MELISSA ANN CHISTON MD
NPI 1134440886
Internal Medicine - Rheumatology in Ames, IA

A Complete Blood Cell Count is a common test that measures various components of the blood, including red cells (carry oxygen), white cells (fight infection), and platelets (help blood clot). An automated test ensures accuracy. The differential count provides detailed information about white cell types.

C-reactive protein (CRP) test is a blood test that checks for signs of inflammation or infection in the body. High levels of CRP often suggest that there's inflammation or a bacterial infection. This test helps in monitoring and managing conditions like arthritis and heart disease.

The Red Blood Cell Sedimentation Rate is a test that helps detect inflammation in the body. It's automated, meaning a machine does the work. This test measures how fast red blood cells settle at the bottom of a tube in an hour. A faster rate may indicate inflammation.

This is a procedure where a medical professional inserts a small tube into your vein to deliver medication, nutrients, or fluids directly into your bloodstream. This can be for treatment, prevention, or diagnosis. The process typically takes less than an hour.

A magnesium level test is a simple blood test that measures the amount of magnesium in your body. Magnesium is a crucial mineral that helps your nerves, muscles, and heart function properly. The test can help detect health conditions like kidney disease or malnutrition.

A phosphate level test measures the amount of phosphate in your blood. Phosphate is a chemical that contains the mineral phosphorus, crucial for energy production, muscle and nerve function, and bone growth. Imbalances may indicate kidney disease or other health issues.

A Lactate Dehydrogenase level test measures the amount of this enzyme in your body. It's often done when tissue damage is suspected, as high levels can indicate issues like heart disease, lung disease, liver disease, or blood disorders. This test helps in diagnosing and monitoring these conditions.

This procedure involves administering medication directly under the skin or into a muscle. A small needle is used to inject the drug, allowing it to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. It's a common method for delivering a variety of medications.

The Red Blood Cell Sedimentation Rate test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. If they settle faster than normal, it may indicate inflammation in the body. This test is non-automated, meaning it's manually performed by a lab technician.

This is a first-time office or outpatient visit lasting between 45-59 minutes. The healthcare provider evaluates your health, discusses your medical history, and may suggest further tests or treatments. It's an opportunity to ask questions and understand your health better.

Zoledronic acid is a medication given via injection to strengthen bones. It's often used in patients with osteoporosis or certain types of cancer. The injection helps reduce the risk of fractures and other bone complications.

A creatinine level test measures the amount of creatinine in your blood. This substance is a waste product from normal muscle use. Higher levels can indicate possible kidney dysfunction or muscle injury. This test helps monitor kidney health.

The Total Protein Level in urine test measures the amount of protein present in your urine. This helps to check kidney health as high levels may indicate a problem. It's a simple, non-invasive procedure involving a urine sample.

A serum protein measurement is a blood test that determines the levels of proteins in your blood. It is used to evaluate your overall health, and diagnose nutritional problems, kidney disease, liver disease, or immune disorders.

Chemotherapy is a treatment method that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. The drugs are administered into a vein, usually in the arm. Each additional hour of chemotherapy allows for more of the medication to enter your bloodstream to fight against the cancer cells.

A Vitamin D-3 level test measures the amount of Vitamin D-3, a crucial nutrient, in your body. This test helps identify if your levels are too low or too high. Low levels may lead to bone weakness, while high levels could harm your kidneys. It's a simple blood test.

The total Creatine Kinase (CK) level test is a blood test that helps assess the health of your heart. It measures an enzyme called CK that's released into the bloodstream when heart or other muscle tissue is damaged. High levels may indicate a heart attack or muscle disorder.

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. When administered into a vein, it's often through an IV. This procedure usually lasts 1 hour or less. You may feel a slight pinch as the needle is inserted, but it's generally painless.

A blood uric acid level test measures the amount of uric acid in your blood. Uric acid is a waste product that your body produces when it breaks down purines, substances found in your body and in certain foods. High levels may lead to gout or kidney stones.

