tuberculin test

test (test)

1. an examination or trial.

2. a significant chemical reaction.

3. a reagent.

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abortus Bang ring test , ABR test an agglutination test for brucellosis in cattle, performed by mixing a drop of stained brucellae with 1 mL of milk and incubating for 1 hour at 37°C; agglutinated bacteria rise to the surface to form a colored ring.

acid elution test  air-dried blood smears are fixed in 80 per cent methanol and immersed in a pH 3.3 buffer; all hemoglobins are eluted except fetal hemoglobin, which is seen in red cells after staining.

acidified serum test  incubation of red cells in acidified serum; after centrifugation, the supernatant is examined by colorimetry for hemolysis, which indicates paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

acoustic reflex test  measurement of the acoustic reflex threshold; used to differentiate between conductive and sensorineural deafness and to diagnose acoustic neuroma.

Adson's test  one for thoracic outlet syndrome; with the patient in a sitting position, hands on thighs, the examiner palpates both radial pulses as the patient rapidly fills the lungs by deep inhalation and, holding breath, hyperextends the neck, turning the head toward the affected side. If the radial pulse on that side is markedly or completely obliterated, the result is positive.

agglutination test  cells containing antigens to a given antibody are mixed into the solution being tested for a particular antibody, with agglutination indicative of antibody presence.

alkali denaturation test  a spectrophotometric method for determining the concentration of fetal (F) hemoglobin.

Ames test  a strain of Salmonella typhimurium that lacks the enzyme necessary for histidine synthesis is cultured in the absence of histidine and in the presence of the suspected mutagen and certain enzymes known to activate procarcinogens. If the substance causes DNA damage resulting in mutations, some of the bacteria will regain the ability to synthesize histidine and will proliferate to form colonies; almost all of the mutagenic substances are also carcinogenic.

anti-DNA test , anti–double-stranded DNA test an immunoassay that uses native double-stranded DNA as an antigen to detect and monitor increased serum levels of anti-DNA antibodies; used in the detection and management of systemic lupus erythematosus.

antiglobulin test  (AGT) a test for nonagglutinating antibodies against red cells, using antihuman globulin antibody to agglutinate red cells coated with the nonagglutinating antibody. The direct antiglobulin test detects antibodies bound to circulating red cells in vivo. It is used in the evaluation of autoimmune and drug-induced hemolytic anemia and hemolytic disease of the newborn. The indirect antiglobulin test detects serum antibodies that bind to red cells in an in vitro incubation step. It is used in typing of erythrocyte antigens and in compatibility testing (cross-match).

aptitude tests  tests designed to determine ability to undertake study or training in a particular field.

association test  one based on associative reaction, usually by mentioning words to a patient and noting what other words the patient will think of and give in reply.

automated reagin test  (ART) a modification of the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test for use with automated analyzers used in clinical chemistry.

basophil degranulation test  an in vitro procedure testing allergic sensitivity to a specific allergen at the cellular level by measuring staining of basophils after exposure to the allergen; a reduced number of granular cells is a positive result.

Benedict's test  a qualitative or quantitative test for the determination of glucose content of urine.

Binet's test , Binet-Simon test a method of ascertaining a child's or youth's mental age by asking a series of questions adapted to, and standardized on, the capacity of normal children at various ages.

Bing test  a vibrating tuning fork is held to the mastoid process and the auditory meatus is alternately occluded and left open; an increase and decrease in loudness is perceived by the normal ear and in sensorineural hearing loss, whereas the hearing of no difference occurs in conductive hearing loss.

caloric test  irrigation of the normal ear with warm water produces a rotatory nystagmus toward that side; irrigation with cold water produces a rotatory nystagmus away from that side.

chi-square test  any statistical hypothesis test employing the chi-square (χ2) distribution, measuring the difference between theoretical and observed frequencies and hypothesized to approach the χ2-distribution as the sample size increases.

chromatin test  determination of genetic sex of an individual by examination of somatic cells for the presence of sex chromatin.

cis-trans test  a test in microbial genetics to determine whether two mutations that have the phenotypic effect, in a haploid cell or a cell with single phage infection, are located in the same gene or in different genes; the test depends on the independent behavior of two alleles of a gene in a diploid cell or in a cell infected with two phages carrying different alleles.

clomiphene citrate challenge test  measurement of fertility potential in a woman by examination of the response of follicle-stimulating hormone level to administration of clomiphene citrate early in the menstrual cycle.

complement fixation test  see under fixation.

contraction stress test  (CST) the monitoring of the response of the fetal heart rate to spontaneous or induced uterine contractions by cardiotocography, with deceleration indicating possible fetal hypoxia.

Coombs' test  antiglobulin t.

Denver Developmental Screening test  a test for identification of infants and preschool children with developmental delay.

