MEDICAL TEST HEALTH TERMS LEGAL GLOSSARY

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Testicular Biopsy: A test to remove a small sample of tissue from one or both testicles and examined under a microscope to evaluate a man's ability to father a child.

Tay-Sachs Disease Testing: The test measures the amount of an enzyme called hexosaminidase A in a blood sample. Hexosaminidase A is used to break down fatty substances in the brain and nerves. Tay-Sachs is an inherited disease in which the body does not break down fatty substances as it should. As the fatty substances accumulate in the body, they damage brain and nerve cells to the point that they cannot function properly. Chromosomes in a person's cells contain the gene code for the production of hexosaminidase. Normally a person inherits one chromosome that contains the hexosaminidase A code from each parent. 

Throat Culture: A test to detect and identify a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection in the throat. A sample of material swabbed from the throat is placed in a container with substances that promote the growth of disease-causing organisms. If disease-causing organisms grow, the culture is positive. The type of organism is identified using a microscope, chemical tests or both. If no organisms grow, the culture is determined to be negative.

Tissue Type Test: A blood test that measures substances called antigens that determine whether donor tissue is compatible for transplant into another person. This test may also be called HLA typing. Antigens on the surface of body cells and tissues can tell the difference between normal body tissue and foreign tissue. Tissue type helps identify the best donor for tissues or blood cells (such as platelets). In some cases, tissue typing may be done to determine a person's risk for developing certain diseases, especially certain autoimmune diseases.

Total Serum Protein Test: Measures the total amount of protein in the blood. Two major groups of proteins in the blood are albumin and globulin.
· Albumin is made mainly in the liver. It helps keep the blood from leaking out of blood vessels. Albumin also helps carry some medicines and other substances through the blood and is important for tissue growth and healing. 
· Globulin is made up of different proteins called alpha, beta, and gamma types. Some globulins are made by the liver, while others are made by the immune system. Certain globulins bind with hemoglobin. Other globulins transport metals, such as iron, in the blood and help fight infection. Serum globulin can be separated into several subgroups by serum protein electrophoresis. 

Toxicology Test: Examines blood, urine, or hair for the presence of drugs. In rare cases, stomach contents, sweat, or saliva may also be examined. Drugs can be accidentally or deliberately swallowed, inhaled, injected, or absorbed through a skin surface or mucous membrane. These drugs include:

• Prescription medications, such as: 
• Narcotic painkillers
• Sediatives 
• Anticonvulsants 
• Theophylline 
• Digoxin
• Medications to treat mental illnesses.
• Nonprescription medications, such as aspirin or acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).
• Recreational drugs, such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, amphetamines, GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate), LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), PCP, MDMA, or psychedelic mushrooms. 
• The Date Rape Drug.

A toxicology test may check for a specific drug or for up to 30 different drugs, depending upon the individual case. Testing is often done on a urine sample instead of blood, because urine tests are usually easier to do than blood tests and a wider number of drugs can be detected in the urine. Also, a drug may be detectable for a longer period of time in urine than in blood.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained within this personal injury site is of a general nature and is not meant to be a restatement of any rules of law. Your use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should hire an attorney to obtain legal advice for your specific case. 
© Copyright 2004, Consultwebs.com, Inc., All rights reserved. Personal Injury Law Glossary.

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