Endocrinology-Tests and Procedures

The branch of physiology and medicine

is concerned with endocrine glands and

hormones.

● Endocrinology is the study of the endocrine system, which includes the eight glands

that secrete hormones.

Glands of the endocrine system

The hormones that maintain our bodies on track result from 8 special glands that make up

the endocrine system:

● adrenal glands

● hypothalamus

● pancreas

● parathyroids

● pineal body

● pituitary gland

● reproductive system glands

● thyroid

Endocrine test

● Urine tests and endocrine blood tests are tests to check hormone levels. These can help doctors to determine the endocrine disorder.

● Various diagnostic tests are available to point out problems in the endocrine system.

Endocrinology-Tests Endocrinology blood tests are usually used to select the type of surgical procedure that needs to be performed. The test options are as follows:

❖ Fine needle aspiration (FNA)❖ Sestamibi scan❖ Ultrasound❖ Endoscopic ultrasound❖ Computerized tomography (CT)❖ 4D CT scan❖ Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)❖ Positron emission test (PET)

Reasons to take an endocrinology test● To check the hormone levels in a patient’s body.● To ensure the proper functioning of the endocrine glands.● To determine as to why a endocrinological problem has occurred in the body.

It can also be used to identify various special and hormonal diseases like:

● To check for pituitary thyroid adrenal bone and parathyroid (gland beside thyroid gland).

● To check neuroendocrine tumors that are present inside the cells of endocrine and nervous systems.

● To determine the presence of carcinoid tumors which is a slow-growing neuroendocrine tumor.

● For identifying reproductive endocrinology.

1. Fine needle aspiration (FNA)

● A thin needle is inserted into the place of interest (normally a thyroid nodule) and

cells are removed, unfolded on a slide, and evaluated by a cytopathologist (a person

who diagnoses illnesses on a cell level).

● This system is repeated round 3 to 6 times. It is regularly executed under ultrasound

guidance.

2. Sestamibi scan

● A nuclear medicine scan that detects abnormally enlarged parathyroid glands after a

radioactive dye is injected into the bloodstream.

● This scan is done repeatedly throughout the day.

● This test can locate parathyroid adenoma (benign tumors) around 75 to 80% of the

time.

3.Ultrasound

● Ultrasound uses sound waves to locate loads or fluid in smooth tissues.

● It is, in particular, beneficial in comparing thyroid nodules, lymph nodes inside the

neck, and can identify enlarged parathyroid glands.

4. Endoscopic ultrasound

● An ultrasound probe is inserted into the stomach and duodenum through

a gastroenterologist to look at the pancreas and surrounding structures.

● This ultrasound is beneficial in identifying small pancreatic

neuroendocrine tumors, especially ones like insulinomas.

5.Computerized tomography (CT)

● CT is cross-sectional imaging using x-rays. This result gives detailed images of

various areas like the abdomen, neck, and chest.

● Non-assessment CT experiment can be performed if there may be any suspicion of

thyroid cancers in some cases.

6. 4D CT scan

● This is a brand new test. This is beneficial for imaging of odd parathyroid glands, in

particular during instances of failed parathyroid surgery.

● It makes use of the unique dye uptake and washout of the parathyroid gland to

differentiate it from different comparable systems withinside the neck which includes

lymph nodes.

7. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

● This test uses a magnetic field to generate cross-sectional pictures of the body. It is

especially relevant for distinguishing unique varieties of gentle tissue masses.

● It can also be used to become aware of parathyroid glands, and to characterize

adrenal and liver masses.

8. Positron emission test (PET)

● It is beneficial in finding undetected regions of most cancers growth.

● It is likewise used to image thyroid cancers that don't take up radioactive iodine.PET

scanning can image the extended metabolism of glucose observed in most cancers.

Why do you need endocrine tests?

● Hormones can influence many of our body’s physiological aspects like metabolism,

sexual characteristics, sleep, fertility growth etc.

● Endocrine tests can check that the hormones are functioning properly.

● If a person feels weak or lethargic or experiences gynaecomastia, endocrine tests are

recommended.

Preparation for Endocrine tests test

● Calorie-free and caffeine-free beverages can only be consumed.

● Prescribed medication usually can be continued.

● Smoking is not permitted during the test.

● The patient has to be active while being awake and is not allowed to leave the ward.

Conclusion

● The procedures for treating endocrine disorders are often complicated.

● The doctor can either prescribe a routine endocrinology blood test or make changes

or adjustments in the medication or treatment plan.