Tests and investigations – articles and advice
Blood tests
Explore clear guides and advice on common medical tests and investigations, from scans to blood tests. For detailed reference, see our Patient Information Leaflets on tests and investigations.
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.
- NHS to roll out world-first blood test for cancer
- What does a full blood count show us?
- Is it easy to have an HIV test?
- What is the COVID-19 antibody blood test and should I get one?
- How to prepare for a blood test
- Can blood tests help to manage menopause and HRT?
- How to get over a fear of blood tests
- New blood test may detect aggressive prostate cancer
- Can a new blood test detect lung cancer early?
- Blood test may detect ovarian cancer two years earlier
- Personalised blood test detects return of breast cancer
- Blood test could predict Alzheimer's 20 years before symptoms
- New blood test could diagnose heart failure earlier
- What is a CA125 blood test?
Other tests
From allergy testing to imaging and more. Learn when these tests are used and what they involve.
- Do you need a hormone imbalance test?
- How to ease worry when waiting for medical test results
- Endometriosis: A new urine test could reduce diagnosis times by years
- What to expect at your first ultrasound scan
- Is DNA testing a good idea?
- What is the difference between allergy and intolerance?
- How accurate are prostate cancer tests?
- Early brain scans can predict MS prognosis
- Urine test for prostate cancer could reveal who needs urgent treatment
- Are private allergy tests worth it?
- Review: Home cholesterol testing kits
- PSA testing options
Screening tests
Screening detects early signs of disease before symptoms appear. Learn which screening tests are available and how they help protect your health.
- Everything you need to know about cancer screening
- Screenings you should have to help prevent health problems
- Home STI tests: how they work and what to expect
- Amniocentesis: risks, benefits, and accuracy
- What are the common myths and facts about cervical screening?
- What to expect during a breast screening
- What you need to know about bowel screening
- Why do transgender people struggle to get cervical screening?
- Can you be too old for a smear test?
- Women with physical disabilities denied access to smear tests
- What an abnormal smear test result could mean
- Smear test myths you need to stop believing
- Preparing for your smear test as a survivor of sexual violence
- Why you shouldn't skip your smear test
- How to get over smear test fear
- Do lesbian and bisexual women still need smear tests?
- Why bowel cancer screening is so important