Health Library

Main Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y

Health Library: R

Rabies Detailed information on the danger of animal bites and rabies, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention		Rabies in Children Rabies occurs mainly in skunks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and bats. In some areas, these wild animals infect domestic cats, dogs, and livestock.
Radiation Therapy Radiation is often used to treat prostate cancer that is still confined to the prostate gland, or has spread only to nearby tissue.		Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer Treatment Radiation therapy is a process that precisely sends high levels of radiation directly to the cancer cells. Radiation done after surgery can kill cancer cells that may not be seen during surgery.
Radical Prostatectomy A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure for the partial or complete removal of the prostate. It may be performed to treat prostatic cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).		Radiofrequency Ablation Also known as a cardiac ablation or radiofrequency ablation, this procedure guides a tube into your heart to destroy small areas of heart tissue that may be causing your abnormal heartbeat.
Radiology One newer therapy combines radiation and chemotherapy, because in some cases, radiation may improve the effects of chemotherapy, and vice versa. Another therapy uses external beam radiation during surgery to treat cancerous tumors or certain other forms of cancer.		Radiology, Interventional Detailed information on interventional radiology, including what procedures interventional radiologists perform
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine Nuclear medicine is a specialized area of radiology that uses very small amounts of radioactive materials to examine organ function and structure. This branch of radiology is often used to help diagnose and treat abnormalities very early in the progression of a disease, such as thyroid cancer.		Radiology, X-rays Detailed information on x-ray, including information on how the procedure is performed
Radionuclide Angiogram, Resting During this procedure, a small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the vein. Its progress through the heart is then traced with a special camera.		Radionuclide Angiogram, Resting and Exercise During this procedure, a small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the vein. Its progress through the heart is then traced with a special camera to evaluate heart function. Doing this during rest and exercise assists the physician in comparing the differences in heart activity.
Radionuclide Breast Imaging A breast scan is a procedure in which nuclear radiology is used to assess and diagnose various conditions, such as tumors, abscesses, hematomas, organ enlargement, and cysts, as well as organ function and blood flow to the tissue.		Radionuclide Pulmonary Scan A lung scan is a procedure that uses nuclear radiology to assess the function and structure of the lungs. It is most often performed when problems with the lungs and respiratory tract are suspected.
Radiosurgery Radiosurgery uses focused beams of radiation to treat cancerous tissues without a surgical incision or opening. The treatment is called "surgery" because creates a result similar to an actual surgical procedure.		Radon Detailed information on radon and radon testing
Random plasma glucose A blood glucose test tells you whether your level of glucose is within a healthy range. Fasting plasma glucose is a common test for diagnosing diabetes.		Rapid antigen test This test looks for bacteria that cause strep throat and scarlet fever. Both of these illnesses are quite contagious.
Rapid Detection of Respiratory Syncytial Virus This test looks at cells taken from fluid in your nose or throat to see if you have respiratory syncytial virus, which attacks the upper respiratory tract.		Rapid HIV antibody test This test looks for HIV infection in your blood or saliva. It can give you results in about 20 minutes.
Rapid Influenza Antigen (Nasal or Throat Swab) This test is quickly checks for signs of the influenza virus in a sample of secretions from your nose or throat.		Rapid influenza diagnostic test This test checks for influenza antibodies in a sample of secretions from your nose or throat.
Rapid Influenza diagnostic test This test is quickly checks for signs of the influenza virus in a sample of secretions from your nose or throat.		Rapid Plasma Reagin This test looks for signs of syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease that can cause serious health problems if untreated.
Rapid strep test This test looks for bacteria that cause strep throat and scarlet fever. Both of these illnesses are quite contagious.		Ratio of CK-MB to total CK This test measures the amount of creatine kinase (CK), an enzyme, in your blood. The test can help your doctor find out whether you're having a heart attack.
RBC antibody identification This test looks for antibodies to red blood cells (RBCs) in your blood. These antibodies can cause problems during blood transfusions or, if you're pregnant, with your unborn baby.		RBC cholinesterase This test looks for toxic chemicals in your blood. These chemicals are most often found in insecticides, either those use in fields or those used in bug sprays.
Reagent strip urinalysis This test checks the amount of protein in your urine. Too much protein can be a sign of dehydration, kidney disease, or other health issues.		Reconstruction, Breast Breast reconstruction surgery involves creating a breast mound that comes as close as possible to the form and appearance of the natural breast.
