Health Test: Definition, Types, and Benefits

Health Tests Overview

Health tests are the medical procedures and techniques used to monitor health, diagnose diseases, determine disease risk, and evaluate treatments' efficacy. These tests are a vital part of routine healthcare and help doctors to make decisions about treatment and prevention. Some tests are used for disease diagnosis, while others are for routine health screening. 

There are several types of health these, e.g., diagnostic tests that are used to diagnose diseases and health conditions by detecting the disease biomarkers; screening tests that are used to screen a group of people or a population for the presence of a disease; preventive tests that are used to detect a disease before the appearance of clinical signs and develop preventive measures; imaging tests that are used to detect physical anomalies in the body by creating a visual image of the body; genetic tests that are used to detect the abnormalities in the genes and DNA that are responsible for diseases; laboratory tests that use different laboratory techniques to detect the changes in body fluids, tissues and organs; functional tests that help monitor the functions of vital body organs like liver, kidney, heart and lungs and the nutritional tests that detect nutritional deficiencies and nutritional intolerances. 

Regular medical analysis via health tests allows early identification of health issues and a better and more prompt response for better disease outcomes. For example, routine blood testing allows the regular monitoring of blood glucose and cholesterol levels, which helps the patients to treat and manage the condition on time. Sometimes, routine testing is done to diagnose the condition earlier in a high-risk population. For example, breast cancer screening using mammography is done after 50 years of age, and routine medical testing is useful to monitor the issue in people with a family history of a disease. The health tests thus provide a window for healthcare providers to look into the overall health of individuals.

What is a health test?

Health testing or health screening is a medical procedure used to examine and assess a person's health (NHS, 2021). The health tests focus on various health parameters, e.g., blood parameter measurement, nutrient profile monitoring, vital organ function assessment, diagnosis of infections and inflammation and detection of dietary deficiencies. The health tests are used to monitor health and make well-informed decisions about treatment and prevention. 

What are the different types of health tests?

Various types of health tests are performed for various purposes. Some are used to detect disease-related biomarkers, while others are used to monitor normal health parameters. Here are some common categories of health tests. 

1. Diagnostic tests: Diagnostic tests are the medical tests that are used to diagnose a disease condition. The diagnostic tests provide objective data to healthcare providers, allowing them to make informed decisions about treatment and prevention. Diagnostic tests include bacterial and viral cultures, urinalysis, biopsies, radiological examinations and blood tests. 
2. Screening tests: The screening tests are used to screen a group or a population for the presence of a disease. The purpose is to determine a disease's prevalence and isolate the individuals who need more confirmation and testing. For example, the screening testing of exposed people during COVID-19 was carried out to isolate the positive responders irrespective of the appearance of signs of disease. A positive screening test means further testing is needed to confirm the results. 
3. Preventive tests: Preventive or preventive screening tests are the medical tests used to detect a particular medical condition and health issues before the appearance of clinical signs or progression of the disease to a more advanced one. The objective is to identify early signs in individuals exposed to risk factors like lifestyle, family history and age. Routine preventive testing is done for diabetes, cancer and heart diseases, allowing healthcare professionals to design early intervention strategies. 
4. Imaging tests: The imaging tests are used to create a visual representation of different body organs, which helps the healthcare provider to identify and monitor different conditions and plan treatments. Various types of imaging tests are X-rays, computed tomography scans (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, positron emission tomography scan (PET scan) and bone scans. 
5. Genetic Tests: The genetic tests analyse a person's genetic material or DNA to monitor any changes in the chromosomes or genes. Genetic tests are used to diagnose or predict a genetic disease, identify the career status of an individual for a genetic disease, decide about a person's genealogy or ancestry or see how genetic makeup is likely to influence the response to treatment (pharmacogenetics). 
6. Laboratory tests: Laboratory or clinical tests are the tests in which the samples taken from the body, like body fluids, tissues, blood or urine, are used to collect necessary information about an individual's health. The laboratory experts conduct the tests. The tests related to organ functions, hormones, tissue biopsies, genetics, cultures, urine, and blood tests are included in this category. Laboratory tests help in disease diagnosis and monitoring and how a person responds to the treatment. 
7. Functional tests: Functional tests or physical assessment tests are used to assess the health and functional status of an organ or body part. Such tests use the samples like blood or fluids secreted by these organs to judge their functional health. Some examples are musculoskeletal functions tests, cardiovascular function tests, coordination and balance tests, assessments of functional movements etc. 
8. Nutritional tests: Nutritional tests help access a person's nutritional status and levels of specific nutrients and detect nutritional deficiencies. Examples are micronutrient tests that monitor the levels of minerals and vitamins, food allergy tests that detect the foods against which a person is sensitive, metabolic tests, body composition tests and dietary assessment tests.

Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic tests are the laboratory techniques or procedures to rule out or confirm a disease or a condition. In case a condition is diagnosed, such tests give information about the extent of the disease and the probable disease outcome. Diagnostic testing is an umbrella term for all diagnostic procedures like blood tests, x-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, biopsies, pap smears, stress tests, and endoscopies (Alain Labrique and William Pan, American Journal of Ophthalmology, 2010). 

An example of blood testing is the complete blood count (CBC), which involves the determination of different blood parameters. Various tests in the CBC include the red blood cell count (RBC count), haemoglobin levels, haematocrit, platelet count, white blood cells count, and differential white blood cells count (DLC). The expected normal values of RBC count are 4.35-5.65 million cells/ µL for males and 3.92-5.13 million cells/ µL for females; for haemoglobin levels are 14-18 g/dL for men and 12-16 g/ dL for women; for hematocrit are 40-54% for men and 36-48 for women; for WBC count is 4,000 to 11,000 cells/ mL and for platelet count are 135,000-317,000 cells/ µL for males and 157,000-371,000 CELLS/ µL for females. 

The CBC provides useful insight into overall health, helps diagnose medical conditions like leukaemia and anaemia, helps healthcare providers keep an eye on the conditions that influence blood parameters like pregnancy, and see how a particular disease is treated. However, The CBC is not a definitive test; healthcare professionals combine the results with clinical findings and results of other tests to have a better clinical picture. For example, the results slightly away from the reference values are not a cause of concern for a normal person. In case of abnormal values, the patient is referred to the haematologist. 

Screening Tests

Screening means testing for the presence or absence of a disease in a population after exposure to the risk factors. For example, people working in a polluted environment in an area with high radiation need routine cancer screening. Such tests are recommended in case of other disease risk factors like lifestyle, age and family history. Likewise, the entry of a single COVID-19 suspect requires the whole population in a given area to be tested for COVID-19 and to isolate the positive people. 

The screening for breast cancer using mammograms, the colorectal cancer screening using a pap smear, the detection of precancerous polyps in case of colorectal cancer and the yearly screening of lung cancer using the low dose computed tomography (LDCT) are common examples. The screening frequency depends upon the risk of a given condition, and yearly screening for most cancers is recommended. Some people need more robust screening. For example, postmenopausal women need yearly screening for ovarian and breast cancer.

Screening tests allow healthcare providers to detect the presence of a problem in the population and help in the formation of treatment and prevention plans.

Preventive Tests

Preventive health tests or preventive health checks are the medical tests or procedures used to diagnose a medical condition at an early stage when the clinical signs are not present. It allows the physicians to intervene timely, prevent disease development and improve the prognosis. A common example is diabetes screening, which detects the pre-diabetic condition and enables physicians to introduce preventive lifestyle and nutritional changes and prevent diabetes. 

