Use the A-Z list to browse more than 6,000 health-related topics in our library. Clicking on a term opens the definition and, in most cases, links to more information.
"R Insulin" is more commonly referred to as "Regular Insulin" in the medical community. Regular Insulin
Also Known As: "Short Acting Insulin"
Short-acting insulin. On average, regular insulin begins to lower blood glucose within 30 minutes after injection. Its effect peaks 2 to 5 hours after injection, but it keeps working 5 to 8 hours after injection. More Information on Regular Insulin: Insulin
"RA" is more commonly referred to as "Rheumatoid Arthritis" in the medical community. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Also Known As: "Systemic Rheumatic Disease, Rheumatoid Disease, Rheumatic Joint Disease, Subacute Rheumatic Arthritis, Acute Rheumatic Arthritis"
A chronic disease involving inflammation of the joints that can lead to damage, pain and a limitation of movement. There are three phases of the disease: inflammation, thickening and finally damage to the joint. Early treatment can lessen damage. More Information on Rheumatoid Arthritis: Arthritis
"Rabbit Fever" is more commonly referred to as "Tularemia" in the medical community. Tularemia
Also Known As: "Francisella Tularensis Infection"
Infection caused by the organism Francisella tularensis. It is common in wild rodents and often is transmitted to humans by contact with animal tissues or ticks. More Information on Tularemia: Bioterror Related Diseases
An infectious and acute viral disease of most warm-blooded animals, especially wolves, cats and dogs. It attacks the central nervous system and is often fatal. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected animals. More Information on Rabies: Infectious Disease Basics
An infectious and acute viral disease of most warm-blooded animals, especially wolves, cats and dogs. It attacks the central nervous system and is often fatal. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected animals. More Information on Rabies Virus Infection: Infectious Disease Basics
"Raccoon Roundworm" is more commonly referred to as "Baylisascaris Infection" in the medical community. Baylisascaris Infection
Infection with an intestinal raccoon roundworm. It affects more than 50 animal species, including humans. Eggs passed in raccoon feces are resistant to most environmental conditions and sometimes survive for years. More Information on Baylisascaris Infection: Infectious Disease Basics
Certain races are more prone to developing a specific type of diabetes, especially type 1 and type 2. It is believed the diabetes may be caused by inherited traits with a race or ethnic group, as well as lifestyles that are common with that race.
"Racing Heart" is more commonly referred to as "Palpitations" in the medical community. Palpitations
Also Known As: "Heart Palpitation"
An awareness of a strong, fast, irregular or "galloping" heartbeat. Palpitations tend to be unpleasant and may even be quite violent. Fortunately, palpitations are usually brief. More Information on Palpitations: Heart Signs & Symptoms
"RAD" is more commonly referred to as "Reactive Attachment Disorder" in the medical community. Reactive Attachment Disorder
A childhood disorder that results in an inability to form normal relationships to others. The child may be socially withdrawn or inappropriately social. Typically occurs due to neglect, abuse or other mistreatment by the child's caregiver.
"Radial Aplasia Thrombocytopenia Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "TAR Syndrome" in the medical community. TAR Syndrome
Also Known As: "Tetraphocomelia Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, Thrombocytopenia Absent Radius Syndrome"
A syndrome named for its major characteristics: Thrombocytopenia (low platelet levels in the blood) and Aplasia (absence) of the Radius (a long bone of the forearm). The genetic condition may also include one or more congenital heart defects.