Reconstructive Plastic Surgery Overview The goal of reconstructive plastic surgery is to improve body function, but the surgery may also be performed to create a more normal appearance and improve self-esteem.		Recovering From Surgery/Intensive Care Detailed information on recovering from surgery and intensive care
Rectal Prolapse If the rectum drops out of its normal place within the body and pushes out of the anal opening, the condition is called rectal prolapse.		Red Blood Cell Antibody This test looks for antibodies to red blood cells (RBCs) in your blood. These antibodies can cause problems during blood transfusions or, if you're pregnant, with your unborn baby.
Red cell cholinesterase This test looks for toxic chemicals in your blood. These chemicals are most often found in insecticides, either those use in fields or those used in bug sprays.		Refractive Errors in Children The most common refractive errors in children are nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Regional Anesthesia During surgery, you will be given some form of anesthesia—medication administered for the relief of pain and sensation during surgery. The type and dosage of anesthesia is determined by the anesthesiologist.		Rehabilitation for Neurological Disorders The goals of a neurological rehab program include helping the patient return to the highest level of function and independence, and improving the overall quality of life—physically, emotionally, and socially.
Rehabilitation for Stroke Stroke rehabilitation works best when the patient, family, and rehabilitation staff works together as a team. Family members must learn about impairments and disabilities caused by the stroke and how to help the patient achieve optimal function again.		Removal of Cells or Tissue Detailed information on biopsy, including the most common types of biopsy such as endoscopic biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, excisional biopsy, incisional biopsy, fine needle aspiration biopsy, punch biopsy, shave biopsy, and skin biopsy
Removal of Lung Lobe A lobectomy is a surgical procedure that removes one of the lobes of the lungs.		Removal of the Uterus Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus. Different portions of the uterus, as well as other organs, may be removed at the same time.
Renal Angiogram A renal angiogram, also called an arteriogram, is an x-ray image of the blood vessels of the kidneys.		Renal Angiography A renal angiogram, also called an arteriogram, is an x-ray image of the blood vessels of the kidneys.
Renal Arteriogram A renal angiogram, also called an arteriogram, is an x-ray image of the blood vessels of the kidneys.		Renal Biopsy A kidney biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed with a special needle to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present, or to determine how well the kidney is working.
Renal CT CT/CAT scans are more detailed than standard x-rays and are often used to assess the kidneys for injuries, abnormalities, or disease.		Renal CT Scan CT/CAT scans are more detailed than standard x-rays and are often used to assess the kidneys for injuries, abnormalities, or disease.
Renal Failure Detailed information on renal failure, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and diet		Renal Scan A kidney scan uses nuclear radiology to assess the function and structure of the kidneys, as well as blood flow to the kidney tissue.
Renal Scintigraphy A kidney scan uses nuclear radiology to assess the function and structure of the kidneys, as well as blood flow to the kidney tissue.		Renal Transplant A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure performed to replace a diseased kidney with a healthy kidney from another person.
Renal Ultrasound An ultrasound of the kidney uses An ultrasound of the kidney is a procedure in which sound wave technology is used to assess the size, shape, and location of the kidneys in order to detect injuries, abnormalities or disease.		Renal Venogram A renal venogram is a procedure in which contrast dye is combined with X-rays to examine the veins that carry blow away from the kidneys. It is often nused in conjunction with fluoroscopy.
Renal Venography A renal venogram is a procedure in which contrast dye is combined with X-rays to examine the veins that carry blow away from the kidneys. It is often nused in conjunction with fluoroscopy.		Renogram A kidney scan uses nuclear radiology to assess the function and structure of the kidneys, as well as blood flow to the kidney tissue.
Repair, AAA Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is a procedure used to treat an aneurysm (abnormal enlargement) of the abdominal aorta, which may be performed surgically through an open incision or in a minimally-invasive procedure called endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).		Repair, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is a procedure used to treat an aneurysm (abnormal enlargement) of the abdominal aorta, which may be performed surgically through an open incision or in a minimally-invasive procedure called endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).
Repair, Knee Ligament Knee ligament repair is used when a knee ligament is torn and results in instability in the knee.		Repair, Rotator Cuff If the rotator cuff is injured, it may need to be repaired surgically. This may include shaving off bone spurs that are pinching the shoulder, or repairing torn tendons or muscles.