A manual urinalysis test with automated microscopic examination is a lab process that checks your urine for health indicators. It involves a machine scanning your sample to identify any abnormal elements, which can assist in diagnosing various conditions.

An automated urinalysis test is a routine examination that checks your urine for various substances. It can help identify potential health issues such as kidney problems or diabetes. The test uses a machine to analyze a small urine sample, providing quick and accurate results.

A bacterial colony count, urine, is a laboratory test that checks a urine sample for bacteria. It helps to identify if an infection is present in the urinary system. High numbers of bacteria in the urine can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI).

The Parathormone level test measures the amount of parathyroid hormone in your blood. This hormone controls calcium and phosphorus levels in the body, which are vital for bone health. Abnormal levels may indicate issues like kidney disease or parathyroid gland disorders.

This is a routine visit for patients who have already been seen by the healthcare provider. During this approximately 20-29 minute appointment, your health status will be evaluated and any necessary treatments or tests will be discussed. It's a chance to address any health concerns you may have.

A liver function blood test panel helps check the health of your liver. It measures various proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin in your blood. If these levels are too high or too low, it could signal a liver problem. It's a simple, non-invasive test that involves drawing blood.

Hepatitis C antibody measurement is a blood test to check if you have been exposed to the Hepatitis C virus. This virus affects your liver. If the test is positive, it means you have had the virus at some point. Additional tests are needed to determine if the virus is currently active.

A Ferritin level test measures the amount of ferritin, a protein that stores iron, in your blood. It helps determine how much iron your body is storing. If levels are low, it may indicate iron deficiency, while high levels could signify conditions like iron overload.

An iron level test measures the amount of iron in your blood. Iron is crucial for producing hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. This test helps identify iron deficiencies or excesses, which can lead to conditions like anemia or hemochromatosis.

Iron binding capacity is a blood test that measures how well your body can bind and transport iron. This helps your healthcare provider assess if your body has too little or too much iron, which can indicate certain health conditions.

A Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12) level test is a blood test that checks the amount of Vitamin B-12 in your body. This vitamin is vital for nerve function and the creation of red blood cells. Low or high levels could indicate a potential health issue.

A Folic Acid Level, Serum test measures the amount of folic acid, a type of B vitamin, in your blood. This vitamin is important for cell growth and development. It's crucial for your body to function well. If your levels are low, it may indicate a deficiency, which can lead to health issues.

An automated red blood count test is a routine lab procedure to measure the number of red blood cells in your blood. These cells carry oxygen throughout the body. The test helps assess overall health and detect conditions like anemia or polycythemia.

A total protein level blood test measures the amount of proteins in your blood. Proteins are essential for body functions, including immune response, tissue repair, and nutrient transportation. Abnormal levels may indicate certain diseases or conditions. It's a simple test involving a blood draw.

A basic group blood test measures the levels of certain chemicals in your blood, including calcium. This helps assess your overall health and detect potential problems. The procedure involves drawing a small amount of blood from your arm, which is then analyzed in a lab.

A bacterial culture for aerobic isolates is a lab test that helps identify bacteria that thrive in oxygen-rich environments. A sample from the suspected infection site is collected, then placed in a special medium that promotes bacterial growth. After a set period, the lab identifies any bacteria present, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment.

This process checks how well certain drugs, like antibiotics, can fight against infections. It involves mixing the drug with a microbe (like bacteria or a virus) in a lab. By observing how the microbe reacts, it helps determine the best drug to treat your infection.

This is a first-time patient visit where a healthcare professional spends 60-74 minutes with you. It involves a comprehensive evaluation, including your medical history and current health condition. They'll also advise on preventive health measures and formulate a treatment plan if needed.

A natriuretic peptide level test is a blood test that helps doctors check for heart failure. It measures the amount of certain proteins that your heart and blood vessels produce when they are under stress. High levels may indicate heart disease.