Diagnostics

Along with analyzing signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures are an important part of diagnosing a medical condition or disease. The following diagnostic procedures are offered at select SMG locations.

Colonoscopy  |  Colposcopy  |  Dexa-Scan  |  Sigmoidoscopy  |  X-Ray

Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is an internal examination of the colon (large intestine), using an instrument called a colonoscope. How the test is performed: The colonoscope is a small camera attached to a flexible tube. Unlike sigmoidoscopy, which examines only the lower third of the colon, colonoscopy examines the entire length of the colon. You will lie on your left side with your knees drawn up toward the chest. After you've received a sedative and pain reliever, the colonoscope is inserted through the anus and gently advanced to the lowest part of the small bowel.

Learn more about colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy is available at Surgical Specialists (Columbia), Surgical Specialists (Pacific).

Colposcopy
Colposcopy is a medical diagnostic procedure to examine an illuminated, magnified view of the cervix and the tissues of the vagina and vulva. Many premalignant lesions and malignant lesions in these areas have discernible characteristics that can be detected through the examination. It is done using a colposcope, which provides an enlarged view of the areas, allowing the colposcopist to visually distinguish normal from abnormal appearing tissue and take directed biopsies for further pathological examination. The main goal of colposcopy is to prevent cervical cancer by detecting precancerous lesions early and treating them. A colposcopy is often recommended when a pap smear shows irregularities.

Learn more about colposcopy.

Colposcopy is available at Battle Ground, Family Physicians Group.

Dexa-Scan
Dexa stands for Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. It is the most commonly used test for measuring bone mineral density. It is one of the most accurate ways to diagnosis osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Learn more about measuring bone mineral density.

Dexa-Scan is available at Family Physicians Group.

Exercise Stress Test
An exercise stress test is a screening tool to test the effect of exercise on your heart. The test gives a general sense of how healthy your heart is.

Learn more about exercise stress tests.
Exercise stress tests are available at Family Physicians Group.

Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is the minimally invasive medical examination of the large intestine from the rectum through the last part of the colon. A sigmoidoscopy is similar but not the same as a colonoscopy. A Sigmoidoscopy only examines up to the sigmoid, the last part of the colon, while colonoscopy examines the whole large bowel.

Sigmoidoscopy is available at Family Physicians Group.

X-ray
An x-ray is a type of high-energy radiation that can go through the body and onto film, making pictures of areas inside the body.

X-rays are available at Family Physicians Group.