Allergy testing

Different types of test are used to check for allergies. These include skin prick testing, EAST/RAST (blood) testing and patch testing. The test used depends on what type of allergy you or your healthcare provider thinks you may have.

Bone marrow biopsy

A bone marrow biopsy takes a small sample of bone marrow and looks at it under a microscope to see if anything is wrong. The test helps to confirm your diagnosis and plan any treatment. The sample is usually taken from the back of your hip bone. It can be taken from your breastbone, but this is rare.

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is a procedure to examine your voice box, throat and the airways and linings inside your lungs.

Care plans

Care plans can provide information to others about your health and wishes. There are different types of shared care plans you can have depending on your needs.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy uses a very small camera on a flexible tube to look directly at the lining of your large bowel (colon).

Colposcopy

The colposcopy process, and what to do before and after one.

Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen)

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to treat warts and other skin lesions. Cryotherapy works by freezing the lesion, causing direct damage to the lesion, eventually removing it. It does not prevent them from developing in the future.

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy gives a view inside your urethra and your bladder. A special telescope (a cystoscope) is used to find out why you have pain, difficulty, blood or symptoms when you wee, or why you have a lot of urinary tract infections.

Radionuclide thyroid scan

A radionuclide thyroid scan shows the structure of your thyroid gland and looks at how well it is working. It can be used to help diagnose and monitor thyroid conditions.

Gastroscopy

A gastroscopy is a procedure to examine the upper part of your digestive system using an endoscope.

Heart treatments and procedures

Some heart conditions need major surgery such as heart bypass and valve surgery. Many other heart problems can be treated with non-surgical or less invasive procedures.

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a procedure used to look inside your uterus (womb) and at the lining of the uterus. A sample (biopsy) of the lining is usually taken as part of a diagnostic hysteroscopy.

Laboratory tests

Laboratory tests are one way healthcare providers can find out important information about your health. Blood tests, urine tests and some swab tests are commonly done in the community.

Lumbar puncture

In a lumbar puncture, a hollow needle is inserted between the bones of your lower back into the fluid around the lower part of your spinal cord. A sample of fluid is taken and sent to the laboratory for testing. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid.

Pipelle biopsy

A pipelle biopsy is a procedure that takes a small sample (biopsy) of cells from the lining (endometrium) of your uterus. The sample is sent to a laboratory to look for any abnormal cells.

Prostate biopsy

A prostate biopsy involves taking tiny samples of tissue from your prostate gland. The tissue samples are then examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells. A prostate biopsy is usually safe and has minimal side effects.

Radioiodine treatment for thyroid conditions

Radioiodine is used to treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and thyroid cancer. It is also called radioactive iodine.

Scans and x-rays

Scans and x-rays use a type of radiation or magnetic field to take pictures of the inside of your body. Your healthcare provider may request a scan or x-ray to help with a diagnosis or with planning how to manage your health condition.

Tests for blood vessel problems

There are several tests that can help diagnose blood vessel problems.

Tests for heart problems

If you are having problems with your heart, there are several different tests that can help your healthcare provider or hospital staff understand what is causing them.

Tube feeding

Tube feeding is a way of providing nutrition to your body. It is also called enteral nutrition. You might need to tube feed if you have a condition or illness that means you cannot eat, or you cannot eat enough.