
About tests and investigations
Allergy testing
Allergy testing
Allergy tests can help identify what’s causing your symptoms. Learn about skin prick tests, blood tests and how they guide your treatment plan.
Biopsy
A biopsy removes a small sample of tissue for testing. Learn when a biopsy is recommended, what happens during the procedure, and what results mean.
Blood tests
Blood tests can detect infections, monitor conditions, or check overall health. Learn how they’re done, what they can show, and what to expect.
- Antibody and antigen tests
- Arterial blood gases
- Blood clotting tests
- Blood groups and types
- Blood tests
- Blood tests to detect inflammation
- Cardiac enzymes
- Coombs test
- Full blood count and blood film
- Hyponatraemia
- Liver function tests
- Osmolality, osmolarity and fluid homeostasis
- PSA test
- Routine kidney function blood test
- Synacthen test
- Thyroid function tests
Diabetes tests
Diabetes is diagnosed with blood and urine tests. Learn how these tests work, what your results mean, and how they help manage the condition.
Endoscopy
An endoscopy uses a camera to look inside your body. Learn why it’s done, what to expect before and after, and how it helps diagnose problems.
Genetic testing
Genetic tests look at your DNA to assess risk or diagnose inherited conditions. Learn who it’s for and how results can guide your care.
Heart tests
Heart tests include ECGs, echocardiograms and stress tests. Learn how these investigations help diagnose heart conditions and guide treatment.
Imaging
X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds give doctors a clearer picture of your health. Learn when imaging is used and what the tests involve.
Lung function testing
Lung tests measure how well your lungs work. Learn about tests like spirometry and when they’re used to help diagnose or monitor lung conditions.
Other tests and investigations
Doctors may recommend other tests depending on your symptoms. Learn how additional investigations can help diagnose or rule out medical conditions.
Screening tests
Screening detects early signs of disease before symptoms appear. Learn which screening tests are available and how they help protect your health.
- Amniocentesis
- Bowel cancer screening
- Breast screening
- Cervical screening
- Chorionic villus sampling
- Down's syndrome screening
- Faecal immunochemical test
- Newborn bloodspot test
- Newborn hearing test
- Newborn physical examinations
- Newborn screening test
- NHS screening programme
- Pregnancy screening tests
- Sickle cell trait
- Thalassaemia
Urine and bladder tests
Urine and bladder tests check for infections, kidney issues and other conditions. Learn what to expect and how test results guide your care.



