The TESTS carried out by the nurse will include the following:
- A fasting blood sample will be taken for a variety of conditions including cholesterol level; liver function; renal function; glucose; red and white blood cell counts.
And if you are male aged 50-75 we will also offer a PSA test (prostate cancer indicator).
- Your pulse and blood pressure will be checked to ensure that both are within the normal ranges for your age group.
- A urine sample will be tested.
- A faecal occult blood test (FOBT) kit, sent to you before your appointment, enables you to provide stool samples in the privacy of your own home.
FOBT is a simple chemical test that checks for hidden blood in the bowel. If hidden blood is detected, there may be a problem that requires further investigation. There may be a number of reasons for this, e.g. haemorrhoids (piles).
The SCANS carried out by our ultrasonographer will consist of one or more of the following examinations:
- A pelvic ultrasound scan looks at the size, shape, location & tissue texture of the pelvic organs.
The aim is to distinguish between normal variations and possible abnormalities.
Some observations may require no further action; some conditions may require a further scan for monitoring (eg) ovarian cysts.
- An abdominal ultrasound scan ensures that there is no gross abnormality visible in any of the soft tissue organs.
NB The stomach, small & large bowel cannot be examined by ultrasound scan.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) An abdominal scan to detect this condition is carried out at the first screening visit if the client is male and aged 60 years or over.
If the aorta is found to be of normal calibre there is no need for this scan to be repeated.
As a precaution we are willing to re-scan after approximately 8-9 years, unless the client was aged 70 or over at the first scan.
Ultrasound scanning is not usually carried out on clients over the age of 80 years.
If the aorta is found to be larger than normal, monitoring is carried out by further regular scans and your GP is kept informed. If treatment is indicated your GP will refer you to a vascular surgeon.
