Health Information Library

All the content of the library is provided from Mayo Clinic in English.
As a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, RSPP has special access to Mayo Clinic knowledge and resources.

Test & Procedures

3D mammogram

Find out what to expect during a 3D mammogram to l...

A1C test

Learn more about the preparation for and results o...

ANA test

An antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is one test use...

AV node ablation

Learn who may benefit from this cardiac catheter p...

Abdominal hysterectomy

Learn why surgery to remove the uterus, known as a...

Abdominal ultrasound

An ultrasound of the abdomen is the preferred test...

Active surveillance for prostate cancer

Learn about why doctors may recommend active surve...

Acupuncture

Practitioners use this integrative medicine techni...

Adrenalectomy

Learn what to expect from this surgery that involv...

Allergy shots

Allergy shots offer long-term relief from allergy ...

Allergy skin tests

Considering skin testing for your allergies? Learn...

Allogeneic stem cell transplant

Learn about this type of bone marrow transplant us...

Amniocentesis

Find out about this prenatal test that checks the ...

Ankle-brachial index

Find out more about this test for peripheral arter...

Annuloplasty

If you have a leaky heart valve, this treatment to...

Aortic root surgery

Learn more about this complex heart surgery done w...

Aortic valve repair and aortic valve replacement

These types of heart valve surgeries are done to t...

Arthroscopy

Learn more about this procedure that uses a slim f...

Atrial fibrillation ablation

Learn how heat or cold energy can treat an irregul...

Atrial flutter ablation

This treatment uses heat energy to treat a rapid, ...

Autologous stem cell transplant

Understand this type of bone marrow transplant tha...

Awake brain surgery

Awake brain surgery is performed while you are awa...

BRCA gene test for breast and ovarian cancer risk

Find out what to expect if you're considering a bl...

Bariatric surgery

Bariatric surgery can be a helpful weight loss too...

Barium enema

Find out how to prepare and what to expect if your...

Basal body temperature for natural family planning

Learn the steps for tracking body temperature for ...

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS)

Learn about a two-part weight-loss procedure that ...

Bilirubin test

Find out what to expect from a bilirubin test — ...

Biofeedback

This technique teaches you to control your body's ...

Birth control patch

Learn how to use this type of birth control that d...

Bladder removal surgery (cystectomy)

Learn about new ways to surgically remove the blad...

Blepharoplasty

Learn what's involved and the risks, as well as wh...

Blood and bone marrow stem cell donation

Learn what these donations involve and what the ri...

Blood donation

Find out what to expect during blood donation and ...

Blood pressure test

Learn how this simple test is done, how often you ...

Blood transfusion

A blood transfusion can help replace blood lost du...

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test

Learn about the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test to ...

Bone density test

If your doctor suspects you have osteoporosis, a b...

Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration

Learn what to expect with these tests, which are d...

Bone marrow transplant

Learn about this procedure that replaces unhealthy...

Bone scan

This diagnostic test can be used to check for canc...

Botox injections

Learn about the uses, risks and results of this tr...

Brachytherapy

During brachytherapy cancer treatment, radioactive...

Brain stereotactic radiosurgery

This procedure delivers precise radiation therapy ...

Breast MRI

Learn more about how this imaging test helps diagn...

Breast augmentation

Learn about surgery to increase breast size, as we...

Breast biopsy

Learn about this test that's used to diagnose brea...

Breast cancer supportive therapy and survivorship

Learn about the services available to help you fee...

Breast cancer surgery

Learn about the types of operations used to treat ...

Breast lift

Learn more about this procedure that reshapes and ...

Breast reconstruction with flap surgery

Find out what to expect if you're considering brea...

Breast reconstruction with implants

Find out what to expect if you're considering brea...

Breast reduction surgery

Find out more about this surgery to remove fat, br...

Breast self-exam for breast awareness

Being aware of the look and feel of your breasts m...

Bronchoscopy

A doctor inserts a small, flexible tube through yo...

Brow lift

Learn about this surgery that can raise sagging br...

Buttock lift

Find out how this surgery can change your appearan...

C-reactive protein test

This simple blood test measures inflammation in th...

C-section

Learn the reasons this surgical procedure to deliv...

CA 125 test

Learn how doctors use this blood test to measure l...

COVID-19 antibody testing

Learn how COVID-19 antibody testing is done to fin...

