Patient UK has an extensive section of leaflets on tests and investigations. They include explanations of blood tests, X-rays, scans, endoscopy, etc.

Other UK sources of information about tests and investigations

Ambulatory Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG). Information from Patient UK.
• ECG. Information from The British Heart Foundation.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG). Information from BUPA.

Amniocentesis

• Amniocentesis. Information from Patient UK.
• Amniocentesis: what you need to know. Information from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
• Amniocentesis. Information from NHS Choices - the government's patient information portal.
• Amniocentesis. Information from BUPA.

Angiogram (arteriogram)

• Coronary angiography. Information from Patient UK.
• Angiogram or arteriogram. Information from The Circulation Foundation.
• Renal angiography and angioplasty. Information from Edinburgh Renal Unit.

Antibody and Antigen Tests

• Antibody and antigen tests. Information from Patient UK.
• Antibody and Antigen Tests. Information from Lab Tests Online.

Arthroscopy and Arthroscopic Surgery

• Arthroscopy and arthroscopic surgery. Information from Patient UK.
• Ankle arthroscopy. Information from West Suffolk Hospital.
• Ankle arthroscopy. Information from Simon Moyes, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.
• Arthroscopy of the jaw joint. Information from British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
• Elbow Arthroscopy. Information from Cambridge University Hospital.

Audiometry

• Audiometry. Information from Patient UK.

Barium Enema

• Barium Enema. Information from Patient UK.
• Information for patients having a barium enema. Information from The Royal College of Radiologists.
• Barium enema. Information from NHS Choices.
• Barium enema. Information from BUPA.

Barium Swallow / Meal / Follow Through

• Barium swallow/meal/follow through. Information from Patient UK.
• Information for patients having a barium swallow and meal.Information from The Royal College of Radiologists.
• Barium swallow and meal. Information from BUPA.

Biopsy

• Biopsy. Information from Patient UK.
• Information for patients undergoing percutaneous biopsy. Information from The Royal College of Radiologists.
• Biopsies. Information from Cambridge University Hospital.

Blood Clotting Tests

• Blood clotting tests. Information from Patient UK.
• Coagulation factors. Information from Lab Tests Online.

Blood Grouping (Typing)

• Blood Grouping (Typing). Information from Patient UK.
• Blood group basics. Information from The National Blood Service.

Blood Tests - General Points

• Blood tests - general points. Information from Patient UK.
• Blood tests. Information from Lab Tests Online.
• Blood tests. Information from NHS Choices.

Blood Tests to Detect Inflammation

• Blood tests to detect inflammation. Information from Patient UK.
• C-Reactive Protein (blood test). Information from Lab Tests Online.
• ESR (blood test). Information from Lab Tests Online.
• Blood tests. Information from NHS Choices.

Bone Marrow Biopsy and Aspiration

• Bone Marrow Biopsy and Aspiration. Information from Patient UK.
• Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy. Information from Lab Tests Online.

Bone Scan

• Bone Scan. Information from Patient UK.
• Bone Scan. Information from The Royal College of Radiologists.
• Bone Scan. Information from The Prostate Cancer Charity.
• Bone Scan. Information from Cancer Research UK.

Bronchoscopy

• Bronchoscopy. Information from Patient UK.
• Having a Bronchoscopy. Information from The British Thoracic Society.
• Bronchoscopy. Information from The British Lung Foundation.
• Bronchoscopy. Information from BUPA.

Cardiac Catheterisation

• Cardiac Catheterisation. Information from Patient UK.
• Cardiac Catheterisation. Information from Great Ormond Street Hospital.
• Angiogram (Cardiac Catheterisation). Information from BUPA.

Cardiotocography

• Cardiotocography. Information from Patient UK.

Cerebral Angiography

• Cerebral Angiography. Information from Patient UK.
• Information for patients undergoing an angiogram. Information from the Royal College of Radiologists.
• Complications of angiography. Information from NHS Choices.

Chorionic Villus Sampling

• Chorionic Villus Sampling. Information from Patient UK.
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): what you need to know. Information from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
• Chorionic Villus Sampling. Information from NHS Choices - the government's patient information portal.
• Chorionic villus sampling. Information from BUPA.

Chromosome and Gene Tests

• Gene and Chromosome Tests. Information from Patient UK.

Colonoscopy

• Colonoscopy. Information from Patient UK.
• Virtual Colonoscopy. Information from St Marks Hospital and Academic Institute.
• Colonoscopy. Information from West Suffolk Hospital.
• Colonoscopy - video. Information from NHS Choices.
• Colonoscopy. Information from BUPA.

Colposcopy

• Colposcopy. Information from Patient UK.
• How a colposcopy is performed. Information from NHS Choices.
• Colposcopy. Information from BUPA.

