
Tests and investigations
Biopsy
Tests and investigations are medical procedures used to diagnose health conditions and monitor health, which include laboratory tests (like blood and urine tests), imaging scans (like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans), and other specialized procedures (like endoscopies or biopsies).
Biopsy
A biopsy removes a small sample of tissue for testing. Learn when a biopsy is recommended, what happens during the procedure, and what results mean.
Blood tests
Blood tests can detect infections, monitor conditions, or check overall health. Learn how they’re done, what they can show, and what to expect.
- Antibody and antigen tests
- Arterial blood gases
- Blood clotting tests
- Blood glucose test (blood sugar) and HbA1c
- Blood groups and types
- Blood tests
- Blood tests to detect inflammation
- Cardiac enzymes
- Coombs test
- Full blood count and blood film
- Glucose tolerance test
- Hyponatraemia
- Liver function tests
- Osmolality, osmolarity and fluid homeostasis
- PSA test
- Routine kidney function blood test
- Synacthen test
- Thyroid function tests
Endoscopy
An endoscopy uses a camera to look inside your body. Learn why it’s done, what to expect before and after, and how it helps diagnose problems.
Heart tests
Heart tests include ECGs, echocardiograms and stress tests. Learn how these investigations help diagnose heart conditions and guide treatment.
Imaging
X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds give doctors a clearer picture of your health. Learn when imaging is used and what the tests involve.
Other tests and investigations
Doctors may recommend other tests depending on your symptoms. Learn how additional investigations can help diagnose or rule out medical conditions.
Screening tests
Screening detects early signs of disease before symptoms appear. Learn which screening tests are available and how they help protect your health.
- Amniocentesis
- Bowel cancer screening
- Breast screening
- Cervical screening
- Chorionic villus sampling
- Down's syndrome screening
- Faecal immunochemical test
- Newborn bloodspot test
- Newborn hearing test
- Newborn physical examinations
- Newborn screening test
- NHS screening programme
- Pregnancy screening tests
- Sickle cell trait
- Thalassaemia
Urine and bladder tests
Urine and bladder tests check for infections, kidney issues and other conditions. Learn what to expect and how test results guide your care.