A disorder resulting from compression of a branch of the radial nerve in the forearm or back of the arm, or at the elbow. The pain is usually characterized as tenderness at the outside of the elbow. More Information on Radial Tunnel Syndrome: Arm & Leg Pain
Also Known As: "Electromagnetic Radiation, Ionizing Radiation"
A form of energy. Higher energy levels are in the gamma rays or x-rays that are used very carefully in certain medical tests or procedures. Lower energy levels are in radio or T.V. waves, and moderate energy levels are associated with visible light. More Information on Radiation: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
Risks to a fetus from mild exposure to radiation (such as from an x-ray or other diagnostic test) are minimal. Exposure to large amounts of radiation during pregnancy may contribute to miscarriage and birth defects and should be avoided. More Information on Radiation & Pregnancy: Pregnancy Management
A physician who specializes in radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. This is different than a radiologist, who specializes in diagnosis of disease through the interpretation of imaging tests (e.g., x-rays, MRI, CAT scans). More Information on Radiation Oncologist: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
"Radiation Surgery" is more commonly referred to as "Stereotactic Radiosurgery" in the medical community. Stereotactic Radiosurgery
A new method of radiation therapy that offers greater protection of surrounding tissue during radiation therapy. It is limited to the brain, head and neck because these areas are easiest to immobilize. More Information on Stereotactic Radiosurgery: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
Also Known As: "X Ray Therapy, Irradiation, External Radiation, Radiotherapy, External Beam Radiation"
Form of treatment using high-energy rays (e.g., x-rays), to kill or shrink cancer cells. It may be used to shrink cancer prior to surgery, kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery or as the main treatment. More Information on Radiation Therapy: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
Form of treatment using high-energy rays (e.g., x-rays), to kill or shrink cancer cells. It may be used to shrink cancer prior to surgery, kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery or as the main treatment. More Information on Radiation Therapy in Children: Pediatric Cancer
"Radiation to Prevent Restenosis" is more commonly referred to as "Intravascular Radiotherapy" in the medical community. Intravascular Radiotherapy
Also Known As: "Intravascular Radiation Therapy, Coronary Artery Brachytherapy, IVB, IVR, Gamma Radiation Therapy, Intra-Coronary Artery Radiation, Intravascular Brachytherapy"
A procedure in which a burst of radiation is delivered within an artery to prevent its reclosing (restenosis) after an angioplasty with stenting. More Information on Intravascular Radiotherapy: Catheter Tests & Procedures
A surgery that involves removal of the breast, skin, nipple and areola, as well as the lymph nodes under the arm and the chest muscles on the same side of the body. Formerly the standard surgical treatment for breast cancer, it is rarely used today. More Information on Radical Mastectomy: Breast Cancer
"Radical Prostatectomy" is more commonly referred to as "Prostatectomy" in the medical community. Prostatectomy
Also Known As: "Laparoscopic Prostatectomy, Simple Prostatectomy, Open Prostatectomy, Retropubic Prostatectomy, Transurethral Prostatectomy, Perineal Prostatectomy, Partial Prostatectomy"
Surgical removal of all or part of the prostate gland and, in some cases, the surrounding lymph nodes. It may be performed in an open procedure, by laparoscopy or through the urethra (transurethral). More Information on Prostatectomy: Prostate & Testicular
A technique that uses radio waves to create an incision that does not bleed or to heat bleaching agents. More Information on Radio Wave Therapy: Dental Bleaching & Appearance
"Radioactive Implant" is more commonly referred to as "Brachytherapy" in the medical community. Brachytherapy
Also Known As: "Interstitial Radiation, Implant Radiation, Seed Implantation, Internal Radiation"
A type of radiation therapy in which a burst of radiation is introduced directly into a tumor to shrink or close the growth. More Information on Brachytherapy: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