DFA-TP test  direct fluorescent antibody

Dick test  an intracutaneous test for determination of susceptibility to scarlet fever.

direct fluorescent antibody–Treponema pallidum test  DFA-TP t.; a serologic test for syphilis using direct immunofluorescence.

disk diffusion test  a test for antibiotic sensitivity in bacteria; agar plates are inoculated with a standardized suspension of a microorganism. Antibiotic-containing disks are applied to the agar surface. Following overnight incubation, the diameters of the zones of inhibition are interpreted as sensitive (susceptible), indeterminate (intermediate), or resistant.

drawer tests  tests for the integrity of the cruciate ligaments of the knee; with the knee flexed 90 degrees, if the tibia can be drawn too far forward there is rupture of the anterior ligaments (anterior drawer t.), if too far back then the rupture is of the posterior ligaments (posterior drawer t.) .

early pregnancy test  a do-it-yourself immunological test for pregnancy, performed as early as one day after menstruation was expected (missed period); a variety of tests exist, all based on an increase in urinary levels of human chorionic gonadotropin after fertilization.

EP test , erythrocyte protoporphyrin test determination of erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels as a screening test for lead toxicity; levels are increased in lead poisoning and iron deficiency.

exercise tests , exercise stress tests any of various stress tests in which exercise is used in the electrocardiographic assessment of cardiovascular health and function, particularly in the diagnosis of myocardial ischemia. The most widely used forms are the treadmill and bicycle ergometer exercise tests; they are usually graded, consisting of a series of incrementally increasing workloads sustained for defined intervals.

FAB test  fluorescent antibody t.

FeNa test  excreted fraction of filtered sodium test, a measure of renal tubular reabsorption of sodium, calculated as (urine Na × plasma Cr) ÷ (urine Cr × plasma Na) × 100.

finger-nose test  one for coordinated limb movements; with upper limb extended to one side the patient is asked to try to touch the end of the nose with the tip of the index finger.

Finn chamber test  a type of patch test in which the materials being tested are held in shallow aluminum cups (Finn chambers) that are taped against the skin, usually for a few days.

Fishberg concentration test  determination of the ability of the kidneys to maintain excretion of solids under conditions of reduced water intake and a high protein diet, in which urine samples are collected and tested for specific gravity.

flocculation test  any serologic test in which a flocculent agglomerate is formed; usually applied to a variant form of the precipitin reaction.

fluorescent antibody test  FAB t.; a test for the distribution of cells expressing a specific protein by binding antibody specific for the protein and detecting complexes by fluorescent labeling of the antibody.

fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test , FTA-ABS test the standard treponemal antigen serologic test for syphilis, using fluorescein-labeled antihuman globulin to demonstrate specific treponemal antibodies in patient serum.

gel diffusion test  see immunodiffusion.

glucose tolerance test  a test of the body's ability to utilize carbohydrates by measuring the plasma glucose level at stated intervals after ingestion or intravenous injection of a large quantity of glucose.

glycosylated hemoglobin test  measurement of the percentage of hemoglobin A molecules that have formed a stable keto–amine linkage between their terminal amino acid position of the β-chains and a glucose group; in normal persons this is about 7 per cent of the total, in diabetics about 14.5 per cent.

guaiac test  one for occult blood; glacial acetic acid and a solution of gum guaiac are mixed with the specimen; on addition of hydrogen peroxide, the presence of blood is indicated by a blue tint.

Ham's test  acidified serum t.

histamine test 

1. subcutaneous injection of 0.1 per cent solution of histamine to stimulate gastric secretion.

2. after rapid intravenous injection of histamine phosphate, normal persons experience a brief fall in blood pressure, but in those with pheochromocytoma, after the fall, there is a marked rise in blood pressure.

horse cell test  a modification of the Paul-Bunnell-Davidsohn test for antibodies associated with infectious mononucleosis, using horse erythrocytes instead of sheep erythrocytes.

Huhner test  postcoital t.

hydrogen breath test  a test for deficiency of lactase or other hydrolases or for colonic overgrowth of bacteria, in which the exhalations are trapped and measured after administration of carbohydrate, with excess carbohydrate fermentation in the colon resulting in high levels of exhaled hydrogen.

hypo-osmotic swelling test  determination of sperm viability by placing a sample in a hypo-osmotic solution, which causes swelling and curling of the tails of spermatozoa with normal plasma membranes.

immobilization test  detection of antibody based on its ability to inhibit the motility of a bacterial cell or protozoan.

inkblot test  Rorschach t.

intelligence test  a set of problems or tasks posed to assess an individual's innate ability to judge, comprehend, and reason.

intracutaneous test , intradermal test skin test in which the antigen is injected intradermally.

Kveim test  an intradermal test for the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

latex agglutination test , latex fixation test a type of agglutination test in which antigen to a given antibody is adsorbed to latex particles and mixed with a test solution to observe for agglutination of the latex.

limulus test  an extract of blood cells from the horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is exposed to a blood sample from a patient; if gram-negative endotoxin is present in the sample, it will produce gelation of the extract of blood cells.

