What Does a Faint Line on a Pregnancy Test Mean?

This is a colorless streak that pops up if urine dries on the test strip. Disregard this evap line if it appears; it doesn’t mean you’re pregnant. Sometimes results appear as a plus or minus sign or with the words pregnant or not pregnant. HUIZENG HU / Getty Images This is not a positive result. It’s an evaporation line. Pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after you have missed a period....

April 18, 2025 · 1 min · 195 words · Manuel Anderson DDS

What Does a Gallbladder Ultrasound Diagnose?

A gallbladder ultrasound is noninvasive and painless. It is performed after the person has fasted (stopped eating) for up to 12 hours. RAJAAISYA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Image Reasons Providers Order a Gallbladder Ultrasound Gallbladder conditionsare common. RAJAAISYA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Image Anultrasoundis a noninvasive way to get a picture of what’s going on inside the gallbladder. An ultrasound of thegallbladdermight be done when there is unexplained abdominal pain....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 705 words · Timothy Walker

What Does a Gonorrhea Rash Look Like?

In 2018 there were 1.6 million infections, with half of the infections in people ages 15 to 24. When gonorrhea is left untreated it can develop into a body-wide infection called disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). One of the symptoms of DGI is a rash. Westend61 / Getty Images This article will cover how gonorrhea can spread throughout the body causing a rash and other symptoms. It will also discuss diagnosis, treatment, and prevention....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 385 words · Amanda Garcia

What Does a Heart Attack Feel Like?

However, sudden nausea, fatigue, or dizziness can also be signs, especially in women. Indigestion or severe back pain can also signal a heart attack. It can be painful, or you may feel very little pain. Gatot Adriansyah / Getty Images Be aware of what is happening in your body and when a sensation doesnt feel normal. Heart Attack Symptoms for Women Can Be Different Heart attacks in women can be subtle....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 286 words · Ryan Dunn

What Does a Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) Blood Test Mean?

It is included in a routine panel of tests called acomplete blood count (CBC). For adults, MCV levels normally fall between 80 and 100 femtoliters (fl). Red blood cells carry oxygen through your body. Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health A low MCV means that your red blood cells are smaller than average, possibly indicatingiron deficiency anemia. The interpretation relies heavily on other blood test results in the CBC....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 225 words · Robin Brown

What Does a Pancreatic Ultrasound Diagnose?

A pancreatic ultrasound (or sonogram) uses sound waves to produce images of the pancreas. You might need this test if you have symptoms or risk factors for pancreatic disease. There are a few different types of diagnostic pancreatic ultrasound techniques. Андрей Клеменков / Getty Images Sometimes, pancreatic ultrasound is used during interventional treatment for pancreatic disorders. However, the pancreas is an irregularly shaped organ, and its location is challenging to access....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 288 words · Kevin Mills

What Does a Pediatrician Do?

You also may encounternurse practitionerswho specialize in pediatric care. With additional training, some pediatricians focus on a specific area of care, such as cardiology or genetics. Others may have training in thecare of LGBTQ+ youth, or with developmental health issues like autism. Jon Feingersh / Brand X Pictures / Getty Images This article explains the role of a pediatrician in health care for children, teens, and young adults. It will help you to learn more about their training, specialties, and the services that pediatricians offer....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 418 words · Deborah West

What Does a Pneumonia Cough Sound Like and How Is It Different From Others?

Coughing can be a symptom of various health conditions, includingpneumonia. Pneumonia causes various symptoms, including cough. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include cough, fever, and chest discomfort. Guido Mieth / Getty Images A recovery timeline for pneumonia can vary from person to person and based on symptom severity. Walking Pneumonia Walking pneumoniais a mild case of pneumonia. A cough alone is not enough to determine if a person has pneumonia....

April 18, 2025 · 4 min · 659 words · Brooke Hogan

What Does a Punch Biopsy Detect?

A punch biopsy involves removing a sample of all of the layers of skin in an area. Before the sample is taken, the area is thoroughly numbed. The sample is removed and sent to the lab for examination. fotostorm / Getty Images The healthcare provider then stitches up the wound and allows it to heal. In a punch biopsy, a cylinder of tissue is removed and evaluated. This provides a sample of all skin layers (epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue)....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 465 words · Harold Spencer

What Does a Purpuric Rash Look Like?

Purpura are bruise-like purple spots on the skin ormucous membranes(such as inside the mouth). Purpuric rashes are a symptom, not a condition. This article will discuss purpuric rash symptoms and causes. Phynart Studio / Getty Images It will also cover treatment options and when to see a healthcare provider. Below is an overview of how purpuric rashes develop. This onset will vary greatly based on the underlying cause. Jodi Jacobson / Getty Images...

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 602 words · Tyler Graham

What Does a Stroke Look Like?

Strokesoccur when the blood supply to any region of the brain is interrupted or reduced. They can causebrain damagein the form of long-lasting physical handicaps and difficulty with communication and thinking. However, there are other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to those of a stroke. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin This article explains common and rare signs of a stroke and explains conditions that may look like a stroke. The muscles may become limp and feel heavy....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 406 words · Christian Miller

What Does a Tick Bite Look Like? Signs and Pictures

Learning what a tick bite looks like is essential because you cant rely on seeing the tick. The tick may fall off quickly or be so small its undetectable. Its vital to identify the signs of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses as quickly as possible. Reproduced with permission from ©DermNetdermnetnz.org2023. Early treatment can cure most tick-based infections. Permanent health complications can develop if they go untreated. First Signs Ticks may bite any body area....

April 18, 2025 · 3 min · 617 words · Sarah Fleming

What Does a Transvaginal Ultrasound Show?

Risks and Contraindications This a low-risk to no-risk scan. No radiation is used. Instead, sound waves are used to create an image. Keith Brofsky / Getty Images It should be quick and relatively painless. It is not risky to get this imaging done during pregnancy. For People With Latex Allergies The wand used during a transvaginal ultrasound is called a transducer. Latex covers are used to prevent germs from spreading....

April 18, 2025 · 2 min · 385 words · Tina Howard