Coombs' Test

• Coombs' Test. Information from Patient UK.

Coronary Angiography

• Coronary Angiography. Information from Patient UK.
• Coronary Angiography. Information from The Royal College of Radiologists.
• Angiogram. Information from The British Heart Foundation.<
• Angiogram. Information from NHS Choices.

CT Scan

• CT Scan. Information from The Royal College of Radiologists.
• CT Scan. Information from NHS Choices.

Cystoscopy

• Cystoscopy. Information from Patient UK.
• Cystoscopy. Information from Derek McLintock, BSc MB BS FRCOG, a Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician based in Hertfordshire, UK.
• Cystoscopy. Information from NHS Choices.

Cystourethrogram

• Cystourethrogram. Information from Patient UK.

DEXA Scan

• DEXA Scan. Information from Patient UK.
• DXA scan. Information from NHS Choices.
• DEXA Scan. Information from BUPA.

Discography

• Discography. Information from The BackCare charity.
• Discography. Information from BUPA.

DMSA Scan

• DMSA Scan. Information from Patient UK.
• Arnold Goes for a DMSA Scan. Information from UK National Kidney Federation.
• DMSA Scan. Information from Southend Hospital.
• DMSA Scan. Information from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Trust.

Duplex Ultrasound Scan

• Duplex Ultrasound Scan. Information from Patient UK.

Echocardiogram

• Echocardiogram. Information from Patient UK.
• Echocardiogram. Information from the British Heart Foundation.
• Echocardiogram. Information from BUPA.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Electrocardiogram (ECG). Information from Patient UK.
• Electrocardiogram. Information from the British Heart Foundation.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG). Information from BUPA.

Electroencephalograph (EEG)

• Electroencephalograph (EEG). Information from Patient UK.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram) . Information from Epilepsy Action.
• Electroencephalography (EEG). Information from Teens First For Health by Great Ormond Street Hospital.
• EEG. Information from NHS Choices.

Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration

• Endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) for mediastinal metastases. Information from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence.
• Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy for peripheral lung lesions. Information from the National Institute of Clinical Excellence.

Endoscopic Ultrasound Scan

• Endoscopic Ultrasound Scan. Information from Patient UK.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound Scan (EUS). Information from the North of England Cancer Network.
• Endoscopic Ultrasound Scan (EUS). Information from Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Endoscopy (Gastroscopy)

• Gastroscopy (Endoscopy). Information from Patient UK.
• Gastroscopy. Information from Cambridge University Hospital NHS Trust.
• Endoscoopy. Information from NHS Choices.
• Gastroscopy. Information from BUPA.

Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate

• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate. Information from Patient UK.

ERCP

• ERCP. Information from Patient UK.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography). Information from the British Liver Trust.
• ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography). Information from Cancer Research UK.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Information from Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Exercise Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• Exercise Electrocardiogram (ECG). Information from Patient UK.
• ECG. Information from the British Heart Foundation.
• The Exercise Tolerance Test. Information from the Sussex Cardiac Centre.

Faecal Occult Blood Test

• Faecal Occult Blood Test. Information from Patient UK.

Fine Needle Aspiration

• Fine Needle Aspiration. Information from Patient UK.
• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) - breast. Information from North of England Cancer Network.

Full Blood Count and Blood Smear

• Full Blood Count and Blood Smear. Information from Patient UK.
• Full Blood Count. Information from Lab Tests Online.

Gallium Scan

• Gallium Scan. Information from Patient UK.
• Nuclear medicine Gallium scan. Information from Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust.
• Gallium scan. Information from Southend NHS Hospitals.
• Information about your Gallium Scan. Information from Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust.

Gastroscopy (Endoscopy)

• Gastroscopy (Endoscopy). Information from Patient UK.
• Gastroscopy. Information from Cambridge University Hospital NHS Trust.
• Endoscoopy. Information from NHS Choices.
• Gastroscopy. Information from BUPA.

Gene and Chromosome Tests

• Chromosome Analysis. Information from Patient UK.

Glucose Tolerance Test

• Glucose Tolerance Test. Information from Patient UK.
• Glucose Tests. Information from Lab Tests Online.

Hearing Tests

• Hearing Tests. Information from Patient UK.
• Check Your Hearing. Information from Action on Hearing Loss.
• Hearing Tests. Information from NHS Choices.

Hysterosalpingography

• Hysterosalpingography. Information from Patient UK.
• HSG - (Hysterosalpingography). Information from Chelsea and Westminister Hospitals.
• Hysterosalpingography - HSG. Information from Infertility Guidance Service.