Lundh test  a test for pancreatic function in which trypsin concentrations in the duodenum after a test meal are measured, with lowered levels of trypsin indicating low pancreatic secretion.

lupus band test  an immunofluorescence test to determine the presence and extent of immunoglobulin and complement deposits at the dermal-epidermal junction of skin specimens from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

McMurray's test  as the patient lies supine with one knee fully flexed, the examiner rotates the patient's foot fully outward and the knee is slowly extended; a painful “click” indicates a tear of the medial meniscus of the knee joint; if the click occurs when the foot is rotated inward, the tear is in the lateral meniscus.

Mantoux test  an intracutaneous tuberculin test.

Master “two-step” exercise test  an early exercise test for coronary insufficiency in which electrocardiograms were recorded while and after the subject repeatedly ascended and descended two steps.

MIF test , migration inhibitory factor test an in vitro test for production of MIF by lymphocytes in response to specific antigens; used for evaluation of cell-mediated immunity. MIF production is absent in certain immunodeficiency diseases.

Moloney test  one for detection of delayed hypersensitivity to diphtheria toxoid.

multiple-puncture test  a skin test in which the material used (e.g., tuberculin) is introduced into the skin by pressure of several needles or pointed tines or prongs.

neostigmine test  on injection of neostigmine methylsulfate mixed with atropine sulfate, lessening of myasthenic symptoms indicates myasthenia gravis.

neutralization test  one for the neutralization power of an antiserum or other substance by testing its action on the pathogenic properties of a microorganism, toxin, virus, bacteriophage, or toxic substance.

nocturnal penile tumescence test  monitoring of erections occurring during sleep; used in the differential diagnosis of psychogenic and organic impotence.

nonstress test  (NST) the monitoring of the response of the fetal heart rate to fetal movements by cardiotocography.

nontreponemal antigen test  any of various tests detecting serum antibodies to reagin (cardiolipin and lecithin) derived from host tissues in the diagnosis of the Treponema pallidum infection of syphilis.

NPT test  nocturnal penile tumescence t.

osmotic fragility test  heparinized or defibrinated blood is placed in sodium chloride solutions of varying concentrations; increased fragility, measured as hemolysis, indicates spherocytosis.

oxytocin challenge test  (OCT) a contraction stress test in which the uterine contractions are stimulated by intravenous infusion of oxytocin.

Pap test , Papanicolaou test an exfoliative cytological staining procedure for detection and diagnosis of various conditions, particularly malignant and premalignant conditions of the female genital tract; also used in evaluating endocrine function and in the diagnosis of malignancies of other organs.

patch tests  tests for hypersensitivity, performed by observing the reaction to application to the skin of filter paper or gauze saturated with the substance in question.

Patrick's test  thigh and knee of the supine patient are flexed, the external malleolus rests on the patella on the opposite leg, and the knee is depressed; production of pain indicates arthritis of the hip. Also known as fabere sign, from the first letters of movements that elicit it (f lexion, ab duction, e xternal r otation, e xtension).

Paul-Bunnell test  determination of the highest dilution of the patient's serum that will agglutinate sheep erythrocytes; used to detect serum heterophile antibodies in the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis.

Paul-Bunnell-Davidsohn test  a modification of the Paul-Bunnell test that differentiates among three types of heterophile sheep agglutinins: those associated with infectious mononucleosis and serum sickness, and natural antibodies against Forssman antigen.

postcoital test  determination of the number and condition of spermatozoa in mucus aspirated from the cervical canal soon after intercourse.

precipitin test  any serologic test based on a precipitin reaction.

projective test  any of various tests in which an individual interprets ambiguous stimulus situations according to their own unconscious dispositions, yielding information about their personality and possible psychopathology.

psychological test  any test to measure a subject's development, achievement, personality, intelligence, thought processes, etc.

psychomotor test  a test that assesses the subject's ability to perceive instructions and perform motor responses.

Queckenstedt's test  see under sign.

Quick's test 

1. a test for liver function based on excretion of hippuric acid after administration of sodium benzoate.

2. prothrombin time.

radioallergosorbent test  (RAST) a radioimmunoassay test for the measurement of specific IgE antibody in serum, using allergen extract antigens fixed in a solid-phase matrix and radiolabeled anti–human IgE.

radioimmunosorbent test  (RIST) a radioimmunoassay technique for measuring serum IgE concentration, using radiolabeled IgE and anti–human IgE bound to an insoluble matrix.

rapid plasma reagin test  RPR test; a screening flocculation test for syphilis, using a modified VDRL antigen.

Rinne test  a test of hearing made with tuning forks of 256, 512, and 1024 Hz, comparing the duration of perception by bone and by air conduction.

rollover test  comparison of the blood pressure of a pregnant woman lying on her back versus on her side; an excessive increase when she rolls to the supine postion indicates increased risk of preeclampsia.

Rorschach test  an association technique for personality testing based on the patient's response to a series of inkblot designs.

RPR test  rapid plasma reagin test.

Rubin's test  one for patency of the uterine tubes, performed by transuterine inflation with carbon dioxide gas.

Schick test  an intradermal test for determination of susceptibility to diphtheria.

