Medical Terminology Simplified

Imaging technique in which a small transducer is passed over the skin to transmit

high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) that bounce off body tissues and are then

recorded to produce an image of an internal organ or tissue

Ultrasonography used to assess blood flow through blood vessels and the heart

Doppler US detects alterations in blood flow caused by plaque or blood clots in arteries

and veins. It is used to diagnose deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins, aneurysms,

carotid artery occlusion, and other vessel abnormalities. (See Fig. 5–15.)

Lymphatic System

Removal of living bone marrow tissue, usually taken from the sternum or iliac crest,

for microscopic examination

Bone marrow aspiration biopsy evaluates hematopoiesis by revealing the number,

shape, and size of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelet

precursors.

Blood test that detects antibodies in the blood, including screening for an antibody

to the AIDS virus; also known as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Positive outcome on the ELISA test indicates probable virus exposure and is confirmed

with the Western blot test, which is more specific.

Radiographic examination of lymph glands and lymphatic vessels after an injection

of a contrast medium

Lymphangiography is used to show the path of lymph flow as it moves into the chest

region.

Additional Medical Terms • CHAPTER 5 197

ultrasonography (US)

ŭl-tră-sŏn-ŎG-răf-ē

ultra-: excess, beyond

son/o: sound

-graphy: process of

recording

Doppler

DŎP-lěr

lymphangiography

lĭm-făn-jē-ŎG-ră-fē

lymph: lymph

angi/o: vessel (usually

blood or lymph)

-graphy: process of

recording

Figure 5-15Doppler ultrasonography of the carotid artery.

bone marrow aspiration

biopsy

ăs-pĭ-RĀ-shŭn BĪ-ŏp-sē

ELISA