Various tests used for diabetes screening are the A1C test, fasting blood sugar test, random blood glucose test and glucose tolerance test (GTT). All tests help diagnose pre-diabetic and diabetic conditions and predict the onset of gestational diabetes. A proper diagnosis allows physicians to formulate management plans. It helps the doctors to identify the people at high risk to diagnose the condition in the patients that are not showing the signs. The glucose screening tests inform about the success of a treatment plan and if any changes in the treatment plan are needed. 

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests allow healthcare professionals to identify a disease or a condition by providing a visual picture of the body. Such tests allow screening for diseases and conditions like pregnancy and tell if the treatment plan is going as needed. A common example is the computed tomography scan (CT scan), a technique that combines computer technology and X-rays to produce an in-depth image of the body that shows the details of different body parts like blood vessels, bones, muscles, fat and bones. 

In comparison to the X-rays, the CT scan provides more details. The beam of X-rays moves in a circle around the body and thus provides different views of the same organ or body part. The information is sent to the computer software that generates a two-dimensional image on the computer screen. Nowadays, newer software and technology provide three-dimensional images of different body parts. 

During the procedure, the patient is asked to wear a special gown, the contrast media is engulfed or injected, and the patient is adjusted to the scanning machine. The procedure is harmless if carried out properly. However, the patient is asked to stay for a long time in the machine, which is less pleasant for many. The CT scans are used to diagnose various types of cancers, check the presence and location of internal haemorrhages or bleeding and diagnose internal damages and injuries. It is also used for fluid or tissue biopsy (Paula Patel and Orlando Jesus, 2023). 

Genetic tests

Genetic tests are laboratory tests that detect mutations, i.e., changes in DNA or genes. Such tests allow diagnosing genetic diseases that run in the families, to know if the foetus has or is at a high risk of having a genetic disease, to diagnose a genetic disease or disorder in case of the presence of signs and to guide the treatment and preventive plans of some types of cancers. 

Different types of genetic tests are conducted for different purposes. For example, single gene tests are used to detect changes in a single gene associated with the signs like sickle cell anaemia and Duchene muscular dystrophy, and panel genetic testing is used to detect the changes in many genes. The panel tests are used to know the hereditary basis of conditions like epilepsy, short stature, low muscular tone, breast cancer and colorectal cancer. 

Genomic tests are large-scale genetic tests that look for large-scale changes in the DNA and include exome sequencing, in which the changes in the genes related to a medical condition are detected and genome sequencing, in which all of the DNA is sequenced to diagnose large-scale genetic abnormalities. The positive tests are useful to diagnose genetic diseases, diagnose, detect the carrier status for genetic disease and identify the risk of a disease like the presence of cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, which means there is a higher risk of breast cancer.

Laboratory tests

Laboratory tests or lab tests are the laboratory techniques and procedures that use the samples like body tissues, urine or blood to evaluate various parameters related to the disease and health. Such tests detect various chemicals and biomarkers present in the samples to make a diagnosis, prognosis and help to know the efficacy of a treatment plan. Almost all of the health tests except the physical examination fall in the category of laboratory tests. 

For example, urinalysis is a common laboratory test used to assess different aspects of health by analysing the urine sample. The microscopic, visual and chemical changes in the urine are examined to understand the changes in the renal system. The tests include a physical examination of the urine to see changes in appearance and colour which happens in conditions like diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, kidney stones, urinary tract infections and dehydration; the chemical analysis of urine, which detects urine pH and the levels of proteins, Ketone bodies, glucose, bilirubin, nitrite, leukocyte esterase and specific gravity. 

The microscopic urine analysis finds substances like crystals, germs, mucus, urinary casts, cells, and cell fragments. The results of urine tests are influenced by various factors like dehydration, kidney stones, inflammation of kidneys, metabolic diseases, reproductive issues, urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections.

Functional Tests

Functional tests are the laboratory techniques that allow the physician to determine an organ's functional ability and status. Some function tests determine the levels of normal secretions produced by an organ to see how well it works, while others detect and measure the levels of chemicals released by the organs in response to injury, disease or stress. The abnormal values in the functional tests need a thorough interpretation and don't always mean disease (Michael Reiman and Robert Manske, Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy, 2023). 

