Tests and Investigations

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

 Lab Tests Online UK

Lab Tests Online UK is designed to help you, the patient, to better understand the many clinical lab tests that are part of routine care as well as diagnosis and treatment of a broad range of conditions and diseases. The site has developed from a partnership between the Association of Clinical Biochemists (a long established UK association) and the American Association of Clinical Chemistry.

 The Royal College of Radiologists

Provide a lot of patient information. Including

• Information Leaflets on Diagnostic Radiological Procedures. This includes information on Chest X-ray, CT Scan, Barium Enema, MRI Scan, Barium Meal, Bone Scan, Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) or Intravenous Urogram (IVU), X-ray of the Pelvis, Ultrasound Scan, Intussusception Reduction, Isotope Kidney (Renal) Scan (DMSA scan), Isotope Lung Scan, Isotope Renogram (MAG 3 renogram or DTPA renogram).
• Information Leaflets on Interventional Radiology Procedures. This includes information on Angiography, Angioplasty, Antegrade Ureteric Stenting, Fallopian Tube Recanalisation, Insertion of a Vena Cava Filter, Oesophageal Stent Insertion, Percutaneous Abscess Drainage, Percutaneous Biliary Drainage, Percutaneous Biopsy, Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy, Percutaneous Nephrostomy, Thrombolysis, TIPSS, Varicocele Embolisation, Percutaneous Gastrostomy, Fibroid Embolisation.
• A section called 'goingfora.com' - a tour round a virtual radiology department giving information and insight into what happens during various tests and investigations.
• Commonly Asked Questions in Radiology

 Manchester Heart Centre

Lots of information on heart conditions and investigations such as angiogram, ECG etc. Also has information on treatments such as defibrillation, pacemakers, bypass surgery, angioplasty, etc.

 NHS Screening

Gateway to information on screening in the UK. for example, information about screening tests for certain cancers, sexually transmitted infections, diseases in childhood, etc.

 UK National Screening Committee

Information about vaious screening tests, and research into screening.

 British Heart Foundation

Provide various information leaflets on heart tests and investigations.

 British Thoracic Society

Is a professional organisation for doctors who specialise in chest diseases, but the patient information section of their website provides information on a number of topics including: Bronchoscopy, Transbronchial Biopsy, Lung Needle Biopsy.

 British Brain and Spine Foundation

Have very good information booklets which you can download. Titles include: Angiograms, MRI Scan, CT Scan, Neurophysiology.

 Breast Screening Programme (the NHS)

Aims to reduce the number of women who die from breast cancer by detecting abnormalities early enough to give a better prognosis and wider choice of options for treatment. Produces and distributes publications, cassettes, leaflets and videos.

 EdRenINFO

Information provided by the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh Renal Unit for patients and for doctors who are not renal specialists. This site includes information about many kidney problems including kidney biopsy.

 CancerHelp UK

CancerHelp UK is a free information service about cancer and cancer care for people with cancer and their families. It is brought to you by Cancer Research UK. Their website includes comprehensive, authoritative information on procedures related to cancer care.

 Royal Marsden

A leading UK cancer centre, recognised worldwide for the quality of its services. Site includes comprehensive, authoritative information on procedures related to cancer care. See their Patient Information section.

  DIPEx

DIPEx (Database of Individual Patient Experiences) is an Oxford based registered charity. It is a database of audio, video and transcript of interviews with patients experiencing a particular illness or health problem. Includes a modules on:

• Breast screening
• Cervical screening
• Bowel screening
• PSA testing
• Antenatal screening
• Screening for sickle cell, beta thalassaemia and other variants

 PPP Healthcare

Information about private healthcare but their website has information about a range of conditions, investigations and surgical procedures.

 BUPA

Information about private healthcare but their website has information about a range of conditions, investigations and surgical procedures.

 Home Health UK Ltd

Provides simple, reliable health tests, which can be easily carried out in the home. Tests available range from allergy tests to prostate disorder tests.

 BMJ (British Medical Journal)

See the Imaging Techniques section of their collected resources. Aimed a doctors but of use to the general reader. In particular, see the series of articles called 'ABC of interventional cardiology'.

 colposcopy.co.uk

Private clinic but their website provides information on colposcopy, the smear test, dyskaryosis, dysplasia, abnormal smear results, the wart virus, HPV, LLETZ, and cervical cancer.

 Computed tomographic colonography (virtual colonoscopy)

A patient guide to complement the NICE national guideline for health professionals called Computed tomographic colonography (virtual colonoscopy).

 Wireless capsule endoscopy for investigation of the small bowel

A patient guide to complement the NICE national guideline for health professionals called Wireless capsule endoscopy for investigation of the small bowel.

 King's College Hospital

Provides information on various tests and procedures including:

• Coronary Angiogram
• Coronary Angioplasty
• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
• Having a Pacemaker Fitted
• Adenoidectomy
• Tonsillectomy
• Arthroscopy
• Apicectomy
• Colonoscopy
• Endoscopic Ultrasound
• Gastroscopy
• Laparoscopy
• Total Abdominal Hysterectomy
• Vaginal Hysterectomy
• Chemotherapy
• Lumbar Sympathectomy
• Renal Angiogram
• Bronchoscopy