Diagnostic testing is an essential part of the healthcare process. Here at Family Practice Center, we use different types of diagnostic tests to assess whether a patient has a specific health condition, biomarker, or genetic predisposition. Our healthcare providers use these tests to diagnose new conditions or illnesses, monitor existing ones, determine the effectiveness of certain medications or treatments, and much more.
One of the ways Family Practice Center differentiates itself from many other primary care practices in the Atlanta area is by providing in-house diagnostic testing in our office. In many cases, a doctor’s office will send sample materials (blood, urine, etc.) to off-site laboratories to have tests done. By performing these tests in our office, we are able to significantly expedite the process (sometimes by multiple weeks depending on the lab). This is great news for many patients. In addition to the unnecessary anxiety of test results hanging over their head, many people can benefit significantly from a faster diagnosis by beginning their treatment even sooner.
That’s why we are proud to offer the following forms of diagnostic testing in our office:
X-Rays
X-rays use radiation called electromagnetic waves to create images of the inside of a patient’s body. The images are presented in different shades of black and white due to the way certain tissues and organic materials absorb different amounts of radiation. X-rays are most commonly associated with diagnosing broken bones, but they can also be used in other ways including spotting illnesses like pneumonia and scanning for breast cancer during a mammogram.
Blood Testing
We perform blood testing to help provide information about the state of a patient’s health. Blood testing can help measure everything from cholesterol levels to the count of certain blood cells that indicate the presence of blood cell disorders like anemia or certain forms of cancer. We also test blood to detect potential blood loss, abnormal production or destruction of blood cells, certain infections, allergies, or illness like the flu.
Ultrasounds & Echocardiograms
Ultrasound is a type of imaging that uses high-frequency sound waves to see organs and other structures inside the body. Our providers use ultrasound testing to begin diagnosing issues related to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, liver, and other vital organs. We can use an ultrasound during pregnancy to view and monitor the fetus. Unlike x-rays, ultrasound does not require any exposure to radiation. We also offer Echocardiograph tests that allow us to depict the size and shape of the heart. This can help determine if a patient is in risk of having a heart attack or if they have had one in the past. Additionally, echocardiography can detect areas of the heart that are not performing as they should be or other potential heart issues like blood clotting or fluid build-up.
Diagnostic testing is a vital tool for healthcare providers and their patients, however, in many cases it is only the beginning. Once your testing is complete, it’s important that you work with dependable, experienced, board-certified healthcare providers to accurately assess your test results and develop the best-possible treatment plan if an issue should be detected. For more information or to schedule an appointment today, please contact Family Practice Center. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for additional health tips, news, practice updates, and more.