Why the tests are done

Anaemia

Anaemia is a reduction in the oxygen carrying pigment haemaglobin.  Symptoms include excessive tiredness, breathlessness and poor resistance to infection.

 

Body mass index

A ratio of weight to height, taken as an indication of whether you are overweight.

 

Bowel cancer test

Stool test for occult bloods to detect probable early signs of bowel or colon cancer.

 

Biochemical blood screen

Four counts of the cholesterol and blood fats and all biochemicals of the body.  Although cholesterol serves many important functions in the body, too much cholesterol in the blood can be dangerous.  When blood cholesterol reaches high levels, it can build up on artery walls, increasing the risk of blood clots, heart attack and stroke.

 

Blood pressure

Checks the cardiac state.

 

Breast examination

Looking for lumps.  Can be an indication of cysts, breast cancer or simply harmless lumpy breasts.

 

Cervical smear

Looking at cells of the cervix to see if any are abnormal.  Abnormal cells can be an indication of cervical cancer.  Patients will be referred to a gynaecologist or their own GP if problems are found.

 

Chest x-ray

Checks for heart size, an enlarged heart or lung abnormalities, and makes sure that lung fields are clear.  This can indicate problems like TB, emphysema and lung cancer.

 

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

A painless test measuring the electrical activity of the heart.

 

Lung function test

Checks the vital capacity of the lungs, what volume the lungs can hold, and that there are no airflow problems.  Is also a general indication of fitness.

 

Mammogram

Looking for changes in the breast and for abnormalities not seen in the clinical examination - an ultrasound may follow if needed.  A mammogram is not necessary for women under 40 years of age unless clinically indicated because the breast tissue is too dense at a younger age.

 

Pelvic examination

Looking for tenderness, abnormal masses, and liver/ovarian or colon disease.  If they are detected, an ultrasound will follow.

 

TSH

Blood test for thyroid function.

 

Urine test

Looking at proteins, sugar, microscopy and culture.  Can detect diabetes, kidney disease, the presence of blood in urine or urine infection.

 

Vision test

Checks for near and far vision, peripheral vision, colour blindness and 3-dimensional vision.

 

 

 

General Disclaimer
This page is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through these pagess should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.