COVID-19 diagnostic testing

Find out how to test to learn if you're infected w...

CT coronary angiogram

Learn about the risks and results of this imaging ...

CT scan

This imaging test helps detect internal injuries a...

Canalith repositioning procedure

Here's what to expect from the canalith reposition...

Cancer treatment

Cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation, c...

Capsule endoscopy

This procedure involves swallowing a tiny capsule ...

Cardiac ablation

Heat or cold energy applied to the heart can corre...

Cardiac catheterization

Find out more about this minimally invasive proced...

Cardiac rehabilitation

Learn more about this personalized program to impr...

Cardiac resynchronization therapy

This heart failure treatment uses a pacemaker or a...

Cardioversion

Learn what to expect during this treatment to rese...

Carotid angioplasty and stenting

This procedure opens a clogged artery to restore b...

Carotid endarterectomy

This procedure removes plaque buildup in the carot...

Carotid ultrasound

This test examines the blood flow through the arte...

Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery — Overview covers risks, compli...

Chemical peel

Learn about your options and what to expect with t...

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat many types of...

Chemotherapy for breast cancer

Learn how doctors use this drug treatment to kill ...

Chest X-rays

Learn what these chest images can show and what co...

Chiropractic adjustment

Chiropractors apply a controlled, sudden force to ...

Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)

Does your gallbladder need to come out? Find out w...

Cholesterol test

Measuring the amount of cholesterol and triglyceri...

Circumcision (male)

Learn about the benefits and risks of surgery to r...

Cochlear implants

This electronic device improves hearing in people ...

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Becoming aware of inaccurate or negative thinking ...

Colectomy

If you're having colon surgery, learn what to expe...

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is one option for colon cancer screeni...

Colposcopy

Find out why colposcopy is done and what to expect...

Combination birth control pills

This oral contraceptive contains both estrogen and...

Complete blood count (CBC)

Learn what to expect from having this common blood...

Computerized tomography (CT) urogram

Learn more about this imaging exam used to diagnos...

Concussion testing and screening tools

These screening tools help measure brain function ...

Contraceptive implant

Learn about the benefits, risks and effectiveness ...

Convalescent plasma therapy

Convalescent plasma therapy uses blood from people...

Copper IUD (ParaGard)

A copper intrauterine device offers a hormone-free...

Cornea transplant

This procedure uses donor tissue to restore vision...

Coronary angiogram

Learn more about this heart disease test that uses...

Coronary angioplasty and stents

Coronary angioplasty and stents can open clogged b...

Coronary artery bypass surgery

This major heart surgery, also called CABG, create...

Coronary calcium scan

This heart CT test can show calcium deposits in th...

Cortisone shots

These shots can help relieve pain, swelling and ir...

Cosmetic surgery

The goal of this type of surgery is to improve you...

Craniotomy

Learn the brain conditions that are treated with t...

Creatinine test

Creatinine test — Overview covers definition, pr...

Cryotherapy for prostate cancer

Find out how very cold temperatures are used to fr...

Cystoscopy

During cystoscopy, your doctor examines the inside...

Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) tests

CYP450 tests may help find out how your body proce...

Deceased-donor kidney transplant

Find out more about deceased-donor kidney transpla...

Deep brain stimulation

Learn how electrical stimulation of the brain can ...

Dental implant surgery

A procedure that replaces tooth roots with metal, ...

Depo-Provera (contraceptive injection)

Depo-Provera, a contraceptive injection that's giv...

Dermabrasion

Find out how this skin-resurfacing procedure can c...

Dilation and curettage (D&C)

Learn what to expect during this procedure, how a ...

Discogram

This imaging test helps determine if an irregular ...

Diskectomy

This surgical procedure removes the damaged portio...

Donor nephrectomy

In this surgical procedure, a healthy kidney is re...

EEG (electroencephalogram)

Brain cells communicate through electrical impulse...

ENA test

The extractable nuclear antigen panel, known as th...

EP study

An electrophysiology study can show the cause of i...

Ear reconstruction

Learn about this cosmetic procedure, which is done...

Ear tubes

Learn about the procedure for placing ear tubes us...

Echocardiogram

Find out more about this imaging test that uses so...

Elbow replacement surgery

Elbow replacement surgery can be complicated becau...

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

This common test checks the heartbeat. It can help...