Repetitive Motion Injury Repetitive motion injuries, also called repetitive stress injuries, are temporary or permanent injuries to muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons caused by performing the same motion over and over again.		Reproductive Glands Detailed information on the anatomy and function of the reproductive glands
Required Surgery Detailed information on the different types of surgery, including surgical diagnosis, optional surgery, elective surgery, required surgery, urgent surgery, or emergency surgery		Respiratory Conditions Detailed information on respiratory conditions in children, including asthma, croup, the common cold, and the flu
Respiratory Disorders, Apnea of Prematurity It’s a cliché that many new parents need to reassure themselves that the baby is still breathing. But what if your baby really is having breathing problems? A breathing condition called apnea of prematurity affects some babies, especially if they’re born early. But you can learn what symptoms to look for.		Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Type II Transient tachypnea of the newborn is a term for a mild respiratory problem of babies that begins after birth and lasts about three days.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis—inflammation of the lower airways—and pneumonia in babies.		Resting and Exercise Radionuclide Angiogram During this procedure, a small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the vein. Its progress through the heart is then traced with a special camera to evaluate heart function. Doing this during rest and exercise assists the physician in comparing the differences in heart activity.
Resting ECG An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a simple and fast procedure that is used to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart, which is measured in "waves." Variations in the waves may indicate problems with the heart.		Resting EKG An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a simple and fast procedure that is used to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart, which is measured in "waves." Variations in the waves may indicate problems with the heart.
Resting Myocardial Perfusion Scan A resting myocardial perfusion scan in a procedure in which nuclear radiology is used to assess blood flow to the heart muscle and determine what areas have decreases blood flow.		Resting Radionuclide Angiogram During this procedure, a small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the vein. Its progress through the heart is then traced with a special camera.
Resting Thallium Scan A resting myocardial perfusion scan in a procedure in which nuclear radiology is used to assess blood flow to the heart muscle and determine what areas have decreases blood flow.		Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Restless legs syndrome is a sleep disorder in which a person experiences unpleasant sensations in the legs. The legs may feel as though something is creeping or crawling along them, or the sensation may be a tingling or a pulling.
Retic This test measures the number of reticulocytes in your blood. It can be used to diagnose anemia and find out why you have a disease.		Retic Count This test measures the number of reticulocytes in your blood. It can be used to diagnose anemia and find out why you have a disease.
Retic ct This test measures the number of reticulocytes in your blood. It can be used to diagnose anemia and find out why you have a disease.		Reticulocyte count This test measures the number of reticulocytes in your blood. It can be used to diagnose anemia and find out why you have a disease.
Retinoblastoma Detailed information on retinoblastoma, including causes, stages, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment		Retinopathy of Prematurity A premature baby comes with many special concerns, and eye health is an important one. Some premature babies develop retinopathy of prematurity, or abnormal blood vessel development in the retina of the eye. Learn about this complication and find out why screenings are so important.
Retrograde Cystography Retrograde cystography is a procedure in which contrast dye is combined with X-rays to examine a bladder after abdominal trauma, or to find other bladder conditions such as tumors, blood clots, or diverticula.		Retrograde Pyelogram A retrograde pyelogram is a type of x-ray that uses dye to highlight the bladder, ureters, and renal pelvis, and is usually performed during a procedure called cystoscopy.
Retrograde Pyelography A retrograde pyelogram is a type of x-ray that uses dye to highlight the bladder, ureters, and renal pelvis, and is usually performed during a procedure called cystoscopy.		Retrograde Ureteropyelogram A retrograde pyelogram is a type of x-ray that uses dye to highlight the bladder, ureters, and renal pelvis, and is usually performed during a procedure called cystoscopy.
Retrograde Ureteropyelography A retrograde pyelogram is a type of x-ray that uses dye to highlight the bladder, ureters, and renal pelvis, and is usually performed during a procedure called cystoscopy.		Retropubic Prostatectomy, Radical A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure for the partial or complete removal of the prostate. It may be performed to treat prostatic cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Reye Syndrome Reye syndrome is a rare condition that can affect children between ages 4 and 12. The more common cases occur in conjunction with a previous viral infection, such as the flu or chicken pox.		RF blood test This test measures the level of a substance called rheumatoid factor in your blood. It helps your doctor find out whether you have rheumatoid arthritis.
