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.

< Back

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 this important blood ...
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 blood and bone marrow donation is, as w...
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 rehabilitation
Learn about this kind of care that helps people wi...
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 force to individu...
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...
Computer-assisted brain surgery
Learn how computer-assisted brain surgery uses adv...
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
This procedure replaces tooth roots with metal, sc...
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
This process removes irregular tissue from the lin...
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
Learn about this surgery that may provide relief f...
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
Fetal surgery is a procedure done on an unborn bab...
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 ...
Locomotor training for spinal cord injury
Learn what's involved with this therapy designed t...
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...
Magnetoencephalography
Learn how magnetoencephalography helps your care t...
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 â...
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...
Sexuality and fertility management after spinal cord injury
A spinal cord injury can affect sexual function an...
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...
Spasticity management for spinal cord injury
Muscle overactivity can be a side effect of spinal...
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 hole that surgeons make through the front of the...
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...