Schiller's test  one for early squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, performed by painting the uterine cervix with a solution of iodine and potassium iodide, diseased areas being revealed by a failure to take the stain.

Schilling test  a test for vitamin B12 absorption employing cyanocobalamin tagged with Co-57; used in the diagnosis of pernicious anemia and other disorders of vitamin B12 metabolism.

Schirmer's test  a test of tear production in keratoconjunctivitis sicca, performed by measuring the area of moisture on a piece of filter paper inserted over the conjunctival sac of the lower lid, with the end of the paper hanging down on the outside.

Schwabach's test  a hearing test made, with the opposite ear masked, placing the stems of vibrating tuning forks on the mastoid process first of the patient and then of the examiner. If heard longer by the patient it indicates conductive hearing loss and if heard longer by the examiner it indicates sensorineural hearing loss in the patient.

scratch test  a skin test in which the antigen is applied to a superficial scratch.

sheep cell agglutination test  (SCAT) any agglutination test using sheep erythrocytes.

sickling test  one for demonstration of abnormal hemoglobin and the sickling phenomenon in erythrocytes.

skin test  any test in which an antigen is applied to the skin in order to observe the patient's reaction; used to determine exposure or immunity to infectious diseases, to identify allergens producing allergic reactions, and to assess ability to mount a cellular immune response.

sperm agglutination test  any of various tests for the presence of antisperm antibodies as a cause of infertility, based on the ability of large multivalent isotypes such as IgM or secretory IgA to cross-link and agglutinate spermatozoa with such antibodies.

stress tests  any of various tests that assess cardiovascular health and function after application of a stress, usually exercise, to the heart.

swinging flashlight test  with the eyes fixed at a distance and a strong light shining before the intact eye, a crisp bilateral contraction of the pupil is noted; on moving the light to the affected eye, both pupils dilate for a short period, and on moving it back to the intact eye, both pupils contract promptly and remain contracted; indicative of minimal damage to the optic nerve or retina.

Thematic Apperception Test  (TAT) a projective test in which the subject tells a story based on each of a series of standard ambiguous pictures, so that the responses reflect a projection of some aspect of the subject's personality and current psychological preoccupations and conflicts.

thyroid suppression test  after administration of liothyronine for several days, radioactive iodine uptake is decreased in normal persons but not in those with hyperthyroidism.

tine test  four tines or prongs, 2 mm long, attached to a handle and coated with dip-dried PPD or Old tuberculin (OT) are pressed into the skin of the volar surface of the forearm; 48 to 72 hours later the skin is checked for palpable induration around the wounds.

treponemal antigen test  any of various tests detecting specific antitreponemal antibodies in serum in the diagnosis of the Treponema pallidum infection of syphilis.

tuberculin test  any of a number of skin tests for tuberculosis using a variety of different types of tuberculin and methods of application.

unheated serum reagin test , USR test a modification of the VDRL test using unheated serum; used primarily for screening.

VDRL test  [V enereal D isease R esearch L aboratory] a flocculation test for syphilis using VDRL antigen, which contains cardiolipin, cholesterol, and lecithin, to test heat-inactivated serum.

Weber's test  the stem of a vibrating tuning fork is placed on the vertex or midline of the forehead. If the sound is heard best in the affected ear, it suggests conductive hearing loss; if heard best in the normal ear, it suggests sensorineural hearing loss.

Widal's test  a test for agglutinins to O and H antigens of Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi in the serum of patients with suspected Salmonella infection.

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tuberculin test

n.

Any of various skin tests used to determine infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in which tuberculin or its purified protein is introduced into the skin by injection or tines.

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tuberculin test

Etymology: L, tuber + testum, crucible

a test to determine past or present tuberculosis infection based on a positive skin reaction, using one of several methods. A purified protein derivative of tubercle bacilli, called tuberculin, is introduced into the skin by scratch, puncture, or intradermal injection. If a raised, red, or hard zone forms surrounding the tuberculin test site, the person is said to be sensitive to tuberculin, and the test is read as positive. However, a negative tuberculin reaction does not rule out a diagnosis of previous or active tuberculosis. Sputum and gastric cultures, acid-fast staining, and x-ray studies often are needed to establish a diagnosis of tuberculosis. Kinds of tuberculin tests include Heaf test, Mantoux test, Pirquet's test, and tine test.

