Tests and scans
Find out about our popular procedures
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How to book
- Once you’ve found the test or scan you want, click ‘Find a hospital’.
- Enter your location for the nearest hospital that offers that procedure.
- You’ll need a referral from a medical professional before you can book. Once you have one, email it to your chosen hospital’s radiology department and they’ll be in touch to book your appointment and confirm the price. You can find their email on the hospital’s page in the contact information section.
Types of test and scan:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) scan
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) scan will help you find out if you have any widening (aortic aneurysm) of your abdominal aorta.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the lining of the large bowel, including the colon and rectum. If you're experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, rectal bleeding or changes in bowel habits, a colonoscopy at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital can help identify the cause and support early diagnosis of bowel conditions.
Colorectal Screening (Bowel Cancer Screening)
Find out what colorectal (bowel cancer) screening involves, who it's for, how to do the home test, and what your results could mean for you.
Colposcopy
If your cervical smear test indicates abnormal cells are present your consultant may recommend a colposcopy to examine the cells and tissue in your vagina and cervix.
Cone biopsy (cervical biopsy)
A cone biopsy is performed to investigate abnormal cells in your cervix.
Cystoscopy
Find out what a cystoscopy involves, why you might need one, how to prepare, what happens during the test, and the possible side effects to expect.
Cytology
Cytology is a form of pathology that diagnoses diseases and abnormalities at a cell level using a microscope.
Diagnostic endoscopy
A diagnostic endoscopy is an examination to look at your internal organs using an instrument called an endoscope.
Echocardiogram
Find out what an echocardiogram (echo) involves, why you might need one, the different types, what happens during the scan, and possible risks
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Find out what an ECG (electrocardiogram) checks, why you might need one, the different types, what happens during the test, and possible risks.
Family history screening
Family history screening may be done for a number of reasons including a family history of cancers or heart disease.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
If you're experiencing changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain or rectal bleeding, the specialists at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital offer flexible sigmoidoscopy to investigate your symptoms and identify the underlying cause. This diagnostic procedure examines the lower bowel and can support the early diagnosis of bowel cancer.
Fluorescein angiography
Fluorescein angiography is a test to measure the flow of blood in the back of your eye.
Gastroscopy
A gastroscopy (GI endoscopy) is a procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine your oesophagus (gullet), stomach and the first part of your small intestine. At Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, gastroscopy can help diagnose the cause of symptoms such as persistent indigestion, acid reflux, difficulty swallowing and unexplained stomach pain, as well as identify a range of upper digestive conditions and enable biopsies to be taken when needed.
Gynaecological biopsies
A small sample of cells may be taken from the lining of your womb, cervix or vagina by a gynaecologist or specialist nurse.
Hysteroscopy
Find out what a hysteroscopy involves, including why it's used, how to prepare, what happens during the test, and the possible risks and benefits.
Larynx diagnostic endoscopy (or laryngoscopy)
If you experience chronic (long term) laryngitis, difficulty swallowing or throat pain your consultant may recommend a larynx diagnostic endoscopy (laryngoscopy).
Mole assessment
Over the past 25 years, rates of malignant melanoma in Britain have risen faster than any other common cancer.
Penile lesions (biopsy of)
If you have an unusual growth (lesion) or tumour on your penis your consultant may recommend taking a biopsy (sample) for analysis in a pathology lab.
Prostate Cancer Screening Services
Wondering about prostate cancer screening? Find out who can have it, what the PSA test involves, and the benefits and risks involved in testing.
Rectal examination under anaesthetic (EUA)
If rectal pain, bleeding, lumps or changes in your bowel habits are causing concern, a rectal EUA at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital can help identify the cause. Our experienced colorectal specialists use this procedure to assess rectal and anal conditions in detail and guide the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
Skin Prick Testing
Skin prick allergy testing scratches the skin and a small amount of the allergens are placed on you.
Smear test (cervical screening)
A smear test, or cervical screening, is used to detect abnormal cells in your cervix (the entrance to your womb).
Therapeutic Endoscopy
A therapeutic endoscopy is a procedure to treat a problem with your upper gastrointestinal tract (mouth, oesophagus, stomach and small intestine).
Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE)
A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is a diagnostic ultrasound test to look at the valves of your heart.
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
Find out what an upper GI endoscopy involves, why you might need one, how to prepare, and what happens during and after the procedure at Nuffield Health.