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

This procedure can greatly and rapidly improve se...

Electromyography (EMG)

Electromyography (EMG) is a procedure used to diag...

Endometrial ablation

This surgery that destroys the lining of the uteru...

Endoscopic mucosal resection

Endoscopic mucosal resection, a procedure to remov...

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty

This weight-loss procedure is done using a flexibl...

Endoscopic ultrasound

Learn about this imaging test that uses both endos...

Epilepsy surgery

Surgery may provide relief from epileptic seizures...

Esophageal manometry

This test involves placing a thin, pressure-sensit...

Esophagectomy

This surgery is commonly used to treat cancer in t...

External beam radiation for prostate cancer

Learn about the risks and results of this procedur...

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

This procedure helps the heart and lungs work duri...

Face transplant

Learn about this complex surgery that uses donor t...

Face-lift

This cosmetic surgery can give your face a younger...

Facial feminization surgery

Learn about procedures that can change facial feat...

Facial fillers for wrinkles

Find out more about facial injections, also called...

Facial reanimation surgery

Learn how these procedures can allow people with f...

Fecal occult blood test

Learn how healthcare professionals use fecal occul...

Feminizing hormone therapy

Find out more about feminizing hormonal treatment ...

Feminizing surgery

Find out how feminizing surgical procedures can he...

Ferritin test

This test measures a blood protein that contains i...

Fetal surgery

This procedure is done on an unborn baby (fetus) i...

Flexible sigmoidoscopy

Learn about this alternative to colonoscopy to scr...

Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y)

Gastric bypass is a type of weight-loss surgery th...

Gender-affirming (transgender) voice therapy and surgery

Learn how voice therapy and surgery can help achie...

Gene therapy

In this procedure, specialists aim to fix or repla...

General anesthesia

This sleep-like state during surgery allows you to...

Genetic testing

Genetic testing: Learn why it's done, how to prepa...

Glucose challenge test

Know how to prepare for this gestational diabetes ...

Glucose tolerance test

These simple blood tests are performed to screen f...

HIDA scan

Find out what to expect during a HIDA scan — a n...

HPV test

This test can help show the risk of cervical cance...

Hand transplant

Find out what's involved in this surgery in which ...

Heart transplant

Replacing a failing heart with a donor heart is an...

Heart valve surgery

Learn more about surgery to treat heart valve dise...

Hematocrit test

Learn about this red blood cell blood test, includ...

Hemodialysis

Learn about hemodialysis and the risks and benefit...

Hemoglobin test

Learn why this blood test is done, how to prepare ...

Hip replacement

Hip replacement may be an option if your hip pain ...

Holter monitor

This wearable device keeps track of the heart's rh...

Home enteral nutrition

Learn how Mayo Clinic specialists help you maintai...

Home parenteral nutrition

Learn about home parenteral nutrition treatment at...

Hormonal IUD (Mirena)

This birth control device gives long-acting protec...

Hormone therapy for breast cancer

Find out how hormone therapy is used to treat brea...

Hormone therapy for prostate cancer

Find out what to expect during testosterone-blocki...

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

This type of therapy is a well-known treatment for...

Hypnosis

Find out about this changed state of awareness and...

Ileoanal anastomosis (J-pouch) surgery

This surgery removes the large intestine. It's oft...

Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)

Learn how imaging tests are used during radiation ...

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs)

This cardiac therapy device delivers shocks to con...

Implantable loop recorder: A heart monitoring device

Learn how this implanted device records your heart...

In vitro fertilization (IVF)

Learn what to expect from this assisted reproducti...

Integrative medicine

Integrative medicine combines complementary and al...

Intragastric balloon

An intragastric balloon is a silicone balloon fill...

Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI)

Find out how neurosurgeons use intraoperative magn...

Intrauterine insemination (IUI)

Learn more about how this infertility treatment is...

Intravenous pyelogram

An intravenous pyelogram is an imaging exam that m...

Jaw surgery

Jaw surgery corrects irregularities of the jaw bon...

Kidney biopsy

During a kidney biopsy, doctors remove a small pie...

Kidney transplant

Find out about the different types of kidney trans...

Knee replacement

Knee replacement surgery can relieve pain and rest...

LASIK eye surgery

Learn about this common type of laser eye surgery ...

Labor induction

Know what to expect during this procedure to start...

Laminectomy

Removing the rear part of a vertebra, called the l...