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test(s),

n a clinical or laboratory procedure designed to evaluate constituents or functions of the body.

test, acetone,

n See test, ketone bodies.

test, ACTH-stimulation (Thorn's test),

n a test of adrenocortical reserve based on changes in the eosinophil count and urinary levels of 17-ketosteroids and 17-hydroxycorticoids as a result of intravenous infusion or intramuscular injection of ACTH.

test, allergy, intradermal,

n a test for allergy performed by injecting a preparation containing the suspected allergen into the dermis.

test, amylase

n a determination of serum amylase, which is useful in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and after operations in which the pancreas might have been injured. The Somogyi sarcogenic method is often used, and the results are given in
Somogyi units, defined as the amount of amylase needed to digest 1.5 g of starch in 8 minutes at 37°C. The normal range is 60 to 200 units/100 ml. The serum amylase is also elevated in mumps and other diseases of the salivary glands.

test, amyloid

n See test, Congo red.

test, antiviral antibody,

n antibody tests in viral diseases. Included are complement-fixation tests for poliomyelitis, psittacosis, and Coxsackie infections; hemagglutination-inhibition tests for mumps, influenza, and encephalitides; and neutralization tests.

test, Aschheim-Zondek

n.pr See test, pregnancy.

test, ascorbic acid, intradermal,

n a test for ascorbic acid deficiency based on the decoloration of an intradermal injection of a purple dye (2,6-dichlorphenol-indophenol). Normally with a wheal of 4 mm, using a dye concentration of N/300, decoloration occurs in 10 to 15 minutes.

test, basophilic aggregation

n a test for lead poisoning based on increased stippling of erythrocytes. More than 2% stippled cells are seen in lead poisoning. See also test, lead.

test, Bell's palsy,

n.pr simple clinical tests, such as motor function tests, in which the patient is asked to whistle, pucker the lips, smile, or wrinkle the forehead; also sensory function tests in which the patient is asked to taste sweet with sugar, sour with citric acid, bitter with quinine, and salt with sodium chloride.

test, Benedict's,

n a nonspecific copper reduction test for glucose in the urine. Cupric sulfate in the Benedict's reagent is reduced by glucose during the reaction to cuprous oxide, a reddish-orange precipitate.

test, bilirubin

n qualitative, presumptive, quantitative, or specific determinations for bilirubin in the urine and blood serum. Included are Gmelin's test and van den Bergh's test.

test, bleeding time,

n techniques for determining the time interval required for hemostasis to occur after a standardized wound has been made in the capillary bed. See also test, Duke's and test, Ivy's.

test, Brinell hardness

n.pr a means of determining surface hardness by measuring the amount of resistance to the indentation of a steel ball. Recorded as the Brinell hardness number (BHN); the higher the number, the harder the material. Generally indicative of abrasion resistance.

test, Bromsulphalein (BSP)

n a test of liver function based on the removal of a known quantity of Bromsulphalein from the blood in a measured period of time. Normal values are less than 5% retention at the end of 45 minutes with an intravenous dose of 5 mg/kg body weight. It is a useful test of hepatocellular disease and detoxifying ability but is not applicable in the presence of extrahepatic or intrahepatic obstructive jaundice.

test, Bunnell,

n.pr See test, Paul-Bunnell.

test, capillary resistance (Rumpel-Leede-Hess test, Gothlin's test),

n a test of capillary fragility based on the number of petechiae that develop when a standardized intraluminal positive pressure is applied to the capillaries either by a blood pressure cuff or a suction cup applied to the skin. See also test, tourniquet.

test, caries activity,

n a test used to predict the probability of developing new or increased decay; may include assessments of saliva and plaque for the presence of certain designated microorganisms or studies of salivary secretion and sugar clearance.

test, CO capacity (CO combining power test),

n a general measure of the alkalinity or acidity of the blood. Various normal adult ranges are given (e.g., 23 to 30 mEq/L of serum or 55 to 70 vol/100 ml of serum). A low value is found in diabetic acidosis, hyperventilation, certain kidney diseases, and severe diarrhea. A high value is found in excessive administration of ACTH or cortisone, intake of sodium bicarbonate, and persistent vomiting.

test, CO combining power,

n See test, CO₂ capacity.

test, cold bends,

n a mechanical test used for assessing ductility.

test, colorimetric caries susceptibility (Snyder's test),

n a method of determining the concentration of acid-producing bacteria in the saliva by use of bromcresol green in a culture medium. The reliability of this and other salivary bacterial tests for dental caries susceptibility is questionable.

test, Congo red,

n.pr a test for amyloidosis based on the more rapid disappearance (excess of 60% injected dye in 1 hour) of Congo red from the serum of affected patients than from that of normal individuals. Gingival biopsy and positive staining with methyl violet or crystal violet also indicate amyloidosis.

test, creatinine clearance

n a renal function test of exogenous creatinine clearance. It is a convenient clinical test of glomerular filtration rate. It is calculated as the quotient of the product of urine creatinine (mg/L) and urine volume (L/24 hr) divided by the serum creatinine concentration (mg/L). The normal value for young healthy adults of average size (1.73 M² body surface area) is 115 to 155 L/24 hr (±15%).

test, dermal,

n See test, skin.

test, Dick's (scarlet fever test),

n a skin test to determine susceptibility or immunity to scarlet fever. A positive test is indicated when an area of erythema and edema measuring more than 10 mm in diameter occurs 8 to 24 hours after an intradermal injection of a standardized erythrogenic toxin.

test, Duke's,

n.pr a test of bleeding time as indicated by the time that elapses before a puncture wound of the earlobe ceases to bleed. Normal range is 2 to 4½ minutes.