Rh Factor Rh typing is very important during pregnancy. If you are Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive, you may have an Rh incompatibility.		Rh Incompatibility Rh typing is very important during pregnancy. If you are Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive, you may have an Rh incompatibility.
Rh Typing Rh typing is very important during pregnancy. If you are Rh negative and your baby is Rh positive, you may have an Rh incompatibility.		Rhabdomyosarcoma Detailed information on rhabdomyosarcoma, including causes, stages, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Rheumatic Disease, Diagnosis Diagnosing arthritis and other rheumatic diseases is often difficult, as many symptoms are similar among the different diseases.		Rheumatic Diseases and Arthritis: Diagnosis Diagnosing arthritis and other rheumatic diseases is often difficult, as many symptoms are similar among the different diseases.
Rheumatic Fever Detailed information on rheumatic fever, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment		Rheumatic Heart Disease in Children Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which permanent damage to heart valves is caused by rheumatic fever.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Detailed information on rheumatoid arthritis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment		Rheumatoid Factor (Blood) This test measures the level of a substance called rheumatoid factor in your blood. It helps your doctor find out whether you have rheumatoid arthritis.
Rhinitis Rhinitis is a reaction that occurs in the eyes, nose, and throat when airborne irritants such as pollen or mold trigger allergy symptoms.		Rhinoplasty This procedure can reduce or increase the size of the nose, narrow the span of the nostrils, change the angle between the nose and upper lip, and/or change the tip or bridge of the nose.
Rhytidectomy During a facelift procedure, excess facial fat is removed, facial muscles are tightened, and the skin is stretched to make a smoother appearance.		Right Heart Cath A right heart catheterization is performed to determine how well the heart is pumping and to measure the pressures in the heart and lungs.
Right Heart Cath with Heart Biopsy Right heart catheterization with heart tissue biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are taken directly from the heart muscle. This procedure may be done in addition to a right heart cath to see if the heart tissue is normal.		Right Heart Catheterization A right heart catheterization is performed to determine how well the heart is pumping and to measure the pressures in the heart and lungs.
Right Heart Catheterization with Heart Tissue Biopsy Right heart catheterization with heart tissue biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are taken directly from the heart muscle. This procedure may be done in addition to a right heart cath to see if the heart tissue is normal.		Rigid Bronchoscopy A brochosopy is a procedure in which a long, lighted scope is inserted into the lungs in order to examine the airways of the lungs and to assess lung function.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Factors that appear to raise a woman's risk for breast cancer include advancing age, family history, benign breast conditions, and a late menopause.		Risk Factors for Stroke The most important controllable risk factor for stroke is controlling high blood pressure. Blood pressure of 140/90 or higher can damage the arteries that supply blood to the brain.
Risk Factors, Cardiovascular Disease Most people who have metabolic syndrome have insulin resistance. This may be a beginning of the development of type 2 diabetes.		Risks of Physical Inactivity Lack of physical activity has clearly been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Risks to Pregnancy Detailed information on the most common risks to pregnancy, including information on alcohol and pregnancy, smoking and pregnancy, drugs and pregnancy, medications during pregnancy, and pre-existing conditions and pregnancy		Ristocetin cofactor activity test This test is used to diagnose von Willebrand disease, a bleeding disorder that causes excessive bleeding after minor injuries.
RMSF This blood test is used to look for antibodies that your body makes to fight Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a serious bacterial infection caused by a tick bite.		RNA test This test measure the amount of HIV in your blood. HIV causes AIDS, and this test is used to see how well your HIV treatment is working.
RNA, Resting During this procedure, a small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the vein. Its progress through the heart is then traced with a special camera.		RNA, Resting and Exercise During this procedure, a small amount of radioactive substance is injected into the vein. Its progress through the heart is then traced with a special camera to evaluate heart function. Doing this during rest and exercise assists the physician in comparing the differences in heart activity.
Robot-Assisted Cardiac Surgery Robotic cardiac surgery is a form of heart surgery performed through tiny incisions in the chest. Thanks to the use of tiny instruments and robotic devices, surgeons are able to perform several types of heart surgery in a way that is much less invasive than other types of heart surgery.		Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman's uterus. When this surgery is done through small incisions using a thin, lighted scope with a camera on the end (a laparoscope), it is called a laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy Your prostate can be removed several ways. One way is for the surgeon to make several smaller cuts and removing the prostate using a tiny camera and surgical tools. This is called a laparoscopic prostatectomy. When a surgeon uses a robot during the procedure, it's known as a robotic prostatectomy.		Robotic Cardiac Surgery Robotic cardiac surgery is a form of heart surgery performed through tiny incisions in the chest. Thanks to the use of tiny instruments and robotic devices, surgeons are able to perform several types of heart surgery in a way that is much less invasive than other types of heart surgery.
