Medical tests Archive

A new breast lump can be alarming, but not all require immediate surgery. A doctor will determine the appropriate next steps, which may include medical tests.

Full-body MRI scans are marketed as a way to detect hidden cancers and other health conditions before symptoms appear. But these elective scans aren’t as precise as medically recommended MRIs and may reveal harmless abnormalities that lead to unnecessary follow-up tests.

MRI contrast dye is widely used and considered safe. It helps highlight blood vessels, tumors, and other structures to improve diagnostic accuracy. Rarely, contrast dye can trigger a serious condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis in people with advanced kidney disease.

A 2026 study suggested that getting a high-dose flu shot may reduce older adults’ risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared with a standard-dose flu shot.

Home microbiome tests are pricey and not yet scientifically reliable. Stay on top of your gut health by skipping the test and focusing instead on following a fiber-rich, Mediterranean-style diet that minimizes meat and processed foods.

A 2026 study indicates a precipitous decline in the number of primary care providers in the United States accepting new patients. Without a primary care doctor, people are more vulnerable to serious medical problems and may have trouble getting regular tests and prescriptions.

Taking a multivitamin does not reduce the chance of heart disease or mental decline, but it does reduce the risk of being diagnosed with cancer or developing cataracts.

Meditation can be a natural part of everyday life, similar to maintaining a healthy diet or exercise routine. In this video, learn how meditation can be simple, flexible, and can be practiced almost anywhere.

While there is no agreed-upon normal range for body fat, most men ages 60 to 79 should aim for 13% to 24% body fat. Measuring waist and hip size can provide an estimate of how much dangerous belly fat a person carries.