1. Echocardiograms
2. Electrocardiogram (EKG)
3. Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Testing
4. Reclast IV
5. Urodynamic Testing

1. Echocardiograms - An echocardiogram (or “echo”) is a test that uses sound waves to take pictures of the heart. A specially trained technician places a small, plastic microphone-like device against the chest. This device sends ultrasound waves that bounce off different parts of the heart and create an image of your heart on a computer screen. An echocardiogram can help your physician diagnose problems with your heart and heart valves and plan your treatment.

What do I need to do to prepare for an echocardiogram? No special preparation is required, unless recommended specifically by your physician.

How is an echocardiogram performed? Specially trained technicians will perform the echocardiogram.

This test takes about a half-hour or longer to complete, depending on the type of echo and the number of views that your physician orders. This test has no side effects and does not hurt.

Small pads called electrodes are placed on your chest and shoulders to monitor your heartbeat. You will be asked to lie on your back. During an echo, you may be asked to change your position and/or to exhale for a few seconds.

A small amount of cool, colorless gel is placed on your chest to improve the quality of the images. The microphone-like device (or transducer) then glides over the gel and takes the image/picture. The images are recorded on videotape or printed out and evaluated by your physician.

2. Electrocardiogram (EKG) - A simple, painless test that records the heart's electrical activity. To understand this test, it helps to understand how the heart works.

With each heartbeat, an electrical signal spreads from the top of the heart to the bottom. As it travels, the signal causes the heart to contract and pump blood. The process repeats with each new heartbeat. The heart's electrical signals set the rhythm of the heartbeat.

3. Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Testing - A nerve conduction velocity test, also called a nerve conduction study, measures how quickly electrical impulses move along a nerve. A healthy nerve conducts signals with greater speed and strength than a damaged nerve. The speed of nerve conduction is influenced by the myelin sheath—the insulating coating that surrounds the nerve.

Most neuropathies are caused by damage to the nerve's axon rather than damage to the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve. The nerve conduction velocity test is used to distinguish between true nerve disorders (such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease) and conditions where muscles are affected by nerve injury (such as carpal tunnel syndrome).

Why should I do it? This test is used to diagnose nerve damage or dysfunction and confirm a particular diagnosis. It can usually differentiate injury to the nerve fiber (axon) from injury to the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve, which is useful in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

How is it performed? During the test, flat electrodes are placed on the skin at intervals over the nerve that is being examined. A low intensity electric current is introduced to stimulate the nerves.

The velocity at which the resulting electric impulses are transmitted through the nerves is determined when images of the impulses are projected on an oscilloscope or computer screen. If a response is much slower than normal, damage to the myelin sheath is implied. If the nerve's response to stimulation by the current is decreased but with a relatively normal speed of conduction, damage to the nerve axon is implied.

How will it feel? There is generally minimal discomfort with the test because the electrical stimulus is small and usually is minimally felt by the patient

Download a PDF brochure on Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Testing.

4. Reclast IV – Reclast is indicated for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. In patients with a recent low-trauma hip fracture, Reclast reduces the incidence of new clinical fractures. Reclast is indicated for treatment to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis. Reclast is indicated for the treatment and prevention of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in patients expected to be on glucocorticoid therapy for at least twelve months. Reclast is indicated for the treatment of Paget’s disease of bone in men and women. Treatment is indicated in patients with Paget’s disease of bone with elevations in serum alkaline phosphatase of two times or higher than the upper limit of the age-specific normal reference range, or those who are symptomatic, or those at risk for complications from their disease. For more information, please visit the Reclast website.

5. Urodynamic Testing - Urodynamics is a test designed to evaluate bladder function and to help diagnose the cause of various bladder symptoms, including incontinence.

The test may be undertaken where the cause of the symptoms is unclear, or where the initial treatment has not been satisfactory. Your doctor may have requested this test to confirm diagnosis prior to possible surgery. Occasionally the test is performed to assess the effectiveness of a treatment program.

The aim of urodynamics is to obtain more information about your bladder function so as to achieve the best outcome in the treatment of your bladder problem.

What does the procedure involve? If on arriving for your appointment you have to go to the toilet to empty your bladder, please inform someone at the reception desk. Otherwise hold on till you are called. You will then be asked to empty your bladder into a special toilet that measures the urine flow.

A fine tube called a catheter will then be passed into your bladder through the urethra and the bladder drained of any residual urine. It is normal to feel the tube going in, but anaesthetic lubricant is used to dull this sensation where necessary.

The catheter is then removed and replaced with a finer catheter. In some cases, a fine tube may also be passed into the back passage to help interpret information obtained from the bladder tube. The tube(s) is (are) removed at the end of the procedure.

It is essential you are fully awake for the procedure. For most people the tubes are not uncomfortable, and are very well tolerated. Your bladder will then be filled with a fluid through the catheter and you will be asked questions about what you are feeling. The catheters will be recording the pressure and activity inside your bladder.

You will be asked to do a number of activities during the test, such as coughing, or holding on to prevent urination. After the bladder has been filled you will be asked to empty (void) into a special toilet. The catheter usually stays in the bladder for this. The tube(s) will then be removed, and the results discussed with you by the doctor.

Are there any risks from the test? There is a small risk of urinary infection, and sometimes you will be given an antibiotic at the time to prevent this. Urination may also result briefly in some burning, but this usually settles very quickly. Otherwise the test is very safe. You will be asked to drink extra fluid after the test to minimized discomfort