Robotic Heart Surgery Robotic cardiac surgery is a form of heart surgery performed through tiny incisions in the chest. Thanks to the use of tiny instruments and robotic devices, surgeons are able to perform several types of heart surgery in a way that is much less invasive than other types of heart surgery.		Robotic Hysterectomy Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman's uterus. When this surgery is done through small incisions using a thin, lighted scope with a camera on the end (a laparoscope), it is called a laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Robotic Prostatectomy Your prostate can be removed several ways. One way is for the surgeon to make several smaller cuts and removing the prostate using a tiny camera and surgical tools. This is called a laparoscopic prostatectomy. When a surgeon uses a robot during the procedure, it's known as a robotic prostatectomy.		Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Detailed information on Rocky Mountain spotted fever, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Blood) This blood test is used to look for antibodies that your body makes to fight Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a serious bacterial infection caused by a tick bite.		Rocky Mountain spotted fever antibodies This blood test is used to look for antibodies that your body makes to fight Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a serious bacterial infection caused by a tick bite.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in Children This infection is caused by a tick bite. Common symptoms are fever and a non-itchy rash that usually starts on the hands, arms, feet, and legs seven to 10 days after the bite.		Root Canal Detailed information on a root canal procedure
Root Canal Therapy Detailed information on a root canal procedure		Rosacea Detailed information on the most common types of rosacea, including prerosacea, vascular rosacea, inflammatory rosacea, and rhinophyma
Roseola Detailed information on roseola, including cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment		Rotator Cuff Injury An injury to the rotator cuff, such as a tear, may happen suddenly when falling on an outstretched hand or develop over time because of repetitive activities.
Rotator Cuff Repair If the rotator cuff is injured, it may need to be repaired surgically. This may include shaving off bone spurs that are pinching the shoulder, or repairing torn tendons or muscles.		Rotator Cuff Surgery If the rotator cuff is injured, it may need to be repaired surgically. This may include shaving off bone spurs that are pinching the shoulder, or repairing torn tendons or muscles.
Rotavirus (Stool) This stool test is used to diagnose a rotavirus infection, which causes vomiting and diarrhea.		Rotavirus Infections Detailed information on rotavirus, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Rotavirus test This stool test is used to diagnose a rotavirus infection, which causes vomiting and diarrhea.		Roundworm Infections in Children Children are more likely to be infected with roundworms because they are more likely to put their contaminated fingers in their mouths.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGBP) Bariatric surgery is a procedure that alters the process of digestion and is currently the best treatment option for producing lasting weight loss in obese patients when traditional methods have not been effective.		Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Weight-Loss Surgery Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a type of weight-loss surgery that reduces the size of your stomach to a small pouch – about the size of an egg. It does this by stapling off a section of it.
RPR test This test looks for signs of syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease that can cause serious health problems if untreated.		RSV indirect immunofluorescence assay This test looks at cells taken from fluid in your nose or throat to see if you have respiratory syncytial virus, which attacks the upper respiratory tract.
RSV rapid detection This test looks at cells taken from fluid in your nose or throat to see if you have respiratory syncytial virus, which attacks the upper respiratory tract.		Rubella This test measures the amount of rubella antibodies in your blood. If you're pregnant, it's especially important to know if you have immunity against this virus.
Rubella antibody This test looks for antibodies to three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.		Rubella antibody test This test measures the amount of rubella antibodies in your blood. If you're pregnant, it's especially important to know if you have immunity against this virus.
Rubeola (Measles) Detailed information on measles, including symptoms, complications, prevention, and treatment		Rubeola antibody This test looks for antibodies to three diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella.
Rubeola Antibody (Blood) This test finds out whether you have been exposed to the virus that causes measles, an extremely contagious disease.		Rumination Syndrome Rumination syndrome is a rare disorder in which the child eats meals normally, but after about an hour or two, undigested food comes back up into his or her mouth.

St. John Providence Health System

Health Library

Health Library: R