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.

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: Wednesday 28 October 2026

Published: Monday 7 November 2016

Health assessments aren’t just to identify health issues, they can also help you optimise your health and wellbeing. Luke Cousins, Regional Clinical Lead Physiologist, shines a light on health assessments at Nuffield Health and why you might decide to have one.

Updated: Wednesday 28 October 2026

Published: Tuesday 12 October 2021

A cervical smear test is used to assess the health of a woman’s cervix and to help prevent cervical cancer. It's understandable to be nervous about your test or curious about what's involved, especially if you've never had a smear test before.

Updated: Wednesday 28 October 2026

Published: Wednesday 10 July 2024

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

Updated: Tuesday 27 October 2026

Published: Wednesday 19 July 2017

After years of debate, the jury’s still out on whether the prostate specific-antigen (PSA) test does more harm than good for men. Dr Davina Deniszczyc, Medical Executive Director of Nuffield Health, looks at the pros and cons.

Updated: Tuesday 27 October 2026

Published: Wednesday 6 April 2016

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: Tuesday 27 October 2026

Published: Friday 5 February 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 2026

Published: Thursday 14 January 2016

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 23 October 2026

Published: Friday 15 January 2016

Niki May Young takes us through her 360+ Health Assessment experience, and the surprising discoveries that were made.

Updated: Friday 23 October 2026

Published: Friday 19 June 2015

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: Friday 16 October 2026

Published: Friday 16 September 2016

Smear tests are a key part of looking after your health, but women can be anxious about the results. Nuffield Health's Medical Executive Director, Dr Davina Deniszczyz, explains the different types of smear results and what they mean for you.

Updated: Monday 12 October 2026

Published: Tuesday 15 March 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 4 September 2026

Published: Monday 4 September 2017

From early on, women are taught to check for lumps in their breasts. But lumps aren’t the only sign you should see a specialist. Here are four more.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Friday 17 June 2016

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 4 September 2026

Published: Monday 19 October 2015

Too embarrassed to get your prostate checked? Unsure of what to expect from a rectal examination? Mr Gareth Brown, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Nuffield Health Cardiff & Vale Hospital, explains why it's well worth a few awkward moments.

Updated: Friday 4 September 2026

Published: Monday 23 November 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: Friday 4 September 2026

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 4 September 2026

Published: Tuesday 4 July 2017

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: Thursday 3 September 2026

Published: Thursday 9 June 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: Thursday 3 September 2026

Published: Monday 7 November 2016

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: Thursday 27 August 2026

Published: Friday 15 January 2016