Category: E

A diagnostic procedure in which air and barium are introduced into the esophagus and the organ is X-rayed to detect abnormalities.  

Endoscopic examination of the length of the gastrointestinal tract extending from the esophagus to the duodenum. Examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract with a flexible fiberoptic endoscope. EGD is often performed to identify the cause of or to treat bleeding, pain, or swallowing disturbances.  

A diagnostic test of esophageal function in which pressures are measured at various points inside the esophagus by passing water-filled catheters through the mouth to the stomach to determine abnormal esophageal conditions. A test that measures the strength of the contractions of the muscles of the esophagus and the resistance of the lower esophageal sphincter…

A test that determines the adequacy of the lower esophageal sphincter.  

Measures of size and hemoglobin concentration of red blood cells.  

A test of the susceptibility of red blood cells to hemolysis; this is an indication of blood levels of vitamin E, which may be deficient in anemias, infertility, and malnutrition.  

A count of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in a sample of whole blood.  

Bleeding in the cranium outside the dura mater, the tough, fibrous outer coat of the brain. Also known as an extradural hemorrhage, bleeding that leads to a collection of blood outside the dura, which is the outside covering of the central nervous system. An extradural hemorrhage is often the result of head injury and is…

A diagnostic procedure that checks for abnormalities such as bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The patient swallows a nylon string encased in a gelatin capsule, which passes down as far as the duodenum. After 3-4 hours, the line is withdrawn and stripped of blood, bile, or other matter, which is then examined; also called…

Bacteria that live in the gastrointestinal tract.