Diagnosis In areas where Lyme disease is common, a characteristic rash may be enough to make a diagnosis. Typically, diagnosis involves: • Reviewing all signs and symptoms• Assessing history of known or possible tick exposure• Blood tests to detect antibodies produced against the bacteria Treatment Antibiotics are the primary treatment for Lyme disease. Early treatment usually leads to quicker and …
Lupus Nephritis
Diagnosis Tests used to diagnose lupus nephritis include: • Blood and urine tests, including 24-hour urine collection, to assess kidney function• Kidney biopsy, where a small sample of kidney tissue is taken and examined in a lab. This confirms lupus nephritis and helps determine disease severity. Multiple biopsies may be done over time Care at Mayo ClinicMayo Clinic specialists provide …
Lupus
Diagnosis Diagnosing lupus is challenging because symptoms vary widely among individuals and can change over time. Lupus signs may overlap with other disorders, so no single test can confirm the diagnosis. A combination of blood and urine tests, physical examination, and assessment of symptoms leads to a diagnosis. Laboratory tests Blood and urine tests commonly used to help diagnose lupus …
Male Hypogonadism
Diagnosis Finding male hypogonadism in childhood can help prevent complications related to delayed puberty. Early diagnosis and treatment in adults may help protect against conditions such as osteoporosis and reduced muscle mass. A member of the healthcare team begins with a physical examination and an assessment of sexual development. This includes evaluating pubic hair growth, muscle mass and the size …
Low Sperm Count
Diagnosis A low sperm count may be identified when you seek medical help for difficulty in getting your partner pregnant. During your appointment, your healthcare professional will work to find the cause of fertility issues. Even if you are suspected of having a low sperm count, your partner’s fertility may also need evaluation to guide treatment options. General physical exam …
Long QT Syndrome
Diagnosis of Long QT Syndrome To diagnose long QT syndrome (LQTS), a healthcare professional performs a physical exam, asks about symptoms, medical history, and family history, and listens to the heart with a stethoscope. If an irregular heartbeat is suspected, the following tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) An ECG is the most common …
Tetanus
Diagnosis Tetanus is usually diagnosed based on a physical exam, your medical and vaccination history, and the presence of classic signs such as muscle spasms, rigidity and pain. Laboratory tests are generally not required unless your doctor suspects another condition that could be causing similar symptoms. Treatment Tetanus requires urgent, intensive care to manage symptoms and support recovery, often in …
Morphea
Diagnosis Your doctor can diagnose morphea by examining the affected skin and reviewing your signs and symptoms. A skin biopsy may be performed to examine a small sample of skin in a laboratory. This can reveal changes such as thickening of collagen in the dermis, the second layer of skin. Collagen is a key component of connective tissues, providing elasticity …
Liver Disease
Diagnosis of Liver Disease Finding the cause of liver damage and its severity helps guide treatment. Your healthcare professional begins with a detailed health history and a complete physical exam. Your healthcare professional may then recommend: Blood tests A group of blood tests called liver function tests can diagnose liver disease. Additional blood tests may be performed to identify specific …
Listeria Infection
Diagnosis of Listeria Infection Often, healthcare professionals perform a blood test to determine if you have a listeria infection. In more severe cases, samples of spinal fluid may also need to be tested. If you are pregnant, the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby during pregnancy might be tested as well. Treatment Options for Listeria Infection Treatment for listeria infection …