Examples of functional tests are liver function tests (LFTs) that are performed to screen liver diseases like hepatitis and liver cirrhosis, monitor the progress of disease and treatment, determine the severity of liver disease and determine the side effects of medicines. Various LFTs determine the levels of enzymes produced by the liver. Various tests in the liver panel are alanine transaminase (ALT), an enzyme released by the liver whose levels are increased in case of liver disease; aspartate transaminase (AST), an enzyme whose levels are increased in case of muscle damage and liver damage; alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a protein degrading enzyme whose levels are increased in bone diseases and liver damage; total protein and albumin whose lower levels indicate liver damage or disease and bilirubin, whose levels are elevated in liver diseases and anaemia.

Sometimes, the levels of other enzymes like gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LD) are used to estimate liver health. Another test is the trim time (PT), which is the time the blood takes to clot outside the body, and increased time indicate liver damage or the use of blood thinner medications, e.g., warfarin.

Nutritional Tests

Nutritional testing or nutritional assessment helps healthcare professionals, and nutritionists decide about a person's nutritional status and allow them to recommend nutritional changes to avoid dietary deficiencies. Such tests are mostly performed in case there are signs and symptoms of nutritional deficiencies or are occasionally performed as a part of routine health screening. Nutritional tests are mostly used to diagnose the deficiency of vitamins and minerals, the dietary elements that are needed in a very small amount but are necessary for health. 

Vitamin deficiency tests are the most common nutritional tests that are recommended in case there are signs of vitamin deficiency, e.g., brittle nails and hairs, cracks or sores in the corners of the mouth and mouth ulcers, bleeding from the gums, the appearance of the white area in the eyes and poor night vision, excessive dandruff in the scalp and scaly patches, hair loss, appearance of whitish or reddish bumps on the skin and the diseases like restless leg syndrome. 

Sometimes, the tests are recommended during the conditions like pregnancy and breastfeeding as nutrients are lost to the foetus and into the milk. The vitamin testing kits use blood samples for testing. Different kits are available in the market to diagnose the deficiency of different nutrients.

What should you do before a health test?

Preparing for health testing is important as some factors influence the test results. It must be ensured that the influence of outside factors on the test results is minimal. Here are some important factors to consider. 

• The patients must sleep properly at least 6-7 hours before health testing. Lack of sleep influences the results of tests like body temperature, heartbeat and blood pressure. 
• Avoid eating or drinking for some hours for tests like fasting blood sugar levels, calcitonin test and lipid profile as the results are changed due to eating or fasting. If dehydration is suspected, fresh water without any additives must be used. Drinking excessive water dilutes the urine and influences the results of urine parameters. 
• alcoholic beverages must be avoided for at least 24 hours before a testing and sampling procedure, as alcohol and other drugs influence some physical parameters like LFTs. Inform the doctor if so for better interpretation. 
• The patients must discuss with the doctor if a hypertensive or hypotensive drug is used. Such drugs influence the balance of water and salts in the blood. It is often required to postpone the routine drugs until a blood sample is taken. 
• In any chronic illness, the patient must bring all previous records and reports to the pathologist for a better diagnosis. 
• The patients must wear appropriate clothes that allow easy access to the sampling areas, like the upper arms, for blood collection. Tight-fitting dresses must be avoided. 
• The females must not undergo health testing seven days before or after the menses. If the appointment is on these days, inform the lab technician at the time of sampling and also the pathologist at the time of appointment. The presence of blood in the pap smear, stools and urine will influence the results. 
• The patients must inform the laboratory staff about the pregnancy as it requires avoiding some tests like X-rays. 
• The specific guidelines for the tests must be followed. For example, fasting is required for fasting blood glucose tests and abdominal ultrasound, while drinking a lot of fresh water is necessary for pelvic ultrasound. Urination must be avoided for at least 1 hour before the appointment as a full bladder develops a vacuum known as the acoustic window that allows easy passage to the ultrasound waves (Rodiger Gobi and colleagues, 2017). 
• The patients must bring all necessary things as required, like current medications being used and recent laboratory and x-rays reports etc., guarantee letters from the insurance company, valid passport or national identity card and employment pass or work permit in case of working out of the country.
• The activities like smoking, overeating and eating foods like alcohol, herbal teas, cooked meats etc., must be avoided before health testing. Likewise, sexual activities and strenuous physical exercises influence the levels of hormones and must be avoided. 
• Honesty is very important. The patients must inform the doctors and laboratory staff about any breach of the protocols and must not hide anything. The patients must be clear in their minds about any questions. In case of any query, don't hesitate to discuss it with the doctor or the laboratory staff. Nervousness influences the body's chemistry and the levels of hormones and must be avoided. 
• Some other tests that need specific preparations are; creatine tests require fasting or the avoidance of cooked meats; cortisol level tests need proper rest before a test and avoidance of activities like brushing the teeth and eating and drinking certain foods like energy drinks, high sugar foods and drinks, processed meats and alcohol; faecal occult blood test requires the avoidance of certain foods like red meats and the pap smear requires women to avoid sex and douching and using tampons for at least 24-48 hours before the test. 

