Diagnostics

Diagnostic tests and scans are vitally important to finding the best treatment for your health concerns. Here, our experts demystify the various tests you may be referred for.

Updated: Monday 14 June 2021

MRI scans are among the safest medical procedures available yet some patients dread the experience. Here's our top tips for how to stay calm and get your scan.

Updated: Tuesday 11 May 2021

Dr Unnati Desai answers your questions about the COVID-19 IgG antibody test, covering everything from how it works, to what the results mean.

Updated: Tuesday 27 October 2020

Having a mammogram doesn't have to be a daunting experience. Nuffield Health's Professional Head of Mammography and Laser Safety, Sue Oliver, walks us through the exam.

Updated: Thursday 10 September 2020

Worried about radiation in medical scans? You should see how much astronauts put up with! This animation shows just how little radiation is needed to help experts diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Updated: Monday 2 December 2019

Blood is a fascinating substance. A small amount can tell us so much and help to detect and diagnose literally thousands of health issues. So what happens after your blood test when your blood is taken to the lab? Step inside with Pathology Manager, Steve Rickard.

Updated: Wednesday 27 November 2019

Mike is no stranger to angiograms. He's back for a second one, after the symptoms of his angina mysteriously returned following six months of relief. Dr Suneel Talwar, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, takes a look inside.

Updated: Wednesday 27 November 2019

Many of us don't know our family health history, but it's important as many conditions are inherited in our genes. Find out what questions you should be asking when it comes to your family health history.

Updated: Thursday 17 October 2019

Nervous about having your blood taken? Here are four simple tips to help you prepare and get through a blood test if you have a fear or phobia.

Updated: Tuesday 19 March 2019

Breast screening is the most effective way of detecting breast cancer early, yet many women are worried about the process. Here, real women who’ve had mammograms share their tips and experience.

Updated: Friday 14 December 2018

Osteoporosis is often called the 'silent disease' and usually has no symptoms - that is, until you break or fracture a bone. Bone density scanning can calculate your risk in minutes. Here, we follow patient Sally Wood as she takes the test.

Updated: Friday 14 December 2018

Does the sight of blood make the room spin? Here's how to fight back against blood-injury-needle phobia and pump up your resistance to fainting.

Updated: Friday 7 December 2018

Ultrasound is so much more than just a pregnancy scan. Find out what makes it one of the hardest working machines in any hospital.

Updated: Friday 7 December 2018

Not sure what to expect during a CT scan? This 360 video gives you a sneak peek inside the scanner so you can feel a little more at ease.

Updated: Friday 7 December 2018

Not getting the answers you need to feel 100%? Here’s how to get to the bottom of niggling health problems.

Updated: Thursday 6 December 2018

The idea of having your blood taken for testing can be daunting, but the experience is hardly ever as scary as you might imagine. Sister Jane Stebbing, experienced nurse at Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital, guides you through the process.

Updated: Friday 27 July 2018

Blood tests aren’t just about finding disease, they’re also a great tool for checking what’s happening 'under the hood' for a better understanding of general health and wellbeing.

Updated: Tuesday 10 July 2018

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can be a little daunting, especially if you’re claustrophobic. Here, real patients who’ve had an MRI scan share their tips and experience.

Updated: Thursday 26 April 2018

MRI scanners look deep inside your body to produce detailed images. This simple animation explains the physics behind this medical marvel.

Updated: Monday 14 August 2017

High-tech machines like MRI and CT scanners are sometimes intimidating but diagnostic imaging can be an essential step to good health. Adele Trueman, Lead Radiographer at Nuffield Health Manchester Diagnostic Suite, takes a closer look.

Updated: Friday 21 July 2017

It can be difficult to spot the signs of disease or infection after travel. Here’s how a quick blood test can help.