Substance patients drink or take in pill form that is used to shrink the thyroid gland in patients who have thyroid disease or cancer. The radioactivity used in this treatment does not affect the rest of the body. More Information on Radioactive Iodine: Thyroid & Parathyroid
Also Known As: "Allergy Screen, Allergen-Specific IgE Antibody Test"
A blood test to determine the source or 'trigger' of an allergic reaction. It measures levels of IgE, a chemical that increases in response to a specific allergen. There is a different IgE for each different trigger (e.g., dust, pollen, dander). More Information on Radioallergosorbent Test: Allergy & Asthma Tests
"Radiofrequency Ablation" is more commonly referred to as "Ablation" in the medical community. Ablation
Also Known As: "Cryoablation, Ablative Therapy, Thermal Ablation, Chemical Ablation"
Any procedure that removes or destroys a part of functioning tissue or organs. It can be accomplished through surgery, chemicals, radiofrequency, heat (thermal ablation) or cold (cryoablation). More Information on Ablation: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
"Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation" is more commonly referred to as "Cardiac Ablation" in the medical community. Cardiac Ablation
Also Known As: "Surgical Ablation, AV Node Ablation, Catheter Ablation"
A procedure in which a physician destroys (ablates) very small, carefully selected parts of the heart that are causing tachycardia - a very fast heartbeat. Then the heart can beat more slowly and normally again. More Information on Cardiac Ablation: Arrhythmia
A form of neuroablation, this technique renders a painful joint, disc, or nerve incapable of sending a pain signal. More Information on Radiofrequency Thermocoagulation: Pain Management
A procedure that creates scar tissue at the base of the esophagus to strengthen esophageal sphincter muscles and prevent acid reflux. It is accomplished by use of an endoscope rather than via surgical incision. More Information on Radiofrequency Treatment for GERD: Digestive Treatments
"Radiograph" is more commonly referred to as "X ray" in the medical community. X ray
Also Known As: "Roentgenogram, Roentgenography, Roentgen Rays"
An image of a body part, organ or bodily system on film paper or fluorescent screens. It is produced by using low doses of radiation. More Information on X ray: Imaging Tests
"Radiographic Absorptiometry" is more commonly referred to as "Bone Density Test" in the medical community. Bone Density Test
Also Known As: "Bone Densitometry, DEXA Scan, Dual Energy X Ray Absorptiometry Scan, Absorptiometry, Dual Photon Densitometry"
A method of estimating bone density by the amount of x-ray radiation absorbed by bones and tissues. It is used to diagnosis osteoporosis and related conditions. More Information on Bone Density Test: Bone Health
"Radioisotope Gastric Emptying Scan" is more commonly referred to as "Gastric Emptying Study" in the medical community. Gastric Emptying Study
Also Known As: "Gastric Emptying Test, Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy, Gastric Emptying Scan, Radioisotope Gastric Emptying Study"
Test used to diagnose digestive problems. A radioactive material (tracer) included with food is tracked through the gastrointestinal system. More Information on Gastric Emptying Study: Digestive Imaging Tests
"Radioisotope Gastric Emptying Study" is more commonly referred to as "Gastric Emptying Study" in the medical community. Gastric Emptying Study
Also Known As: "Gastric Emptying Test, Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy, Gastric Emptying Scan, Radioisotope Gastric Emptying Scan"
Test used to diagnose digestive problems. A radioactive material (tracer) included with food is tracked through the gastrointestinal system. More Information on Gastric Emptying Study: Digestive Imaging Tests
Also Known As: "Myocardial Perfusion Imaging, Nuclear Imaging & Heart Disease"
An imaging test that introduces tiny amounts of radioactive materials (called "tracers") into the body. The tracers emit energy that is used by gamma cameras to take very clear pictures of the desired area (e.g., the heart). More Information on Radioisotope Scanning & Heart Disease: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
"Radiologic Technologist" is more commonly referred to as "Technician" in the medical community. Technician
Also Known As: "RT, CVT, Technologist, Electrocardiographical Technician"