test, electric,

n a test to determine whether a pulp is vital.

test, erythrocyte sedimentation

n a macroscopic test of the blood used to detect certain pathologic conditions, particularly inflammation. The blood cells are allowed to settle in the presence of an anticoagulant and the time (sedimentation time) determined. The greater the time or rate, the more severe the condition. Pregnancy and menstruation affect the sedimentation.

test, flow,

n used in the ADA specification for dental amalgam; measured as the percentage shortening of a cylinder of the material.

test, fluorescent treponemal antibody, absorbed (FTA-APS)

n a modification of the original FTA test for syphilis that employs a protein preparation from the Reiter treponeme.

test for trigeminal nerve function,

n.pl three simple clinical tests for trigeminal nerve function: (1)
sensation: apply gentle touch, pinpricks, or warm or cold objects to areas supplied by the nerve and note responses; (2)
reflex: try the jaw jerk and eye and sneeze reflexes; (3)
motor function: test the patient's ability to chew and work against resistance and observe contraction of the masseter and temporal muscles by visual examination and digital palpation.

test, Foshay's,

n.pr a skin test for tularemia using the Foshay antigen.

test, Friedman's

n.pr See test, pregnancy.

test, glare,

n an examination of blade sharpness using a magnifying glass under light, which reveals dull edges as round, shiny, reflective surfaces.

test, glucose paper,

n a test in which paper is impregnated with glucose oxidase and other reagents (TesTape, Clinistix). When the paper is moistened with fresh urine, the presence of glucose will cause a change in the color of the paper.

test, glucose tolerance (GTT),

n a test for abnormalities of carbohydrate tolerance by glucose loading and subsequent serial measurements of the concentration of glucose in the blood. Graphic representation of the concentration and the elapsed time makes up the glucose tolerance curve. Abnormal curves occur in diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, Cushing syndrome, acromegaly, and pheochromocytoma.

test, Gothlin's,

n.pr See test, capillary resistance.

test, hardness,

n See hardness, Mohs; test, Brinell hardness; test, Knoop hardness; and test, Vickers hardness.

test, Hess's,

n.pr See test, capillary resistance.

test, histoplasmin

n a skin test to determine sensitization to
Histoplasma capsulatum. A positive test indicates past or present infection (histoplasmosis).

test, infectious mononucleosis,

n one of several tests for the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis (e.g., Paul-Bunnell test).

test, intracutaneous,

n See test, skin.

test, intradermal,

n See test, skin.

test, Ivy's,

n.pr a test of bleeding time performed by making a standard wound and touching the blood with filter paper every 30 seconds until no blood appears on the paper. Normal range is 3 to 7 minutes.

test, Janet's,

n.pr a test to differentiate between functional and organic anesthesia. With the eyes closed, patients are instructed to say “yes” or “no” as they feel or do not feel the examiner's touch. In functional anesthesia, they will say “no,” whereas in organic anesthesia, they will say nothing.

test, ketone bodies (acetone test, Rothera's test)

n nitroprusside reaction tests for acetone and acetoacetic acid and the ferric chloride test for acetoacetic acid. Commercially prepared nitroprusside test tablets (Acetest) and powder (Acetone Test Denco) are available.

test, Kline's,

n.pr a flocculation test for syphilis based on the combination of the cardiolipin antigen with reagin to form grossly visible aggregates.

test, Knoop hardness,

n.pr a means of measuring surface hardness by resistance to the penetration of an indenting tool made of diamond. Produces an indentation that has a diamond or rhombic shape. Especially preferred for testing hardness of tooth structure.

test, laboratory,

n investigative procedures performed in the laboratory that are useful in the diagnosis of disease, including biopsy examination of tissue specimens, determination of type and characteristics of associated microorganisms, serology, blood and urine chemistry, hemogram (red cell count, hemoglobin content, white cell count, differential white cell count), and metabolic studies (basal metabolic rate).

test, LE,

n a test for lupus erythematosus based on the presence of a single (or multiple) homogenous basophilic inclusion(s) in polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Such LE cells have also been found in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, allergic reactions to penicillin, hydralazine toxicity, and “lupoid cirrhosis.” Thus the test is not definitive for lupus only; it is one of the diagnostic tests for causation.

test, lead,

n a test used to detect clinical lead poisoning or exposure to lead (e.g., coproporphyrinuria test, trace element analysis, urinary lead content test, and basophilic aggregation test).

test, Leede's,

n.pr See test, capillary resistance.

test, Mann-Whitney U,

n.pr a powerful nonparametric statistic test of significance between two means with unequal sample sizes.

test, Mantoux

n.pr an intracutaneous tuberculin test using either old tuberculin (OT) or purified protein derivative (PPD). A positive reaction read 24 and 48 hours after injection shows erythema and edema greater than 5 mm in diameter and indicates past or present tuberculosis.

test, Mazzini's

n.pr a flocculation test for syphilis.

test, Mohs,

n.pr See hardness, Mohs.

