Diagnostic tests

Ultrasound

What is an ultrasound scan? An ultrasound scan creates a real-time picture of the inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound is generally painless and non-invasive. Ultrasound works differently to x-ray in that it does not use radiation. Ultrasound scans are performed by sending out high frequency sound waves aimed at the part of body being examined. The sound waves are emitted by a transducer, which also detects the echoes reflected back. The reflected sound waves (echoes) create a picture which can be recorded on a monitor. What are the types of ultrasound scans? The common types of ultrasound

Pet scan

What is a PET scan? A PET (positron emission tomography) scan is an imaging test that uses radioactive material to diagnose a variety of diseases. Doctors use it to find tumours, diagnose heart disease, brain disorders and other conditions. A PET scan provides a picture of the body working, not just a picture of its structure, like some other scans. How do PET scans work? If you have a PET scan, you’ll be given an injection of a small amount of short-acting radioactive liquid, known as a tracer. The one most commonly used is FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose). FDG is a simple

MRI

Key facts A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body. An MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate signals from the body, that are processed by a computer to create detailed pictures. An MRI is used to show certain problems, such as an injury, or in combination with other tests to diagnose a condition. The benefits of an MRI are that it produces very detailed pictures, does not use x-ray radiation, and is painless. Some people cannot have an MRI, for example, people with a pacemaker or certain implants containing

Hearing tests

Key facts A hearing test can check what type of hearing loss you have and how severe it is. Hearing tests are performed by an audiologist. You can do an online hearing test if you’re not sure if you have hearing loss, but it’s less accurate. Most hearing tests check how loud a sound needs to be for you to be able to hear it. The results are recorded on an audiogram. There are different types of hearing tests which check how well sound travels in different parts of your ear. You can book a hearing test without a doctor’s

Gastroscopy

What is a gastroscopy? Gastroscopy, also known as upper endoscopy, involves using a thin flexible tube (endoscope) to examine the upper digestive tract. The tube is inserted into the mouth and travels down the food pipe (oesophagus), then into the stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum), to view these areas. The endoscope contains a light and video camera that transmits images to a monitor, where they can be seen by a doctor. When is a gastrosopy needed? Gastroscopy is usually done to investigate symptoms such as indigestion, nausea, or difficulty swallowing. It can show if there is inflammation,

Eye tests

  Regular eye tests with an optometrist can help make sure your eyes are in good health. They can pick up problems with your eyes before you notice anything. You don’t need a doctor’s referral to see an optometrist for an eye test. Why should I have an eye test? Regular eye tests can detect and diagnose eye problems in the early stages, such as: glaucoma cataracts macular degeneration The earlier these problems are diagnosed, the sooner you can get treated. This will improve your vision outcomes. Eye tests can also help identify if you have trouble seeing at different distances. You

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Key facts An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that records your brain activity. It can be used to diagnose different conditions such as epilepsy or sleep disorders. To prepare for an EEG, your hair should be clean and dry. During an EEG, discs called electrodes will be placed on your scalp to measure your brain waves. An EEG is non-invasive and does not hurt. What is an EEG test? Your brain cells produce electric signals to communicate with each other and the rest of your body. An electroencephalogram, or EEG, is a test that measures the electrical activity of your

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Key facts An ECG is a simple, painless test that measures your heart’s electrical activity. Your doctor may recommend an ECG if you have symptoms such as chest pain or a racing heart. If your ECG is abnormal, you may need further tests or treatment. What is an ECG? An ECG is a graph of your heart’s electrical activity. It’s a simple, safe and painless test. There’s no risk of being electrocuted. Why do I need an ECG? Your doctor may recommend an ECG if you have chest pain, a racing heart or other heart problems. An ECG can show if

CT scan

Key facts A computed tomography (CT) scan is a type of x-ray. It’s used to make detailed 2D or 3D images of the inside of your body. A CT scan can help diagnose different medical conditions. When you have a CT scan, you will lie flat, and a machine shaped like a doughnut will scan your body. It’s important to only have CT scans when necessary since they use a higher level of radiation than other imaging types. What is a CT scan? A computed tomography (CT) scan is a type of x-ray that creates 2- or 3-dimensional images of your body.

Colonoscopy

Key facts Colonoscopies are used to diagnose medical conditions such as bowel cancer. Bowel preparation, using a strong laxative, is necessary to clean out the bowel so it can be examined. Sedation is used to keep the patient comfortable during the procedure. What is a colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible tube, known as a colonoscope. It is inserted into your anus and through the rectum. It lets your doctor see the inside of your large bowel (the colon). The tube transmits images to a screen where signs of medical conditions can be seen. The colonoscope

Biopsy

Key facts A biopsy involves taking and testing a small piece of tissue from your body. A biopsy helps your doctor diagnose or treat your condition. There are many different types of biopsies. What is a biopsy? A biopsy involves taking a small piece of tissue or some cells from your body. These are then examined in a laboratory. This helps your doctor diagnose or treat your condition. Many different biopsy procedures exist depending on the part of your body being investigated (looked at). Some of these are: a punch biopsy of your skin a transbronchial biopsy a lung biopsy a liver biopsy a sentinel node

X-rays

What is an x-ray? An x-ray is a type of radiation used to create a picture of the inside of the body. As x-ray beams pass through your body they are absorbed differently by various structures in the body, such as bones and soft tissues, and this is used to create an image. X-ray imaging is also known as radiography. What are the types of x-rays? There are several types of x-ray: plain radiography, or plain x-ray computed tomography, known as CT scanning fluoroscopy — which produces moving images of an organ mammography — an x-ray of the breasts angiography — an x-ray