

Radiology & Diagnostic Tests
Radiology module
Welcome, Translator!
Medical words look hard until you see the trick: most are built from small parts — a prefix at the front, a root in the middle and a suffix at the end. Learn the parts and you can translate words you have never seen before.
In this book
- 12 word parts for Radiology & Diagnostic Tests
- 10 medical terms in 2 lessons: Radiology diagnostics and electrical testing, Centesis Procedures: Pulling fluid from locations for diagnostic testing
- Dr. Rob’s plain-language explanation for each term
- Two review worksheets with an answer key, plus game links on every page
🪙 You earn LEARN It coins as you turn the pages, and a chapter badge when you reach each section.
Radiology & Diagnostic Tests Word Parts
Use these prefixes, roots and suffixes to translate the terms in this book. A dash shows where the part attaches: cardio- starts a word, -itis ends one.
| Word part | Meaning | Type | Find it in |
|---|---|---|---|
| abdomino- | abdomen | Prefix / root | Abdominocentesis |
| amnio- | amniotic sac in the womb | Prefix / root | Amniocentesis |
| cardio- | heart | Prefix / root | Electrocardiogram, Pericardiocentesis |
| -centesis | surgically puncture to remove fluid | Suffix | Abdominocentesis, Amniocentesis |
| electro- | electricity | Prefix / root | Electrocardiogram, Electroencephalogram |
| encephalo- | brain | Prefix / root | Electroencephalogram, Encephalitis |
| -gram | picture or record | Suffix | Electrocardiogram, Electroencephalogram |
| peri- | around | Prefix / root | Pericardiocentesis, Periosteum |
| radio- | x-ray | Prefix / root | Radiogram |
| sono- | sound | Prefix / root | Sonogram |
| thorac- | chest cavity | Prefix / root | Thoracentesis |
| tomo- | in slices | Prefix / root | Tomogram |
Radiology diagnostics and electrical testing
Dr. Rob explains · The brain is able to process information because of electrical activity in our body. Using an electroencephalogram is a simple and effective way to measure a person's brain wave activity to detect abnormalities such as seizures. Detectors called leads are placed on the head either using a hat or stuck individually. Brain wave electricity is measured and sent to a display for analysis.
Dr. Rob explains · A diagnostic test called Magnetic Resonance Imaging - also referred to using its initials MRI – is an extremely accurate tool for determining a great variety of medical conditions involving tissue damage throughout the body. When placed inside of the MRI machine as shown, the diagnostic test will take a series of images that display different segments of the body in progression. As shown here, these images are from an MRI of a patient’s head. Each picture is a bit different as each image is displayed from a different portion of the computerized scan. Although an MRI works in a very interesting manner, the procedure is completely non-invasive and the patient will not feel any of the process that is happening.
Radiology diagnostics and electrical testing continued
Dr. Rob explains · Although x-ray pictures were discovered in 1895, their clarity and advancement over the years has been astonishing. Many times, an x-ray picture, or radiogram, will be a first diagnostic test for a condition. Bone injuries, pneumonia, as well as many other conditions can be determined by a simple non-invasive x-ray.
Dr. Rob explains · Shown here are some examples of fetal images taken through the mother’s abdominal wall and into the womb using sonography. Advancements in ultrasound technology have been tremendous over the last few decades. A 2D image of a fetus as shown in the top left may be extremely helpful and accurate. However, the images gained from the more advanced 3D images and even 4D video that can be utilized today amaze both soon-to-be parents as well as the medical community when they are viewed.
Dr. Rob explains · Computerized tomography, also referred to as a CT scan, is a specialized x-ray technology that allows physicians to see detailed views of tissues inside of the body. By taking pictures as a series of sliced images, a doctor can diagnose problems with precise accuracy. CT scans can detect such issues as brain trauma from concussions or strokes, tumors, and many other tissue damage throughout the body.
Centesis Procedures: Pulling fluid from locations for diagnostic testing
Dr. Rob explains · is a treatment option for trauma as well as cancer patients who have a fluid build up within the body cavity. This fluid build up can lead to a condition called ascites where an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity causes abdominal swelling. Ascites can also be caused by high blood pressure in vessels to major abdominal organs. An abdominocentesis removes this excess fluid.
Dr. Rob explains · Testing a mother's blood to detect fetal complications is a simple, non-invasive and effective process. However, if those blood tests indicate that there may be issues with the baby, then an amniocentesis procedure can be performed to give more specific results. Using an ultrasound procedure as a guide, a needle is inserted into the womb. Carefully, a small sample of only amniotic fluid is drawn and tested. Amniotic fluid in the womb that surrounds a baby contains fetal cells that are able to be analyzed. This test is completely at the mother’s discretion and is optional. However, it is typically offered to pregnant women age 35 and older due to the increased risks associated with pregnancies in older mothers.
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Dr. Rob explains · In some cases, excess fluid builds up between the two layers of the pericardium, a membrane that reduces friction around the heart. In order to keep the heart functioning normally, physicians can insert a needle or catheter into the pericardial sac to remove the excess fluid.
Dr. Rob explains · In various conditions, excess fluid builds up in the space around the lungs called the pleura. This makes breathing difficult because the lungs cannot inflate fully. A procedure called a thoracentesis draws fluid out of that space to allow for better breathing. Also, the fluid can be tested if the cause of the disorder is unknown.
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Get this eBook · $9.99All 14 eBooks + Ambassador membership · $49Already an Ambassador? This series is included with your membership.Sign in to unlockTranslate It! Word Part Matching
Write the letter of the meaning on the line next to each word part. Answers are on the Answer Key page.
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Write the medical term that matches each definition. Use the word bank.
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Every game uses the terms from this book. Each one earns Live It and Train the Brain coins, and every term you master adds to your progress bar.
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Get this eBook · $9.99All 14 eBooks + Ambassador membership · $49Already an Ambassador? This series is included with your membership.Sign in to unlockTeach It Forward
The fastest way to remember a word is to teach it. Your Share It challenge:
- Pick three terms from this book — for example Electrocardiogram, Electroencephalogram, MRI.
- Explain each one to a family member or friend by breaking it into its word parts.
- Ask them: “If your doctor used one of these words, what question would you ask?”
- Post what you learned in your group or the Share It Studio to earn your SHARE It coins.
Be a Prepared Patient
When a doctor uses a word you don’t know, it is always okay to ask: “Can you break that word down for me?” Now you can often do it yourself.
Keep translating Radiology & Diagnostic Tests
The rest of this eBook — every term, both worksheets and the answer key.
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Word Part Matching
Term Fill-In
- Electrocardiogram
- Electroencephalogram
- MRI
- Radiogram
- Sonogram
- Tomogram
- Abdominocentesis
- Amniocentesis
- Pericardiocentesis
- Thoracentesis
Source: Terminology Translator — Terms Lists and Work Pages, Force for Health Academy. Explanations adapted from Dr. Rob’s Terminology Translator video scripts.
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Get this eBook · $9.99All 14 eBooks + Ambassador membership · $49Already an Ambassador? This series is included with your membership.Sign in to unlockMy Translator Notes
Write new words you hear at the doctor, on the news or in class. Break each one into its parts.
Keep translating Radiology & Diagnostic Tests
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Each eBook pairs with Dr. Rob’s video lesson in the Force for Health Academy and the Terminology Translator games.
theforce.health · FFH Virtual Library · Medical TerminologyKeep translating Radiology & Diagnostic Tests
The rest of this eBook — every term, both worksheets and the answer key.
Get this eBook · $9.99All 14 eBooks + Ambassador membership · $49Already an Ambassador? This series is included with your membership.Sign in to unlock