Hysteroscopy

• Hysteroscopy. Information from Patient UK.
• About Your Hysteroscopy. Information from Derek McLintock, BSc MB BS FRCOG, a Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician based in Hertfordshire, UK.
• Hysteroscopy. Information from NHS Choices.
• Hysteroscopy. Information from BUPA.

Intravenous Urography (Pyelography)

• Intravenous Urography (Pyelography). Information from Patient UK.
• Information for patients having an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) or an intravenous urogram (IVU). Information from The Royal College of Radiologists.
• IVU (Intravenous urogram) or IVP (IV pyelogram). Information from Cancer Research UK.
• Intravenous urogram. Information from BUPA.

Isotope (Radionuclide) Scan

• Radionuclide (Isotope) Scan. Information from Patient UK.
• Radionuclide Tests. Information from the British Heart Foundation.
• Radionuclide Tests. Information from Shropshire and Staffordshire Heart and Stroke Network.

Kidney Biopsy (Renal Biopsy)

• Kidney Biopsy (Renal Biopsy). Information from Patient UK.
• Renal biopsy. Information from Edinburgh Royal Infirmary Renal Unit.
• Kidney Biopsy. Information from the UK National Kidney Federation.

Laparoscopy and Laparoscopic Surgery

• Laparoscopy and Laparoscopic Surgery. Information from Patient UK.
• Laparoscopy. Information from Derek McLintock, BSc MB BS FRCOG, a Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician based in Hertfordshire, UK.
• Laparoscopy. Information from NHS Choices.
• Gynaecological laparoscopy. Information from BUPA.

Liver Biopsy

• Liver Biopsy. Information from Patient UK.
• Tests for liver cancer. Information from Cancer Research UK.
• Liver Biopsy. Information from North Wales NHS Trust.
• Liver Biopsy. Information from Teens First for Health by Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Liver Function Tests

• Liver Function Tests. Information from Patient UK.
• Liver Function Tests. Information from British Liver Trust.
• Liver Function Tests. Information from Lab Tests Online.
• Liver Function Tests. Information from Cancer Research UK.

Lumbar Puncture

• Lumbar Puncture. Information from Patient UK.
• Lumbar Puncture. Information from Cancer Research UK.
• Lumbar puncture and intrathecal chemotherapy. Information from Macmillan Cancer Support.
• Lumbar Puncture. Information from NHS Choices.

Mediastinoscopy

• Mediastinoscopy. Information from Patient UK.

MRCP Scan

• MRCP Scan. Information from Patient UK.

MRI Scan

• MRI Scan. Information from Patient UK.
• MRI Scan. Information from the Royal College of Radiologists.
• MRI Scan. Information from the British Brain and Spine Foundation.
• Having an MRI Scan. Information from Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
• MRI Scan. Information from NHS Choices.

Myocardial Perfusion Scan

• Myocardial Perfusion Scan. Information from Patient UK.
• Radionuclide Tests. Information from the British Heart Foundation.
• What happens during a myocardial perfusion scan? Information from Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust.
• Myocardial Perfusion Scan. Information from Poole Hospital NHS Trust.

Nerve Conduction Studies

• Nerve Conduction Studies. Information from Patient UK.
• What is EMG and nerve conduction studies?. Information from the British Brain and Spine Foundation.
• What are nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG)? Information from the Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust.
• Electromyographic (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies Information from Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust.

Patch Testing for Contact Dermatitis

• Patch Testing for Contact Dermatitis. Information from Patient UK.
• Patch Testing. Information from British Association of Dermatologists.

PET Scan

• PET Scan. Information from Patient UK.
• PET Scan. Information from Cancer Research UK.
• PET Scan. Information from NHS Choices.

PSA Testing for Prostate Cancer

• PSA Testing for Prostate Cancer. Information from Patient UK.
• What is PSA. Information from Prostate UK.
• Understanding the PSA Test. Information from Macmillan Cancer Support.
• PSA. Information from Lab Tests Online.

Radionuclide (Isotope) Scan

• Radionuclide (Isotope) Scan. Information from Patient UK.
• Radionuclide Tests. Information from the British Heart Foundation.
• Radionuclide Tests. Information from Shropshire and Staffordshire Heart and Stroke Network.

Renal Biopsy (Kidney Biopsy)

• Kidney Biopsy (Renal Biopsy). Information from Patient UK.
• Renal biopsy. Information from Edinburgh Royal Infirmary Renal Unit.
• Kidney Biopsy. Information from the UK National Kidney Federation.

Routine Kidney Function Blood Test

• Routine Kidney Function Blood Test. Information from Patient UK.
• Kidney and Urinary Tract Function, Disorders, and Diseases. Information from Lab Tests Online.
• Routine Kidney Function Blood Test. Information from Edinburgh Renal Unit.
• Measuring Kidney Function. Information from UK National Kidney Federation.