Laryngotracheal reconstruction

Laryngotracheal reconstruction surgery — Compreh...

Larynx and trachea transplant

A larynx or trachea transplant may help people who...

Laser hair removal

Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of lig...

Laser resurfacing

Explore your options and learn what to expect from...

Liposuction

Learn about this surgery that removes fat and shap...

Liver biopsy

Examining liver tissue can be a vital step in diag...

Liver function tests

Liver function tests can help determine how well y...

Liver transplant

Learn what to expect before and after this importa...

Living-donor kidney transplant

Find out more about living-donor kidney transplant...

Living-donor liver transplant

Learn about this surgery that uses a portion of a ...

Living-donor transplant

This surgery uses a living donor's organ, such as ...

Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)

Learn about lumbar puncture, which removes a sampl...

Lumpectomy

Learn what to expect from this breast-conserving s...

Lung cancer screening

Doctors recommend lung CT scans to look for signs ...

Lung transplant

Learn what's involved in this major surgery that r...

Lung volume reduction surgery

Lung volume reduction surgery helps some people wi...

MRI

Learn more about how to prepare for this painless ...

Magnetic resonance elastography

This newer, noninvasive imaging test is used to fi...

Mammogram

Learn what to expect during a breast X-ray exam. F...

Masculinizing hormone therapy

Find out more about masculinizing hormonal treatme...

Masculinizing surgery

Find out how masculinizing surgical procedures can...

Mastectomy

Learn about this operation to remove the breast ti...

Maze procedure

Find out who may benefit from this treatment to co...

Medical abortion

Learn what to expect when medicine is used to end ...

Meditation

Find out more about this mind-body practice and it...

Minimally invasive heart surgery

Learn more about this surgery that uses small inci...

Minimally invasive surgery

Learn more about laparoscopy or robotic surgical t...

Minipill (progestin-only birth control pill)

This oral contraceptive, sometimes called the mini...

Mitral valve repair and mitral valve replacement

If you have a leaky or stiff mitral valve, you may...

Mohs surgery

Find out what to expect during this skin cancer su...

Molecular breast imaging

Learn about this breast cancer screening test that...

Morning-after pill

This type of emergency birth control can help prev...

Myomectomy

This surgical procedure to treat uterine fibroids ...

Neck lift

Find out how this cosmetic procedure removes exces...

Needle biopsy

Common needle biopsy procedures include fine-needl...

Neobladder reconstruction

Learn about bladder reconstruction to restore urin...

Nephrectomy (kidney removal)

Learn about surgery to remove all or part of a kid...

Nondirected living-donor transplant

Nondirected living donor — Find out what becomin...

Nuclear stress test

This type of stress test uses a tiny bit of radioa...

Oophorectomy (ovary removal surgery)

Learn about the risks, recovery and what to expect...

Oral cancer screening

Learn about the benefits and limitations of tests ...

Otoplasty

Learn about this surgery that can change the appea...

PSA test

Learn about this prostate cancer screening test, i...

Pacemaker

This cardiac pacing device is placed in the chest ...

Palliative care

Learn what to expect with this care approach that ...

Pancreas transplant

Pancreas transplant offers a potential cure for pe...

Pap smear

A Pap smear, also called a Pap test, is used for c...

Parkinson's test (a-Synuclein seed amplification assay)

Learn how this test may affect how Parkinson's dis...

Pediatric cervical spine surgery

This surgery can treat injuries and conditions tha...

Pelvic exam

Find out what happens during this exam, why it mig...

Penile implants

Explore your choices and learn what to expect from...

Penis pump

Find out how this device can be placed on your pen...

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a procedure for re...

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line

Find out what to expect during and after PICC line...

Peritoneal dialysis

Learn how this treatment for kidney failure compar...

Polysomnography (sleep study)

Your health care provider may order this test if a...

Positron emission tomography scan

Learn how this imaging scan can play an important ...

Precision medicine for breast cancer

Learn how genetic testing can help customize your ...

Preemptive kidney transplant

Find out more about preemptive kidney transplant �...

Prostate biopsy

Find out about this procedure that's used to diagn...

Prostate brachytherapy

Learn about this type of radiation therapy for pro...

Prostate laser surgery

Prostate laser surgery — Overview covers the ris...

Prostatectomy

Learn about surgery to remove part or all of the p...