An individual who performs tests (e.g., blood tests), operates equipment (e.g., an EKG or x-ray machine) and/or has specialized knowledge or skills in a particular area (e.g., the cardiovascular system). More Information on Technician: Healthcare Basics
A physician who specializes in the diagnosis of disease through the interpretation of imaging tests (e.g., x-rays, MRI, CAT scans). This is different than radiation oncologist, who specializes in radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer. More Information on Radiologist: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
"Radionuclide Bone Scan" is more commonly referred to as "Bone Scan" in the medical community. Bone Scan
Also Known As: "Skeletal Scintigraphy, Nuclear Bone Scan"
An imaging test that creates images of the bones to identify injured, damaged or diseased areas of the bone. It is performed by injecting a radioactive substance into the body that collects in areas of abnormality. More Information on Bone Scan: Pain Imaging Tests
Also Known As: "Gamma Scanning, Radionuclide Scans, Perfusion Imaging, Scintigraphy, Radionuclide Isotope Injection"
An imaging test that introduces tiny amounts of radioactive materials (called 'tracers') into the body. The tracers emit energy that is used by gamma cameras to take very clear pictures of the desired area (e.g., the heart). More Information on Radionuclide Imaging: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
Also Known As: "Radionuclide Scans & Cancer, Nuclear Imaging & Cancer"
An imaging test that introduces tiny amounts of radioactive materials called "tracers" into the body. In cancer patients, it most often is used to help locate tumors and to determine how far a cancer has spread. More Information on Radionuclide Imaging & Cancer: Cancer Imaging Tests
Also Known As: "Radionuclide Scans & Digestive Disorders, Nuclear Imaging & Digestive Disorders"
An imaging test that introduces tiny amounts of radioactive materials (called "tracers") into the body. Radionuclide imaging can help diagnose several disorders of the digestive system, including tumors or the source of gastrointestinal bleeding. More Information on Radionuclide Imaging & Digestive Disorders: Digestive Imaging Tests
Also Known As: "Myocardial Perfusion Imaging, Nuclear Imaging & Heart Disease, Radioisotope Scanning & Heart Disease"
An imaging test that introduces tiny amounts of radioactive materials (called "tracers") into the body. The tracers emit energy that is used by gamma cameras to take very clear pictures of the desired area (e.g., the heart). More Information on Radionuclide Imaging & Heart Disease: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
Also Known As: "Radionuclide Scans & Neurological Disorders, Nuclear Imaging & Neurological Disorders"
An imaging test that introduces tiny amounts of radioactive materials (called "tracers") into the body. The tracers emit energy that is used by gamma cameras to take very clear pictures of the desired area (e.g., the brain). More Information on Radionuclide Imaging & Neurological Disorders: Brain & Nerve Tests
Also Known As: "Radionuclide Scans & Pain Disorders, Nuclear Imaging & Pain Disorders"
An imaging test that introduces tiny amounts of radioactive materials called "tracers" into the body. It can detect the source of unexplained pain and a number of conditions, including fractures, arthritis, infections and tumors. More Information on Radionuclide Imaging & Pain Disorders: Pain Imaging Tests
An imaging test that introduces tiny amounts of radioactive materials (called "tracers") into the body. It may be used to assess several conditions that women develop, including breast and reproductive cancers and disorders of the urinary tract. More Information on Radionuclide Imaging & Women: ObGyn Imaging Tests
Also Known As: "Gamma Scanning, Perfusion Imaging, Scintigraphy, Radionuclide Scans"
An imaging test that introduces tiny amounts of radioactive materials (called 'tracers') into the body. The tracers emit energy that is used by gamma cameras to take very clear pictures of the desired area (e.g., the heart). More Information on Radionuclide Isotope Injection: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
Also Known As: "Gamma Scanning, Perfusion Imaging, Scintigraphy, Radionuclide Isotope Injection"
An imaging test that introduces tiny amounts of radioactive materials (called 'tracers') into the body. The tracers emit energy that is used by gamma cameras to take very clear pictures of the desired area (e.g., the heart). More Information on Radionuclide Scans: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
