Tests and scans

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.

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: Monday 27 April 2026

Published: Friday 15 January 2016

MRI scanners give medical professionals a detailed image of your body's internal structure. Learning more about how an MRI scan works and what to expect on the day can help put your mind at ease if you have one coming up.

Updated: Monday 27 April 2026

Published: Monday 7 November 2016

Worried about radiation levels in medical scans? If you're concerned, understanding more about radiation and the amount we absorb from things like flights and spending time in the sun can help put your mind at ease before a scan.

Updated: Monday 27 April 2026

Published: Friday 16 September 2016

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 8 November 2024

Published: Monday 4 September 2017

Blood tests are a great way to unearth the root cause of problems and symptoms that been bothering you. Keep reading to find out what a blood test can do and how to book one yourself.

Updated: Friday 8 November 2024

Published: Tuesday 4 July 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: Tuesday 7 June 2022

Published: Friday 15 January 2016

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: Wednesday 10 November 2021

Published: Thursday 9 June 2016

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: Tuesday 27 October 2020

Published: Thursday 14 January 2016

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: Monday 2 December 2019

Published: Wednesday 9 December 2015

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

Published: Friday 5 February 2016

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: Wednesday 27 November 2019

Published: Wednesday 17 April 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: Thursday 17 October 2019

Published: Tuesday 4 July 2017

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

Published: Monday 19 October 2015

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

Published: Monday 7 November 2016

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: Thursday 6 December 2018

Published: Wednesday 9 December 2015

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: Tuesday 10 July 2018

Published: Monday 4 September 2017

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

Updated: Friday 21 July 2017

Published: Wednesday 19 July 2017

Having a CT or MRI scan can be a little intimidating. That's why our Manchester Diagnostic Suite has installed ambient technology to help put control back into the hands of the patient. Experience it for yourself here.

Updated: Tuesday 7 February 2017

Published: Monday 7 November 2016