test, nontreponemal antigen,

n.pl serologic tests for syphilis using nontreponemal antigens. Such tests are not absolutely specific or sensitive for syphilis. Included are the Kline, Kahn, and Kolmer tests, and the VDRL slide test.

test, one-stage,

n See time, prothrombin.

test, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT),

n the application of glucose to the body, typically administered orally, in order to determine the rate at which glucose is metabolized. Can be used to diagnose diabetes mellitus.

test, patch,

n (percutaneous test), a test for allergies that is performed by placing the suspected allergen in direct contact with the skin or mucosa. See also test, skin.

test, Paul-Bunnell,

n.pr a test for infectious mononucleosis based on increased agglutination of sheep red blood cells resulting from heterophil antibodies in the serum. The test is considered positive if dilution of serum of 1:80 or higher agglutinates the sheep cells. Elevated agglutinin titers are more likely to be found during the second or third week of the disease, but the serum may not become positive until 7 weeks have elapsed.

test, percussion,

n a method of examination executed by striking the tissues of the area being examined with the fingers or an instrument, listening for resulting sounds, and observing the response of the patient.

test, percutaneous

n See test, patch.

test, Phelan's

n.pr a common test for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome. In a positive Phelan's test, tingling or numbness is felt within one minute when the subject's hands are held with the wrists flexed (usually at a 90° angle).

test, phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP)

n a renal test that roughly estimates glomerular function by measuring the rate of excretion of the dye after intravenous injection. Normally, after 15 minutes, 25% or more of the dye should be excreted in the urine.

test, plasma ketone

n a test using nitroprusside for the detection of high levels of ketone bodies in the blood. The test is read 0 to 4 plus. A strongly positive reaction is seen in diabetic ketoacidosis.

test, prothrombin consumption (serum prothrombin time),

n a convenient screening test of the first stage of blood coagulation as determined by the quantity of prothrombin remaining after coagulation. The test reflects the formation of plasma thromboplastin, provided the one-stage prothrombin time of plasma is normal. See also time, prothrombin.

test, pulp,

n a diagnostic test to determine clinical pulp vitality and/or abnormality.

test, Reiter protein complement-fixation (RPCF)

n.pr treponemal antigen test for syphilis using extracts from the nonpathogenic Reiter treponeme.

test, reverse torque (RTT) (tork),

n a test used to determine the degree of osseointegration of an implant by applying a rotational force in the opposite direction originally used to set the implant into the bone; in essence, it measures the shear strength at the point where the implant meets the bone.

test, Rockwell,

n an indentation test for hardness of a material. A static load is placed on a steel ball or diamond point, and the depth of the indentation is measured on the instrument. The depth of the indentation is remeasured after the load is increased. The hardness number is related to the type of point used and to the depth of the indentation.

test, Rothera's,

n.pr See test, ketone bodies.

test, routine,

n a test or group of tests performed on most or all patients to detect relatively common disorders or to establish a base for further evaluation of a patient.

test, Rumpel-Leede-Hess,

n.pr See test, capillary resistance.

test, scarlet fever,

n See test, Dick's.

test, Schick,

n.pr a skin test to demonstrate the presence or absence of an immunity to diphtheria.

test, scratch (skin test),

n a test for allergies performed by placing a preparation containing the allergen on the skin and scratching the skin. A positive reaction is indicated by the formation of a wheal and flare.

test, serologic

n test of blood serum for the diagnosis of infectious diseases.

test, Snyder's,

n.pr See test, colorimetric caries susceptibility.

test, sterilizer,

n the periodic use of spore strip, color strip, or other microbial test to ensure that a sterilizer (autoclave, oven) is killing all microbes predictably.

test strip,

n a blood test used to check blood sugar levels in diabetics. The patient places a drop of blood on the strip, and the strip changes color according to the level of blood sugar present.

test, subcutaneous,

n See test, skin.

test, syphilis,

n a serologic test for syphilis based on the presence of a reagin, appearing during the second or third week of infec-tion. Included are the Hinton, Kahn, Kline, Mazzini, Wassermann, and
Treponema pallidum immobilization tests.

test, tension,

n an evaluation used to determine the presence or absence of attached gingiva within the oral cavity. The tongue, cheek, and lip are retracted to apply pressure at the mucogingival junction and make the alveolar mucosa taut.

test, thermal,

n the use of heat or cold as an aid in diagnosis (e.g., the use of heat or cold in testing the pulp).

test, Thorn's,

n.pr See test, ACTH-stimulation.

test, thromboplastin generation

n a test of the integrity of the first stage of blood coagulation and the nature of the defect. A patient's serum, plasma, or platelets are substituted in a system that is complete except for one of the factors to be tested for (antihemophilic factor, plasma thromboplastin antecedent, plasma thromboplastin component, or platelets), and the rate of thromboplastin generation is determined.

test, tourniquet

n a test for capillary fragility based on counting petechiae in a given area of the arm after application of the rubber cuff of a sphygmomanometer for 15 minutes.