An imaging test that introduces tiny amounts of radioactive materials called "tracers" into the body. In cancer patients, it most often is used to help locate tumors and to determine how far a cancer has spread. More Information on Radionuclide Scans & Cancer: Cancer Imaging Tests
Also Known As: "Nuclear Imaging & Digestive Disorders"
An imaging test that introduces tiny amounts of radioactive materials (called "tracers") into the body. Radionuclide imaging can help diagnose several disorders of the digestive system, including tumors or the source of gastrointestinal bleeding. More Information on Radionuclide Scans & Digestive Disorders: Digestive Imaging Tests
Also Known As: "Nuclear Imaging & Neurological Disorders"
An imaging test that introduces tiny amounts of radioactive materials (called "tracers") into the body. The tracers emit energy that is used by gamma cameras to take very clear pictures of the desired area (e.g., the brain). More Information on Radionuclide Scans & Neurological Disorders: Brain & Nerve Tests
An imaging test that introduces tiny amounts of radioactive materials called "tracers" into the body. It can detect the source of unexplained pain and a number of conditions, including fractures, arthritis, infections and tumors. More Information on Radionuclide Scans & Pain Disorders: Pain Imaging Tests
An exercise stress test that introduces a radionuclide substance, such as thallium, to create images of the heart before, during and after physical exertion. More Information on Nuclear Stress Test: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
"Radionuclide Ventriculography" is more commonly referred to as "MUGA Scan" in the medical community. MUGA Scan
Also Known As: "First Pass Scan, Gated Blood Pool Scan, Nuclear Ventriculography, Multi Gated Acquisition Scan, Cardiac Blood Pooling Imaging"
A type of radionuclide imaging that is called "multi-gated" because the gamma camera takes multiple (sometimes over 60) different pictures, timed according to an EKG. It reveals blood flow and the function of the ventricles. More Information on MUGA Scan: Heart Imaging & Rhythm Tests
Drugs that increase the effect of radiation on cancer cells by resembling oxygen, which cancer cells without oxygen (hypoxic) need. More Information on Radiosensitizers: Cancer Drug & Medication
A technique that uses radio waves to create an incision that does not bleed or to heat bleaching agents. More Information on Radiosurgery: Dental Bleaching & Appearance
Also Known As: "X Ray Therapy, Irradiation, External Radiation, External Beam Radiation"
Form of treatment using high-energy rays (e.g., x-rays), to kill or shrink cancer cells. It may be used to shrink cancer prior to surgery, kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery or as the main treatment. More Information on Radiotherapy: Chemo & Radiation Therapy
"RAE" is more commonly referred to as "Retinol Activity Equivalent" in the medical community. Retinol Activity Equivalent
A unit of measurement of the vitamin A content of a food. One unit equals 1 microgram of retinol. More Information on Retinol Activity Equivalent: Vitamins
Also Known As: "Ambrosia Artemisiifolia, Horse Ragweed, Common Ragweed, Ambrosia Trifida, Great Ragweed"
A common weedy plant that produces a pollen known to trigger hay fever and asthma. It grows alongside roads and rivers and in vacant lots. Flowers are yellowish-green. It is often confused with goldenrod, which can not trigger hay fever. More Information on Ragweed: Outdoor Allergies
"RALPH Syndrome" is more commonly referred to as "Pallister Hall Syndrome" in the medical community. Pallister Hall Syndrome
Also Known As: "MISHAP Syndrome, Congenital Hypothalamic Hamartoblastoma, Hypothalamic Hamartoblastoma Syndrome, Hamartopolydactyly Syndrome, 4H Syndrome, Hall Syndrome II"
A multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation (MCA/MR) syndrome that may include one or more congenital heart defects such as patent ductus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, coarctation of the aorta, and mitral or aortic valve defects. More Information on Pallister Hall Syndrome: Pediatric Heart
"Ramipril" is more commonly referred to as "Captopril" in the medical community. Captopril
Also Known As: "Quinapril, Enalaprilat, Fosinopril, Benazepril, Lisinopril, Enalapril"
A type of ACE inhibitors, medications that widen blood vessels and lower blood pressure. ACE stands for angiotensin-converting enzyme. These medications are being studied for the prevention of side effects from radiation therapy. More Information on Captopril: Cancer Drug & Medication
