Tests and scans

This test uses a long, thin, flexible tube called an endoscope to examine your voice box (larynx) and vocal cords while you speak. The endoscope has a camera and light and is connected to a video monitor and recorder. It helps your doctor to see the movement of your vocal cords while you speak. This test is also called a videostroboscopy, or videolaryngoscopy with stroboscopy. Why do you have a videostroboscopy? You have a video of your vocal cords to help your doctor see how they move when you speak. It also gives your doctor a chance to look for abnormalities on

This test is also called a percutaneous lung biopsy. A doctor called a radiologist takes a sample of lung tissue by passing a needle into the lung. They use a CT scanner or ultrasound to ensure they know the right place to take the sample. You have this test with a local anaesthetic . It takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Why do I need a biopsy through the skin? You might have this test if your doctor has seen an abnormal looking area in your lung or airways using an x-ray or CT scan. What do I need to

You have this test to find out if the lump in your thyroid needs further treatment. Preparing for your test You are able to eat and drink normally before a biopsy. Take your medicines as normal. But if you are taking any blood thinning medicines you might need to stop them before the test. Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to stop. You will need to remove any clothing around your neck such as a tie or scarf. You will also be asked to remove any jewellery such as a necklace or chain. You will lie on your back on a

MRCP stands for magnetic resonance cholangio pancreatography (col-an-jee-oh pan-kree-at-og-raf-ee). An MRCP scan is a type of MRI scan that you have in an MRI scanner. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. An MRI scan produces pictures from angles all around the body and shows up soft tissues very clearly.  These scans create pictures using magnetism and radio waves to give detailed pictures of your: pancreas gallbladder bile ducts liver You might have an MRI scan of your tummy (abdomen) at the same time as the MRCP. You usually have these scans in the x-ray (radiology) department as an outpatient. It can

To examine your prostate your doctor puts a finger into your back passage (rectum). This procedure is also called a digital rectal exam (DRE). Why you might have this You might have a prostate examination to check for any problems in your prostate.  What happens before the examination? It’s normal to feel anxious about this test but it usually only takes a few minutes. You shouldn’t feel any pain but may be uncomfortable. Tell your doctor if you feel pain. You can ask for a man or woman doctor if you’d prefer. Or you can have someone else in the room,

Endobronchial ultrasound is also called Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (EBUS-TBNA). It is a test that can show if: an abnormal looking area is cancer the size of the cancer the cancer has spread into other lung areas or outside the lung This test uses a narrow flexible tube to look at the inside of the breathing tubes (airways) in your lungs. The tube has an ultrasound probe. It uses high frequency sound waves to create pictures of the lungs and structures outside the airway walls, such as the lymph nodes. Your doctor can see any areas that look abnormal

An ECG is a test to check the electrical activity of your heart. It can show changes to your heart rate or rhythm and tell your doctor how well your heart is working. ECG stands for electrocardiogram. You might also hear this test called a heart trace. An ECG can give your doctor a lot of good information. It can help the doctor decide if you need further tests. To have the test a trained health care professional puts small sticky pads on your chest, arms and legs. Wires connect these to an ECG recording machine; these wires are ECG leads.