Endocrine System

Blood test to measure the level of substances such as calcium, electorlytes, testosterone, insulin,and glucose.  Used to assist in determining the function of various endocrine glands.

Blood test to measure the amount of sugar circulating throught the body after a 12-hour fast.

Test to determine the blood sugar level.  A measured dose of glucose is given to a patient either orally or intravenously.  Blood samples are then drawn at  certain intervals to determine the abiltiy of the patient to use glucose.  Used for diabetic patients to determine their insulin response to glucose.

Blood test to measure the concentration of thyroxine (T4) circulating in the bloodstream.  The iodine becomes bound to the protein in the blood and can be measured.  Useful in establishing thyroid function.

• radi/o = ray
• immun//o = protection

Blood test that uses radioactively tagged hormones and antibodies to measure the quantity of hormone in the plasma.

Blood test used to measure the levels of thyroxine, triiodothyronien, and thyroid-stimulating hormone in the bloodstream to assist in determining thyroid function.

Blood test to measure the total amount of calcium to assist in detecting parathyroid and bone disorders.

Blood test to assist in evaluating glucose metabolism.  The patient eats a high carbohydrate diet and then fasts overnight before the test.  Then the blood samlple is taken 2 hours after a meal.

-graphy = process of recording

Ultrasound examination of the thyroid that can assist in distinguishing a thyroid nodule from a cyst.

Test in which radioactive iodine is administered that localizes in the thyroid gland.  The gland can then be visualized with a scanning device to detect pathology such as tumors.