Medical Tests and Procedures

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 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 Very Low Energy Diet (VLED)? Low and very low energy diet options for obesity are a short-term approach where one or more meals per day are replaced. This approach is best led by the support of a dietician. Meals are commonly replaced with liquid products. This method has been proven to help with rapid...

What is keyhole surgery? Laparoscopic, or keyhole surgery, involves 3-4 small incisions (cuts) up to 1cm long in the abdomen (stomach). A small tube lets a camera and light into the abdomen so the surgeon can see what they are doing. All surgeries have some risk, but keyhole surgery is...

What is a laparoscopic cholecystectomy? A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the removal of the gallbladder and gallstones by keyhole surgery. Sometimes, the surgeon may decide that it is safer to complete the operation by open cut surgery. The decision is based on patient safety and does not mean there has been...

What is criteria-led discharge? Many people find being in hospital a worrying and confusing time. Not knowing when they will leave the hospital (discharge) causes many patients a great deal of stress. Criteria-led discharge helps make sure your discharge from hospital is not delayed. It makes it easier to safely...

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?...

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 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 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...