nuclear medicine refers to a medical specialty that uses radioactive pharmaceuticals for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. 

Radioactive decay is an event in which an unstable atomic nucleus spontaneously disintegrates without external influence, losing energy and transforming into lighter nuclei. 

The process releases ionizing radiation, which, depending on the type of decay, is either electromagnetic radiation, particle radiation, or most often both.  

Keywords: isotope, radioactive pharmaceutical

Overnight polygraphy is primarily used to investigate sleep-related breathing disorders. The examination is performed at the patient’s home during the night. 

On the previous day, the patient collects the monitoring device from the examination unit or an agreed location and receives instructions for its use.

Keywords: sleep, breathing disorder, home

Medical laboratories provide services to patients and the physician responsible for their care, which directly influences treatment. The laboratory must be able to demonstrate how it meets the established quality requirements and by which procedures reliable examination results are produced. 

In imaging, quality assurance ensures that the equipment, facility, or operation complies with the specified standards. This guarantees that devices function correctly and reliably.

Keywords: quality standards, reliable test results

There are several physical quantities used to describe radiation dose. All of them indicate the amount of energy absorbed by the medium from the radiation. 

For assessing health risks, quantities that reflect biological effects are most relevant. These are expressed in millisieverts (mSv).

Keywords: exposure, millisievert, mSv

Refers to X-ray or isotope-based diagnostic imaging.

Keywords: X-ray examination, isotope examination

A physician specialized in radiology.

Keywords: physician

The examination and treatment of diseases using radiation, ultrasound, or magnetic fields.  Today, imaging methods that do not use radiation, such as ultrasound and MRI, are also considered part of radiology.

Keywords: radiology, radiation, ultrasound, magnetic field

Reference ranges or reference values in laboratory examination refer to the limits within which the results of a given laboratory examination fall for most healthy individuals. Previously, the term “normal values” was used for the same purpose.  Reference ranges often help in assessing the significance of a laboratory examination result, i.e. whether the result is normal or abnormal. However, there are situations where interpretation is more complex and requires the judgment of the physician who ordered the examination.  For many laboratory examinations, reference ranges are defined separately by sex and age; in other words, the ranges may differ for men, women, or children of different ages. Reference ranges may also vary for technical reasons, depending on the analytical method used for a specific laboratory examination.

Keywords: laboratory test, reference range, normal value, result interpretation

A referral from a physician is always required for laboratory and imaging examinations in public healthcare services. The referral may be electronic or paper-based and includes the examination the physician has ordered. 

The referring physician assesses the necessity of the examinations and selects the most appropriate examinations and methods. Based on the referral, the laboratory staff knows which samples to collect. In imaging, the referral specifies the required examination and clinical question, clarifying what condition or issue is being investigated.

Keywords: laboratory examination, imaging examination

Scoliosis refers to an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. In scoliosis, the spine forms a sideways curve when viewed from the front or back. Sometimes the severity of scoliosis is assessed using a so-called scoliosis X-ray.  An X-ray image is taken of the entire length of the spine, and measurements are performed afterwards. Based on these measurements, the physician decides whether treatment is needed and, if so, what kind. Imaging can also be used to monitor the progression of scoliosis or the results of treatment.

Keywords: spinal curvature, X-ray examination

Screening is used to detect diseases in asymptomatic populations. It is conducted as mass examinations, with the target group invited to participate. 

Screening tests include, for example, mammography for breast cancer and the Pap smear for cervical cancer.

Keywords: asymptomatic population, mass examination, mammography, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer

A unit of radiation dose that accounts for the type of radiation and tissue sensitivity.  Common subunits include millisievert (mSv, one-thousandth of a sievert) and microsievert (µSv, one-millionth of a sievert).

Keywords: radiation dose

Taken from the fingertip in adults, and from the heel in newborns and children under 5 kg. The puncture is made with a lancet that creates a puncture or incision. In adults, skin puncture samples are typically used in point-of-care testing. 

Keywords: fingertip, heel, point-of-care test

An X-ray image or X-ray examination in which the area being imaged is subjected to stress or load. When imaging limbs, this most commonly means an image taken while standing, i.e., bearing weight on the limb. When imaging a smaller joint in the shoulder area, a stress view may also be requested, in which case weights are held in the hands during the imaging.

Spinal images are generally taken in a standing position. Imaging in a standing position is so common that the specification “standing” or “under load” is no longer added separately.

Keywords: X-ray examination, stress, load

A three-dimensional image composed of multiple mammography images processed by compute.

Keywords: mammography

Traditional X-ray imaging without contrast agents. Individual images are taken, such as a chest X-ray. The term may also be used in CT and MRI contexts.

Keywords: basic X-ray, radiography

Urine samples may include clean-catch midstream (CCMS), first morning urine, or 24-hour urine.  The sample type depends on the intended examination.

Keywords: first morning urine, 24-hour urine

Blood samples are primarily collected using vacuum technique, where negative pressure draws the required amount of blood into the tube. This method is safe and clean, as the blood goes directly into the tube without spillage.

Keywords: blood sample

In adults, the most common type of blood sample is a venous sample, typically collected from a superficial vein in the elbow crease using a vacuum needle. Alternatively, open technique may be used if the veins are fragile or small.

Keywords: elbow crease, blood sample

X-ray imaging is a medical procedure in which X-ray radiation passes through body tissues to generate a radiographic image of the patient. 

Air-filled lung tissue and fat absorb little radiation and appear dark on X-rays, while bone tissue absorbs more and appears light.

Keywords: diagnostic method, X-ray radiation

Ionizing electromagnetic radiation produced electrically in an X-ray tube under high voltage. 

Used in standard X-ray examinations (i.e. limbs, chest), fluoroscopy (i.e. esophagus, bladder, rectum), and computed tomography (CT). 

X-ray radiation can also be used during certain medical procedures (i.e. balloon angioplasty of blood vessels).

Keywords: electromagnetic radiation, CT, TT