Medical Tests & Procedures Archive

Direct-to-consumer genetic tests can screen for rare heart conditions that arise from variants in a single gene (such as cardiomyopathies) as well as common conditions influenced by many thousands of gene variants (such as coronary artery disease). But because the results are not definitive, they can be challenging to interpret.

High-resolution micro-ultrasound may be an efficient alternative to using MRI plus conventional ultrasound to guide prostate biopsies, according to a 2025 study. The micro-ultrasound method proved as accurate as MRI guidance, but requires fewer visits and costs less.

For men who choose prostate cancer screening, it begins with measuring prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. Scientists continue to explore strategies beyond PSA testing to identify men who should have biopsies because they are more likely to have intermediate or high-risk cancer. These strategies include other types of PSA measurements, urine tests for genes, new imaging methods and artificial intelligence that works to improve the accuracy and efficiency of MRI and biopsies.

People with very high calcium scores (over 1,000) have a risk of heart attack or stroke similar to those who have already had a heart attack. They should take cholesterol-lowering drugs to bring down LDL levels and possibly undergo additional testing.

Nearly one in five hospitalized adults is harmed or dies each year due to a diagnostic error. Diagnostic errors include a delay in diagnosis, a wrong diagnosis, or unclear communication about a diagnosis. Tricky-to-diagnose conditions include pneumonia, heart attack, stroke, sepsis, blood clots, and lung cancer. Women, minorities, and older adults may be more vulnerable to diagnostic mistakes. People can lower their risks of diagnostic errors by telling the doctor about their medications, taking a trusted companion to appointments, and seeking second opinions in cases of doubt.

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) creates a 3D image of the heart and its blood vessels, revealing both obstructive and nonobstructive plaque. Most heart attacks occur when smaller, nonobstructive plaques rupture and form a clot that triggers a heart attack. Used to assess people with stable angina, CCTA may prevent heart attacks by improving how cardiologists find and treat heart disease.