"Ramsay Hunt Syndrome I" is more commonly referred to as "Dyssynergia Cerebellaris Myoclonica" in the medical community. Dyssynergia Cerebellaris Myoclonica
Also Known As: "Dentatorubral Atrophy, Dyssynergia Cerebellaris Progressiva, Primary Dentatum Atrophy, Dentate Cerebellar Ataxia"
A group of rare, degenerative, neurological disorders characterized by epilepsy, cognitive impairment, myoclonus and progressive ataxia. Symptoms include seizures, tremor and reduced muscle coordination. More Information on Dyssynergia Cerebellaris Myoclonica: Movement Disorders
"Ramsay Hunt Syndrome II" is more commonly referred to as "Herpes Zoster Oticus" in the medical community. Herpes Zoster Oticus
A complication of shingles infection that occurs when the varicella-zoster virus spreads to the facial nerves. It is marked by intense ear pain, paralysis of facial nerves, and a rash around the ear, mouth, face, neck and scalp. More Information on Herpes Zoster Oticus: Ear, Eye & Face Pain
A blood test to examine the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Levels of glucose in the blood may be measured after a fast (fasting glucose) or after a meal (postprandial glucose). These tests are essential for diabetes diagnosis and management. More Information on Glucose Tests: Diabetes & Endocrine Tests
"Raney Flexion Jackets" is more commonly referred to as "Back Braces" in the medical community. Back Braces
Also Known As: "Lumbosacral Belts, Lumbar Braces, Williams Braces, Hyperextension Braces, Sacroiliac Belts, Chair Back Braces, Molded Jackets"
Devices used to help stabilize the lower back. There are many types, including various belts, corsets, braces and jackets. More Information on Back Braces: Head & Spine Injury
The entire amount of motion that joints can be moved in a certain direction. Range-of-motion exercises are often used to help patients overcome pain located in the arms, legs and other body areas. More Information on Range of Motion: Pain Basics
Also Known As: "Fast Acting Insulin, Quick Acting Insulin"
A form of insulin medication that begins to work 5 minutes after injection, peaks in an hour and works for two to four hours. More Information on Rapid Acting Insulin: Insulin
Bipolar disorder in which the patient experiences four or more episodes of illness within a 12-month period that are interrupted by periods of relative calm. More Information on Rapid Cycling: Depression & Bipolar
Also Known As: "Rapid Cycling, Rapid Cycling Manic Depression"
Bipolar disorder in which the patient experiences four or more episodes of illness within a 12-month period that are interrupted by periods of relative calm. More Information on Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder: Depression & Bipolar
Bipolar disorder in which the patient experiences four or more episodes of illness within a 12-month period that are interrupted by periods of relative calm. More Information on Rapid Cycling Manic Depression: Depression & Bipolar
"Rapid Gastric Emptying" is more commonly referred to as "Dumping Syndrome" in the medical community. Dumping Syndrome
Also Known As: "Postgastrectomy Syndrome, Postgastrectomy Dumping Syndrome"
A condition in which food or liquid passes too quickly from the stomach into the small intestines causing symptoms such as cramps, nausea and diarrhea. It is common in patients after stomach surgery. More Information on Dumping Syndrome: Bariatric Surgery
A test often used to identify bacterial infections by identifying the enzyme urease in biopsied tissue. More Information on Rapid Urease Test: Digestive Lab Tests
"Rashkind Atrial Septostomy" is more commonly referred to as "Balloon Atrial Septostomy" in the medical community. Balloon Atrial Septostomy
Also Known As: "Atrial Septostomy, Rashkind Procedure, Rashkind Umbrella Device"
Used to treat babies with one or more heart defects. If the baby's oxygen supply is low, and there is a hole in the wall between the left and right atria, then a balloon can be inserted into the hole and inflated to widen it, improving oxygen supply. More Information on Balloon Atrial Septostomy: Pediatric Heart
"Rashkind Procedure" is more commonly referred to as "Balloon Atrial Septostomy" in the medical community. Balloon Atrial Septostomy
Also Known As: "Atrial Septostomy, Rashkind Umbrella Device, Rashkind Atrial Septostomy"
