Tests

What is a biliary scan? A Biliary scan is a test to detect certain diseases of the gall bladder. It provides information about bile production and drainage through the Biliary tract to the small intestine. It may be able to detect disease where other tests have been unhelpful. What do...

What is a Bone Density Scan (DEXA)? A bone density scan (also called a DEXA or DXA scan) is a test doctors use to check how strong your bones are and to see if you might have osteoporosis. Bone density scans can also help show how likely you are to...

What is a bone scan? A bone scan is useful in diagnosing and assessing a wide range of bone and joint diseases. This test may be able to show things that are not detected by other tests such as X-rays or CT Scans. What do I need to do before...

What is a colon transit scan? A colon transit scan is a test to examine if there is a problem with the movement of food through the bowel (colon). It examines how long it takes for a meal to move through the colon. A colon transit scan provides functional information...

What is a fitness to drive assessment? People who are getting or renewing their driver license must tell Transport for NSW about any medical conditions they have that could affect how safely they can drive. A fitness to drive assessment are tests to look at whether it is safe for...

What is a gallium scan? A Gallium Scan is a test that is used to detect a number of diseases including infections, inflammation and various tumours, particularly Lymphoma. It provides information that may not be obtained by other tests such as X-rays or CT Scans.   What do I need...

What is a gastric emptying scan? A Gastric Emptying Scan is a test to examine if there is a problem with the movement of food through the stomach and examines how long it takes for a meal to move through the stomach. It provides functional information that other tests may...

What is a gated heart pool scan? A gated heart pool scan looks at how well the heart is pumping. It may be performed if there is concern that your heart has been damaged, or to make sure the heart is working properly before and during chemotherapy.   What do...

What is genetic and genomic testing in general practice? Genes are important in telling the body how to function and grow. This is what a genomic or genetic test will look at. Your test results can be used to help find answers to many health conditions with regards to children...

What is a liver spleen scan? A Liver-Spleen scan is a test to examine the liver and/or the spleen for abnormalities. This test shows how these organs are functioning, and can also assess their size and shape. Other tests such as ultrasound and CT cannot assess the function of these...

What is a lung (V/Q) scan? A lung (V/Q) scan is also known as a lung ventilation and perfusion scan. This test is used to detect blood clots in the lungs. These blood clots are called pulmonary embolisms.   What do I need to do before the procedure? Make sure...

What is a lung function test? Lung function tests look at how well your lungs work. They are important to help diagnose lung problems and help plan treatments. There are a range of lung tests that your GP may suggest, helping you find out what is going on with your...

What is a MIBG scan? An MIBG scan is a test that is used to detect various tumors of the neuro-endocrine system. It provides information that may not be obtained by other tests such as X-rays or CT Scans.   What do I need to do before the procedure? Make...

What is a myocardial perfusion scan? A Myocardial Perfusion Scan (also known as a Sestamibi Scan) is a test to examine the blood supply to the heart muscle. It is used to diagnose and assess problems of blood supply to the heart, such as blocked arteries.   What do I...

What is an octreotide scan? An octreotide scan is a test that is used to detect various tumors of the neuro-endocrine system. It provides information that may not be obtained by other tests such as x-rays or CT scans.   What do I need to do before the procedure? Make...

What is an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)? An oral glucose tolerance test, or OGTT, is a test that looks at the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. The results of the test will reveal whether you have gestational diabetes, which is diabetes that develops during pregnancy. All pregnant...

What is a parathyroid scan? A parathyroid scan is a test to identify and localise overactive parathyroid gland(s).   What do I need to do before the procedure? Make sure you remember to bring any previous films or reports to the appointment. Wear warm comfortable clothing. You will also need...

What is it?  A Faecal Occult Blood Test (FOBT) looks for blood in your bowel motion (poo). A positive result means blood was found in your sample. One in 14 people will have a positive FOBT result. But only 1 in 95 will have bowel cancer. Some reasons for a...

What is a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan? Positron Emission Tomography (PET) detects and measures glucose metabolism within the body. PET scans can diagnose certain cancers as well as any changes and spread of the cancer. It can also detect areas of living heart muscle following a heart attack.  ...

What is a radioiodine total body search? A Radioiodine Total Body Search detects the presence of residual thyroid tissue or cancer spread in patients who have had their thyroid gland removed (thyroidectomy). Radioiodine TBS procedures are used to monitor patients for many years after having treatment for their thyroid cancer....

What is a red blood cell liver scan? Liver masses are often found by other tests such as ultrasound or CT scans. An RBC Liver scan is a test to determine if the abnormal masses are benign and made up of malformed blood vessels called haemangiomas.   What do I...

What is a renal cortex scan? A renal cortex scan is also known as a DSMA renal scan. The scan examines the functioning tissue of the kidneys for abnormalities such as scarring and infection. The test also measures the how well each of the kidneys are working.   What do...

What is a renal scan? A renal scan looks at kidney blood flow and function. It can give information that cannot be obtained by other tests such as ultrasound and X-rays.   What do I need to do before the procedure? Make sure you remember to bring any previous films...

What is self-monitoring blood glucose? Self-monitoring of blood glucose is recommended for all people with type 1 diabetes. It is also recommended for people with type 2 diabetes who are on insulin or other medications that may cause low blood sugar levels. It also advised for pregnant women diagnosed with...

What is a sentinel lymph node? Lymph is fluid that escapes from blood vessels into the tissues. It travels in a network of lymphatic vessels that eventually returns this fluid to the blood stream. Lymph nodes are glands or filters found along these lymphatic vessels. They contain white blood cells...

What is a skin biopsy? A skin biopsy is a quick and simple procedure that removes a small sample of skin for testing. It usually takes place in your doctor’s office. You may need a skin biopsy to help your doctor diagnose diseases such as skin cancer, infection or other...

What is a thyroid scan? A thyroid scan shows the function and structure of the thyroid gland. It can give information not available from other tests such as ultrasound or blood tests.   What do I need to do before the procedure? Make sure you remember to bring any previous...

What is a Type 2 diabetes risk assessment? The risk assessment determines your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This may include a survey asking a range questions about your lifestyle and medical history as well as check your vitals. The results will allow for you and your GP to...

What is an ultrasound? An ultrasound scan creates a real-time picture of the inside of the body using sound waves. Ultrasound can be used for screening, diagnosis or to help with treatment. There are no x-rays involved in ultrasound scanning.   What do I need to do before the procedure?...

What is a white blood cell scan? A white blood cell scan is a test used to detect areas of infection in the body that may not be detectable by other tests such as X-ray, CT or a bone scan.   What do I need to do before the procedure?...