Test Results

A blood test involves taking a small sample of blood for analysis in a laboratory. Blood tests are widely used and are among the most common medical investigations. They can help to:

• assess your general health

• confirm whether you have a bacterial or viral infection

• check how well certain organs—such as the liver and kidneys—are functioning 🩺

A blood test is usually performed by a phlebotomist, who takes the sample from a blood vessel in your arm. The most common sites are the inside of the elbow or the wrist, where veins are close to the surface. For children, blood samples are often taken from the back of the hand. A numbing cream is applied beforehand to ensure the area is anaesthetised and as comfortable as possible 🌟.

For more information about blood tests, their purpose, and how they are performed, please visit the NHS website ℹ️

🩸 What Is a PSA Blood Test?

A PSA blood test measures the level of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and small amounts are normally present in all men. The test is mainly used to help detect prostate conditions, including prostate cancer, an enlarged prostate, or infections.

🧪 What Happens During a PSA Test?

A PSA test is a simple blood test carried out in the same way as any routine blood sample:

• A healthcare professional takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm.

• The sample is sent to the laboratory to measure your PSA level.

• No special preparation is usually needed, although your doctor may advise avoiding vigorous exercise or sexual activity for 48 hours beforehand, as these can affect PSA levels.

The test itself takes only a few minutes and is not painful, aside from a brief scratch.

🔎 What Is a PSA Test Used For?

A PSA test can help identify:

• Prostate cancer (though it is not a definitive test on its own)

• Benign prostate enlargement (a common condition as men age)

• Prostate infections or inflammation (prostatitis)

It is also used to monitor men who have previously been treated for prostate cancer.

⚠️ Are There Any Limitations or Risks?

PSA testing is useful, but it is not perfect:

• A high PSA level does not always mean cancer — it can be raised for many non-cancerous reasons.

• A normal PSA level does not always rule out cancer, especially in the early stages.

• Because of this, your doctor may discuss the benefits and limitations of the test before arranging it.

There are no physical risks to the test itself beyond mild bruising at the needle site.

ℹ️ Want to Learn More?

For more information about PSA testing, prostate health, and what your results may mean, please visit the NHS website.

An X-ray is a widely used diagnostic test that allows clinicians to examine the inside of the body. X-rays are highly effective for identifying bone-related issues, such as fractures, and can also detect certain soft-tissue problems, including pneumonia and breast abnormalities 🩻.

During an X-ray, you may be asked to lie on a table or stand against a flat surface so that the part of your body being examined is positioned between the X-ray tube and the imaging plate.

X-rays are typically performed by a radiographer, a healthcare professional trained in the use of imaging technology such as X-rays and ultrasound scanners.

For more information about X-ray tests—how they are performed, their purpose, and any associated risks—please visit the NHS website ℹ️.

An MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a type of medical test that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. It is particularly helpful for examining soft tissues, such as the brain, muscles, heart, and joints, and can detect problems that may not show up on X-rays or CT scans.

🩺 What Happens During an MRI Scan?

During an MRI scan:

• You will be asked to lie on a motorised bed, which moves slowly into the MRI scanner—a large, tube-shaped machine.

• It is important to keep very still during the scan to ensure clear, accurate images.

• The scanner can be noisy, producing tapping or buzzing sounds, but you will usually be provided with earplugs or headphones for comfort 🎧.

• A radiographer (a specialist in imaging) operates the machine and will be able to see and communicate with youthroughout the procedure.

Some scans may require an injection of a contrast dye to help highlight certain tissues or blood vessels. This will be explained beforehand if needed.

🔎 What Is an MRI Used For?

MRI scans can help diagnose and monitor a range of conditions, such as:

• Brain and spinal cord conditions

• Joint or muscle injuries

• Tumours

• Heart or blood vessel problems

• Organ abnormalities

🔐 Is an MRI Safe?

MRI scans do not use radiation, making them a safe and commonly used test. However, because the scanner uses strong magnets, you will be asked about any metal implants, such as pacemakers, joint replacements, or metal fragments, before the scan.

ℹ️ Want to Learn More?

For further information about MRI scans, how they work, and what to expect, you can visit the NHS website.

A CT scan (Computed Tomography scan) is a specialised type of X-ray that uses multiple X-ray images and computer technology to create detailed cross-sectional pictures of the inside of your body. CT scans provide more detailed information than standard X-rays and are especially useful for examining organs, blood vessels, bones, and soft tissues.

🩺 What Happens During a CT Scan?

During the scan:

• You will be asked to lie on a motorised bed, which gently moves through a large ring-shaped machine called a CT scanner.

• The scanner rotates around your body to take a series of images from different angles.

• It is important to remain still to help produce clear and accurate pictures.

• The procedure is quick—often just a few minutes—and is completely painless.

For some types of CT scans, you may be given a contrast dye. This can be swallowed, injected, or administered as a drink to help highlight certain areas inside the body. This will be explained to you beforehand if required.

🔎 What Is a CT Scan Used For?

CT scans can help diagnose or monitor a wide range of conditions, including:

• Injuries, such as fractures

• Problems inside the chest or abdomen

• Stroke

• Tumours or abnormal growths

• Blood vessel issues, such as clots or aneurysms

⚠️ Are There Any Risks?

CT scans use a low dose of radiation, which is generally considered safe. However, radiation exposure is kept as low as possible and the scan is only recommended when medically necessary. Your clinician will discuss any concerns with you.

If contrast dye is used, a small number of people may experience mild side effects—these will be explained beforehand.

ℹ️ Want to Learn More?

For further information about CT scans, how they work, and what to expect, please visit the NHS website.

An ECG (Electrocardiogram) is a simple, quick, and painless test that records the electrical activity of your heart. It helps healthcare professionals understand how well your heart is working and can detect a range of heart-related conditions.

🩺 What Happens During an ECG?

During the test:

• You will be asked to lie down on an examination couch.

• Several small, sticky sensors called electrodes are placed on your chest, arms, and legs. These are connected to an ECG machine by soft wires.

• The machine then records your heart’s electrical signals and produces a tracing showing your heartbeat pattern.

• The test usually takes just a few minutes and does not cause any discomfort.

There is no electricity put into your body—an ECG simply records what your heart is already doing.

🔎 What Is an ECG Used For?

An ECG can help diagnose or monitor various conditions, such as:

• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

• Heart attacks, past or current

• Heart muscle or valve problems

• Monitoring the effects of certain medications

It is often one of the first tests used when someone reports symptoms like chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

🔐 Is an ECG Safe?

Yes — an ECG is completely safe. It is non-invasive and does not involve radiation. The electrodes simply detect your heart’s natural electrical signals.

ℹ️ Want to Learn More?

To find out more about ECG tests and how they are performed, please visit the NHS website.