Prothrombin time test

This simple test measures how quickly your blood c...

Proton therapy

Learn about this newer form of radiation therapy, ...

Psychotherapy

Also called talk therapy, this is an approach for ...

Pulmonary valve repair and replacement

A congenital heart defect can cause a leaky or blo...

Pulmonary vein isolation

This type of cardiac ablation uses heat or cold en...

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy is a common means of treating ma...

Radiation therapy for breast cancer

Find out why doctors use radiation treat breast ca...

Radiofrequency neurotomy

Painful neck, back, knee, shoulder or hip? Radiofr...

Rectal prolapse surgery

This surgery is done to repair a condition in whic...

Rh factor blood test

What's an Rh factor blood test? Understand this im...

Rheumatoid factor

Rheumatoid factor — This blood test can help dia...

Rhinoplasty

Learn about the benefits, risks and what to expect...

Rhythm method for natural family planning

Want to know the best time of month to conceive or...

Robotic hysterectomy

Robotic hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surge...

Robotic myomectomy

Learn about this minimally invasive procedure to r...

Robotic surgery

Robotic systems can help surgeons increase precisi...

SPECT scan

SPECT scans use radioactive tracers and special ca...

SVT ablation

Discover how cold or heat energy is used to correc...

Sclerotherapy

Learn what's involved in this treatment for varico...

Sed rate (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)

Sed rate is a blood test that can reveal inflammat...

Sentinel node biopsy

Learn what to expect during this procedure to remo...

Septoplasty

Learn how this nose surgery can straighten the wal...

Shoulder replacement surgery

This procedure replaces damaged areas of the shoul...

Skin biopsy

Learn when this test is helpful in diagnosing or t...

Sleeve gastrectomy

Learn about a weight-loss surgery technique that i...

Spinal fusion

This procedure connects two or more bones in the s...

Spirometry

This common test shows how well your lungs work an...

Splenectomy

The spleen helps you fight infection, but you can ...

Stereotactic body radiotherapy

This type of radiotherapy uses highly targeted rad...

Stereotactic radiosurgery

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) uses radiation bea...

Stool DNA test

Learn about this noninvasive colon cancer screenin...

Stress test

This test gives important information about your h...

Tattoo removal

Find out about tattoo removal options, including l...

Telestroke (stroke telemedicine)

Telestroke or stroke telemedicine uses technology ...

Testicular exam

Examining your testicles regularly can help you no...

Thyroidectomy

Learn what to expect during this surgery — a pro...

Tilt table test

This test may help find the cause of fainting. Lea...

Tonsillectomy

Learn how to prepare for surgery and what to expec...

Tracheostomy

A surgically created hole in the front of the neck...

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR)

This minimally invasive procedure to replace a nar...

Transcranial magnetic stimulation

This procedure uses magnetic fields to stimulate n...

Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP)

Learn about this procedure for treating an enlarge...

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT)

Learn about this minimally invasive procedure for ...

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

Learn about this procedure used to treat urinary p...

Tricuspid valve repair and tricuspid valve replacement

These heart surgeries treat tricuspid valve regurg...

Tubal ligation

Thinking of getting your tubes tied? This surgery ...

Tummy tuck

Find out how this procedure can change the appeara...

Ultrasound

This imaging method uses sound waves to create pic...

Upper endoscopy

In this simple procedure, a tiny camera is used to...

Urinalysis

This common lab test checks urine for signs of dis...

Vaginal hysterectomy

Vaginal hysterectomy is a procedure to remove the ...

Vagus nerve stimulation

Learn more about this procedure that may be used t...

Valvuloplasty

Find out more about this cardiac catheter procedur...

Vasectomy

Find out more about this procedure that provides n...

Vasectomy reversal

Learn about this microsurgery procedure that can r...

Ventricular assist device (VAD)

Learn how this implanted device helps the heart pu...

Ventricular tachycardia ablation

Learn how heart doctors apply heat or cold energy ...

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)

This minimally invasive surgical procedure is used...

Virtual colonoscopy

Unlike other colon cancer screening tests, this im...

Whipple procedure

Learn about this complex operation that's used to ...

Wisdom tooth removal

If you don't have enough room in your mouth for wi...

Withdrawal method (coitus interruptus)

The withdrawal method — pulling the penis out of...

X-ray

This quick and simple imaging test can spot proble...