Screening Tests

Most screening tests are done within the NHS. However, taking up offers of private health screening, outside of the NHS, is becoming increasingly popular. The UK National Screening Committee has published a guide for the public with advice to help people make decisions about private screening tests.

Screening tests offered within the NHS include:

• Antenatal and Newborn Screening
  • Fetal Anomaly
    • Pre-natal Screening and Diagnosis of Down's Syndrome. Information from Patient UK.
    • The UK NSC policy on Down's Syndrome screening in pregnancy. Information from the UK National Screening Committee.
    • Fetal anomaly screening across the UK. Information from the UK Screening Portal.
    • Antenatal Screening. Information from Healthtalkonline.
  • Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy
    • Infectious diseases in pregnancy screening across the UK. Information from the UK Screening Portal.
  • Newborn and Infant Physical Examination
    • Neworn and infant physical examination screening across the UK. Information from the UK Screening Portal.
  • Newborn Blood Spot
    • Newborn blood spot screening across the UK. Information from the UK Screening Portal.
  • Newborn Hearing
    • Newborn hearing screening across the UK. Information from the UK Screening Portal.
  • Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia
    • Sickle Cell Trait and Sickle Cell Screening Tests.. Information from Patient UK.
    • Sickle cell and thalassaemia screening across the UK. Information from the UK Screening Portal.
    • Screening for Sickle Cell and Beta Thalassaemia. Information from Healthtalkonline.

Semen Analysis

• Semen Analysis (The Sperm Count). Information from Patient UK.
• Semen Analysis. Information from Lab Tests Online.

Sigmoidoscopy

• Sigmoidoscopy. Information from Patient UK.
• Sigmoidoscopy. Information from BUPA.
• Having a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy - a guide for patients. Information from The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.
• Sigmoidoscopy. Information from North of England NHS Cancer Network.
• Diagnosing bowel cancer . Information from NHS Choices

Skin Prick Allergy Test

• Skin Prick Allergy Test. Information from Patient UK.

Spiro

• Spirometry. Information from Patient UK.
• Spirometry. Information from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Sweat Test

• Sweat Test. Information from Patient UK.
• Sweat Chloride Test. Information from Lab Tests Online.
• Having a sweat test. Information from Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children.

Synacthen Test

• Synacthen Test. Information from Patient UK.
• Addison's Disease. Information from Lab Tests Online.
• Diagnosing Addison's disease . Information from NHS Choices.

Temperature Charts for Ovulation

• Trying to get pregnant. Information from NHS Choices.

Tests for Chlamydia

• What is the chlamydia test? Information from National Chlamydia Screening Programme.
• Focus on Chlamydia. Information from NHS Choices.
• Video: chlamydia testing. Information from NHS Choices.

Tests for Glucose (Sugar) and HbA1c

• Tests for Glucose (Sugar) and HbA1c. Information from Patient UK.
• Glucose Tests. Information from Lab Tests Online.
• Postprandial Plasma Glucose Test. Information from Diabetes UK.
• Impaired fasting glycaemia. Information from BUPA.

Tests for Sexually Transmitted Infections/Diseases

• Tests for Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Information from Patient UK.
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Information from Lab Tests Online.
• STIs (sexually transmitted infections). Information from NHS Choices.

Thyroid Function Tests

• Thyroid Function Tests. Information from Patient UK.
• Thyroid Function Tests. Information from Lab Tests Online.
• Interpretation of Thyroid Function Tests. Information from The Leeds Teaching Hospital.

Thyroid Scans and Uptake Tests

• Thyroid Scans and Uptake Tests. Information from Patient UK.
• Thyroid Uptake Measurement. Information from Nuclear Medicine Department, Southend Hospital.

Ultrasound Scan

• Ultrasound Scan. Information from Patient UK.
• Ultrasound Scan. Information from Cancer Research UK.
• Ultrasound Scan. Information from NHS Choices.
• Ultrasound in pregnancy. Information from BUPA.

Urine Tests

• MSU (Mid-stream Specimen of Urine). Information from Patient UK.
• Urinalysis. Information from Lab Tests Online.
• Mid-stream urine test. Information from the Bladder and Bowel Foundation.

Urodynamic Tests

• Urodynamic Tests. Information from Patient UK.
• Urodynamics.Information from The Bladder and Bowel Foundation.
• Urodynamic study. Information from BUPA.

Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)

• Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS). Information from Patient UK.

X-ray Test

• X-ray Test. Information from Patient UK.
• Information for patients having an x-ray. Information from The Royal College of Radiologists.
• X-ray Test. Information from NHS Choices.
• X-ray Test. Information from BUPA.