Testing and Procedures


Blood Work

bloodstation Within our office is a full laboratory, which is able to provide comprehensive studies on blood work. This testing is often used to monitor specific medical conditions, test drug levels, or to provide screening for a wide range of illnesses before symptoms occur.

Patient Preparation

When scheduled for a physical we recommend that you come to your appointment fasting. No food or drink 10-12 hours before blood is drawn provides optimal results. Drinking water, black coffee or plain tea are exceptions and will not alter results. If you typically take morning medications, which do not need to be taken with food, these should be taken as well. For diabetics unless you have a very early morning appointment we recommend that you do not fast on the day of your physical and that you come in on an early morning after your physical to have the blood work drawn. Our office also recommends that elderly patients or anyone who feels their appointment is too late in the day to fast, return on a separate day after your appointment for the blood work ordered by your physician.
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Bone Mineral Density Testing (DEXA Scan)

Bone mineral density or DEXA scan testing is a painless, noninvasive and Bone mineral density or DEXA scan testingsafe way to measure the bone density in your spine and hip, the most common site of fractures due to osteoporosis. Your bone density is compared to two standards, or norms, known as “age matched” and “young normal”. The age-matched reading compares your bone density to what is expected in someone of your age, sex, and size. The young normal reading compares your density to the optimal peak bone density of a healthy young adult of the same sex. The information from a bone density test allows your doctor to identify where you stand within ranges of normal and to determine whether you are at risk for fracture.

What To Expect When You Get A Bone Density Test

    1) You will be asked to lie on your back on an open table.
    2) A scan arm will move over the top of your body. At no time will this touch you.
    3) The technologist will position you for scans of your lower spine and your hip.
    4) This exam will last approximately 20 minutes.
    5) Your doctor will inform you of the results in approximately seven days.
Patient Preparation

Little preparation is required.
You may be asked to change into an x-ray gown. If you wear slacks or a skirt with an elastic waist band (no zippers or buttons) you will not even have to change.
You will be asked to complete a two-page general history form.
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Echocardiogram

Echocardiogram Machine An echocardiogram may be ordered by your physician to further assess the heart. This test is often used to assess a heart murmur, valves in the heart or the motion of the heart muscle.

What to Expect When You Get An Echocardiogram

This test is similar to an ultrasound where a probe is guided over the surface of the body to take images with sound waves. The test takes approximately 30 minutes.

No preparation required.
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EKG

The EKG is a test often used as part of an assessment of the heart. The pattern recorded on the tracing gives information on the heart rhythm and can be helpful in identifying evidence of a previous heart attack or compromised blood supply to specific areas.

What To Expect When You Get An EKG

Leads are placed onto the skin of the chest and ankle area with tabs.

No preparation is needed.
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