Tests & Investigations topics
Tests and Investigations L-Z
Read our selection of articles about medical tests and investigations. Here, you can find out about diagnostic tests to help detect disease as well as screening tests to help keep you and your family healthy.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is a procedure that can be used to investigate and treat a variety of conditions.
Liver biopsy
Find out what is involved when you have a liver biopsy, in which a small piece of liver tissue is removed to help doctors detect liver abnormalities.
Liver function testing
Find out about the substances tested in liver function tests and how they can help determine the health of your liver.
Lung function testing in children
Lung function tests are done for a variety of reasons in children. Find out about the available tests, including spirometry and peak flow measurement.
Lung function tests
Learn how to prepare for a lung function test, and find out why lung function tests are useful management tools for people with asthma.
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
MRCP is a technique for viewing the bile ducts, the pancreatic duct and the gallbladder using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Mammogram abnormalities
Being told your screening mammogram is abnormal can understandably be worrying, but most abnormal mammograms are not breast cancer.
Mammography
Breast cancer affects about one in 11 women under 75 years. A screening technique, known as mammography, can make early diagnosis possible.
Maternal serum screening test
A blood test, the maternal serum screening test, is performed on many pregnant women.
MRI scan: magnetic resonance imaging
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a painless test used to view the inside of the body without using X-rays. It uses a large magnet, safe, low-energy radio waves and a computer to produce 2- or 3-dimensional pictures.
Newborn screening tests
Newborn screening tests can detect rare but serious genetic or metabolic disorders in newborn babies.
Nuclear medicine and radioactivity
In nuclear medicine, radioactivity provides a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases.
Oesophageal manometry
Oesophageal manometry is a diagnostic test also known as an oesophageal function or oesophageal motility study.
Oesophageal pH monitoring
Oesophageal pH monitoring uses a small electrode to measure and record the acidity of your oesophagus (gullet).
Ovarian cancer screening still elusive
Women s health experts have agreed there is no evidence to support screening for women who don t have symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer test (CA125)
The ovarian cancer (CA125) test is a blood test that can help in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Find out about its uses and limitations.
Ovarian cancer: symptoms and diagnosis
Find out about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and the various methods of diagnosing it.
Ovulation testing
Find out how ovulation tests can help you find your most fertile days and increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Pap smear tests
The Pap smear test is used to help detect early changes in the cells of the cervix which may lead to cervical cancer.
Pap smears and colposcopy
Having regular pap smears allows detection and cure of the early stages of cancer of the cervix.
PCR status and Hepatitis C transmission
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests help detect the presence of hepatitis C virus in the body and a person's potential to transmit HCV to others.
Peptic ulcers: diagnosis and tests
There are several tests used in the diagnosis of peptic ulcer, some of which can diagnose whether it is a stomach or a duodenal ulcer.
Pregnancy testing
Find out how home pregnancy tests work and how to get the most accurate results.
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests
Find out all about the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test - a test to look for or monitor prostate cancer in men.
Screening tests
Screening tests are conducted on apparently well (asymptomatic) people, just in case they have a problem.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a way of taking a look at the unborn baby without using potentially harmful X-rays.
Laparoscopy is a procedure that can be used to investigate and treat a variety of conditions.
Liver biopsy
Find out what is involved when you have a liver biopsy, in which a small piece of liver tissue is removed to help doctors detect liver abnormalities.
Liver function testing
Find out about the substances tested in liver function tests and how they can help determine the health of your liver.
Lung function testing in children
Lung function tests are done for a variety of reasons in children. Find out about the available tests, including spirometry and peak flow measurement.
Lung function tests
Learn how to prepare for a lung function test, and find out why lung function tests are useful management tools for people with asthma.
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
MRCP is a technique for viewing the bile ducts, the pancreatic duct and the gallbladder using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).
Mammogram abnormalities
Being told your screening mammogram is abnormal can understandably be worrying, but most abnormal mammograms are not breast cancer.
Mammography
Breast cancer affects about one in 11 women under 75 years. A screening technique, known as mammography, can make early diagnosis possible.
Maternal serum screening test
A blood test, the maternal serum screening test, is performed on many pregnant women.
MRI scan: magnetic resonance imaging
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a painless test used to view the inside of the body without using X-rays. It uses a large magnet, safe, low-energy radio waves and a computer to produce 2- or 3-dimensional pictures.
Newborn screening tests
Newborn screening tests can detect rare but serious genetic or metabolic disorders in newborn babies.
Nuclear medicine and radioactivity
In nuclear medicine, radioactivity provides a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases.
Oesophageal manometry
Oesophageal manometry is a diagnostic test also known as an oesophageal function or oesophageal motility study.
Oesophageal pH monitoring
Oesophageal pH monitoring uses a small electrode to measure and record the acidity of your oesophagus (gullet).
Ovarian cancer screening still elusive
Women s health experts have agreed there is no evidence to support screening for women who don t have symptoms of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer test (CA125)
The ovarian cancer (CA125) test is a blood test that can help in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Find out about its uses and limitations.
Ovarian cancer: symptoms and diagnosis
Find out about the symptoms of ovarian cancer and the various methods of diagnosing it.
Ovulation testing
Find out how ovulation tests can help you find your most fertile days and increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Pap smear tests
The Pap smear test is used to help detect early changes in the cells of the cervix which may lead to cervical cancer.
Pap smears and colposcopy
Having regular pap smears allows detection and cure of the early stages of cancer of the cervix.
PCR status and Hepatitis C transmission
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests help detect the presence of hepatitis C virus in the body and a person's potential to transmit HCV to others.
Peptic ulcers: diagnosis and tests
There are several tests used in the diagnosis of peptic ulcer, some of which can diagnose whether it is a stomach or a duodenal ulcer.
Pregnancy testing
Find out how home pregnancy tests work and how to get the most accurate results.
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests
Find out all about the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test - a test to look for or monitor prostate cancer in men.
Screening tests
Screening tests are conducted on apparently well (asymptomatic) people, just in case they have a problem.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a way of taking a look at the unborn baby without using potentially harmful X-rays.
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