test, transillumination,

n a test for a pulpless tooth in which the use of transmitted light shows a shadow of the root when the pulp is necrotic or has been replaced by a filling (not always reliable).

test, Treponema pallidum immobilization (TPI)

n a test to confirm syphilis by demonstrating the immobilization of
Treponema pallidum by specific antibodies in the serum of an infected individual; not widely used.

test, tuberculin,

n a test for past or present infection with tubercle bacilli. See also test, Mantoux.

test, tuberculin skin

n an intradermal injection of old tuberculin (OT) or purified protein derivative (PPD) to determine a specific sensitivity or susceptibility to tuberculosis.

test, tularemia,

n See test, Foshay's.

test, U, Mann-Whitney,

n.pr See test, Mann-Whitney U.

test, urea clearance,

n a clinical test of renal function determined by the clearance of urea from the plasma by the kidney each minute. Average normal value is 75 ml/min (75% to 125% of normal).

test, urine, routine,

n the routine examination of the urine, including amount, appearance, pH level, specific gravity, qualitative tests for sugar and protein, and microscopic examination of sediment.

test, van den Bergh's,

n.pr a test of hepatic function by measuring serum conjugated (“direct-reacting”) 1-minute bilirubin, total serum bilirubin, and, by difference, unconjugated (indirect) bilirubin. Obstructive jaundice and hemolytic jaundice give abnormal values.

test, VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory),

n.pr a serologic nontreponemal antigen test for the detection of syphilitic reagin by means of a reaction between the reagin and a standard antigen.

test, Vickers hardness,

n.pr a penetration type of hardness test using a square-based pyramid made of diamond.

test, vitality,

n the procedure using thermal, electrical, or mechanical stimuli to determine the response of the pulp in a tooth.

test, Wassermann,

n.pr a complement-fixation test for syphilis.

test, Zondek's,

n.pr See test, pregnancy.

tests, liver function,

n.pl tests to measure the severity of liver disease, aid in the differential diagnosis of the various types of disease of the hepatobiliary system, and follow the course of liver disease. Screening tests include urine bile, urine urobilinogen, Bromsulphalein (BSP) excretion, serum transaminases, thymol turbidity, cephalin-cholesterol flocculation, and van den Bergh's reaction (1 minute direct and total).

tests, pancreatic function,

n.pl tests of enzyme levels in blood and urine (amylase, lipase), fecal fat content, trypsin activity, nitrogen content, alteration of digestive capacity, and alteration of pancreatic secretion via duodenal intubation.

tests, pregnancy (Aschheim-Zondek test, Friedman's test),

n.pl biologic or chemical tests that determine pregnancy. The tests are usually based on changes in the ovaries of an animal injected with the urine of a pregnant woman. Included are the Aschheim-Zondek test (using mice or rats) and the Friedman test (using virgin rabbits). Male frogs and female and male toads are also used. A saliva test has also been used.

tests, pulmonary function,

n.pl tests used to evaluate respiratory function (e.g., tests of vital capacity, tidal volume, maximal breathing capacity, timed vital capacity, arterial blood gases).

tests, rapid reagin,

n.pl serologic tests for syphilis that permit rapid and economic screening in the field. Included are the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test and the unheated serum reagin (USR) test.

tests, renal function,

n.pl quantitative tests including inulin or mannitol clearance for the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), paraaminohippurate (PAH) clearance for renal plasma flow, and the maximum rate of tubular excretion of paraaminohippurate and of reabsorption of glucose for the measurement of excretory and reabsorptive functions of the renal tubules. Clinical renal tests are used to assess the extent of renal impairment. They include blood urea nitrogen (BUN), nonprotein nitrogen (NPN), urea clearance, endogenous creatinine clearance, filtration fraction, phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP), and concentration tests.

tests, screening,

n.pl a group of tests especially chosen to detect specific abnormalities.

tests, skin,

n.pl tests to determine the sensitivity or susceptibility to infections by a specific agent, the presence of an allergy, or the presence of a nutritional deficiency. Included are the Mantoux, Schick, Dick, Frei, histoplasmin, and Foshay tests for infectious diseases (tests in which allergens are placed onto or into the skin) and the intradermal ascorbic acid, dermal, intradermal (intracutaneous), patch (percutaneous), scratch, and subcutaneous tests.

tests, thyroid function,

n.pl tests for thyroid function (e.g., radioactive iodine uptake, protein-bound iodine, basal metabolic rate, serum cholesterol, triiodothyronine suppression, thyroid-stimulating hormone tests).

tests, transaminase

n.pl tests for serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). The normal value for serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase is 40 units or less; that for serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase is 35 units or less. The serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase value in myocardial infarction is 3 to 20 times the normal.

tests, treponemal antigen,

n.pl tests for syphilis using
Treponema pallidum or extracts from a treponeme as antigen. Included are
T. pallidum immobilization (TPI),
T. pallidum agglutination (TPA), fluorescent treponemal antibody (FTA), Reiter protein complement-fixation (RPCF), and
T. pallidum complement-fixation (TPCF) tests.