Tests and investigations – articles and advice
Allergy testing
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.
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.
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.
- Can blood tests help to manage menopause and HRT?
- New blood test could diagnose heart failure earlier
- What is the COVID-19 antibody blood test and should I get one?
- Blood test may detect ovarian cancer two years earlier
- Can a new blood test detect lung cancer early?
- New blood test may detect aggressive prostate cancer
- Blood test could predict Alzheimer's 20 years before symptoms
- What is a CA125 blood test?
- NHS to roll out world-first blood test for cancer
- What does a full blood count show us?
- How to prepare for a blood test
- How to get over a fear of blood tests
- Personalised blood test detects return of breast cancer
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.
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.
Screening tests
Screening detects early signs of disease before symptoms appear. Learn which screening tests are available and how they help protect your health.
- What you need to know about bowel screening
- Why bowel cancer screening is so important
- What are the common myths and facts about cervical screening?
- How to get over smear test fear
- Can you be too old for a smear test?
- Do lesbian and bisexual women still need smear tests?
- Smear test myths you need to stop believing
- Women with physical disabilities denied access to smear tests
- What an abnormal smear test result could mean
- Why you shouldn't skip your smear test
- Everything you need to know about cancer screening
- Screenings you should have to help prevent health problems
- Why do transgender people struggle to get cervical screening?
- What to expect during a breast screening
- Preparing for your smear test as a survivor of sexual violence
- Amniocentesis: risks, benefits, and accuracy
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.