Used to treat babies with one or more heart defects. If the baby's oxygen supply is low, and there is a hole in the wall between the left and right atria, then a balloon can be inserted into the hole and inflated to widen it, improving oxygen supply. More Information on Balloon Atrial Septostomy: Pediatric Heart
"Rashkind Umbrella Device" is more commonly referred to as "Balloon Atrial Septostomy" in the medical community. Balloon Atrial Septostomy
Also Known As: "Atrial Septostomy, Rashkind Atrial Septostomy, Rashkind Procedure"
Used to treat babies with one or more heart defects. If the baby's oxygen supply is low, and there is a hole in the wall between the left and right atria, then a balloon can be inserted into the hole and inflated to widen it, improving oxygen supply. More Information on Balloon Atrial Septostomy: Pediatric Heart
A chronic inflammatory disease that usually affects one hemisphere of the brain. It occurs in children under 10 and marked by frequent and severe seizures, loss of motor skills and speech, and paralysis on one side of the body. More Information on Rasmussen's Encephalitis: Outdoor Allergies
Also Known As: "Allergy Screen, Radioallergosorbent Test, Allergen-Specific IgE Antibody Test"
A blood test to determine the source or 'trigger' of an allergic reaction. It measures levels of IgE, a chemical that increases in response to a specific allergen. There is a different IgE for each different trigger (e.g., dust, pollen, dander). More Information on RAST Test: Allergy & Asthma Tests
A complicated open-heart surgery performed in babies or young children with heart defects. Holes in the heart are closed with fabric patches. Blood flow is redirected. Valves that were missing at birth may be replaced. More Information on Rastelli Operation: Pediatric Heart
Also Known As: "Rastelli Operation, Rastelli Switch Procedure"
A complicated open-heart surgery performed in babies or young children with heart defects. Holes in the heart are closed with fabric patches. Blood flow is redirected. Valves that were missing at birth may be replaced. More Information on Rastelli Procedure: Pediatric Heart
A complicated open-heart surgery performed in babies or young children with heart defects. Holes in the heart are closed with fabric patches. Blood flow is redirected. Valves that were missing at birth may be replaced. More Information on Rastelli Switch Procedure: Pediatric Heart
Also Known As: "Spirillum Minus Infection, Streptobacillus Moniliformis Infection"
One of two infectious diseases transmitted by the bite of a rat. Streptobacillus moniliformis is marked by skin inflammation, back and joint pains. Spirillum minus is marked by ulceration at the bite site, purplish rash, recurrent fever. More Information on Rat Bite Fever: Infectious Disease Basics
A type of peripheral vascular disease in which spasms in the small arteries in the hands and feet cause a restriction in the flow of blood to the fingers and toes. As a result, the fingers and toes turn whitish, then cold, and eventually blue. More Information on Raynaud Syndrome: Vascular Disease
A common condition of the beard area, especially in African-American men and others with curly hair. It results when highly curved hairs grow back into the skin, resulting in inflammation. More Information on Razor Bumps: Skin Related Infections
"RBBB" is more commonly referred to as "Right Bundle Branch Block" in the medical community. Right Bundle Branch Block
Also Known As: "Partial Right Bundle Branch Block, Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block, Complete Right Bundle Branch Block"
An abnormal heart rhythm caused by delayed or blocked transmission of electrical impulses through the right bundle branch of the heart. More Information on Right Bundle Branch Block: Arrhythmia
"RBC" is more commonly referred to as "Red Blood Cells" in the medical community. Red Blood Cells
Also Known As: "Erythrocyte"
Cells that transport oxygen in the blood from the lungs to organs and body tissues. They have a high concentration of hemoglobin (an oxygen carrying protein). They also carry carbon dioxide removed from tissues and organs to the lungs to be exhaled. More Information on Red Blood Cells: Cancer Basics
"RBST" is more commonly referred to as "Bovine Somatotropin" in the medical community. Bovine Somatotropin
A protein hormone that occurs naturally in the pituitary gland of cattle. It is a factor controlling the amount of milk produced by a dairy cow. It is also found in the milk extracted from a cow.