Holter ECG
Holter ECG Alternative Names: 24-hour ECG, Ambulatory ECG A holter ECG (electrocardiogram), or 24-hour ECG, monitors the electrical activity of the heart when the doctor needs more information about irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), heart palpitations, fainting, chest pain, and suspected angina. The test is carried out while you go about your normal activities. Small electrodes, attached […]
Glycosylated Haemoglobin
Glycosylated Haemoglobin Alternative Names: HbA1C A Glycosylated Haemoglobin, or HbA1C, test measures the amount of haemoglobin (a substance found in red blood cells) that contains glucose (blood sugar). This test gives a good guide to blood sugar control in diabetes. Blood is withdrawn through a needle from a vein, usually on the inside of the […]
Glucose – Tolerance test
Glucose – Tolerance test Alternative Names: GTT A Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) measures how the body responds when a measured amount of glucose (sugar) has been eaten. The test is used to diagnose or exclude diabetes. You have nothing to drink or eat for 12 hours before the test. Blood is withdrawn through a needle […]
Glucose – random test
Glucose – random test Alternative Names: Random blood glucose, Blood glucose, Blood sugar A random blood glucose test is done to assess blood sugar control in a known diabetic. It measures the amount of glucose (blood sugar) in the bloodstream at any time of day, not only after fasting. Blood is withdrawn through a needle […]
Glucose – Fasting test
Glucose – Fasting test Alternative Names: Fasting blood glucose, Fasting blood sugar A fasting blood glucose test, which measures the amount of glucose (blood sugar) in the bloodstream, is often done to diagnose or exclude diabetes. You have nothing to drink or eat for 12 hours before the test. Blood is withdrawn through a needle […]
Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy Alternative Names: Upper GIT scope During a gastroscopy, a doctor examines your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum using a special, flexible instrument (gastroscope), which is inserted via the mouth, down the oesophagus (food pipe) and into the stomach. The gastroscope allows the doctor to view suspicious areas and to take a small tissue sample. It […]
Full Blood Count
Full Blood Count A full blood count (FBC) measures the numbers of the different types of blood cells. Common reasons for having the test include suspected abnormalities of: red blood cells (e.g. anaemia); white blood cells (e.g. infections, cancers such as lymphoma and leukaemia, and immune suppression such as HIV/AIDS); and platelets (e.g. some cancers […]
EEG
EEG Alternative Names: Electroencephalogram, Brain wave test An EEG (electroencephalogram), or brain wave, test is done to find out more about epilepsy, sleep disorders, head injuries, confusion, hallucinations, and coma. You should have clean hair and avoid all drugs before the test. During an EEG, leads are stuck on to your scalp, and you may […]
Echocardiogram
Echocardiogram Alternative Names: Echocardiography, Echo, Ultrasound of the heart, Doppler ultrasound of the heart An echocardiogram, or doppler ultrasound, uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart’s functioning. This painless test is most commonly done in cases of angina and heart attack (ischaemic heart disease), heart failure, irregular heart beat (arrhythmia), and inflammation […]
ECG – Electrocardiogram
ECG – Electrocardiogram Alternative Names: Echocardiography, Echo, Ultrasound of the heart, Doppler ultrasound of the heart An echocardiogram, or doppler ultrasound, uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart’s functioning. This painless test is most commonly done in cases of angina and heart attack (ischaemic heart disease), heart failure, irregular heart beat (arrhythmia), […]