How accurate are health tests?

Health tests are very useful, however, the accuracy of most tests is not 100%, and the results must be interpreted by looking at the wider picture. The accuracy of different diagnostic tests is different and depends upon several factors like sampling conditions, the testing facilities, the transportation system, storage of samples, timing of sample processing, the use of food or drinking during the process, the skill of the laboratory technician, use of medications and drugs and the overall health status. A plethora of factors needed to be optimised for more reliable results. 

The exact calculation of accuracy is very difficult as too many risk factors are involved. The doctors use two parameters to understand the accuracy of results, false positive and false negative (Robert Trevethan, Albury, NSW, Australia). 

The 'false positive results' is when laboratory test results are positive, but the patient doesn't have that disease. For example, a positive pregnancy test in the absence of pregnancy is an example of a false positive. A "more specific" test must correctly identify the negative patients who do not have a disease. So, 90% specificity means that among the 100 negative people, the test will identify 90 as negative and ten as false positive. 

A 'false negative test result' is an opposite condition in which the test is negative while the patient has the disease. For example, a negative COVID antigen test in the presence of signs of disease is an example of a false negative. It is a measure of the sensitivity of a test. For example, a 90% sensitive test means among 100 positive people, it will identify 90% of them as positive, and the remaining ten will be false negative. 

Normally, a test is either more sensitive or specific and rarely has high sensitivity and specificity. A 'more accurate test' is a test that is both highly sensitive and highly specific. For example, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based tests are very accurate, with more than 90% sensitivity and specificity in most cases. The accuracy is likely higher if the disease is more common in a population. For example, the positive tests for a condition with 80% prevalence are more reliable than the positive results of a test with just 5% prevalence. 

Sometimes, a combination of different factors is required to confirm the findings of a test. Some tests, like genetics and ultrasonography, are very sensitive and specific, and the risk of false negatives or false positives is very low. In the case of diagnosis of diabetes through glucose test, a single glucose test is of little value, and a combination of other glucose tests and signs of diabetes, like an increased urination frequency, are important parameters to consider. 

False results are difficult to verify in the case of tests for conditions like prostate-specific antigen, as the signs are mostly absent in the initial days. According to the American Cancer Society, mammograms have high false positive and false negative results rates because every 1 out of 8 breast cancer cases are missed. 

The patients must consult the healthcare providers about specific guidelines and for interpretation of the test results. 

What are the benefits of health tests?

Regular health testing has enormous benefits and helps save the life by allowing an early response to health issues. Some benefits of health testing, according to the National Library of Medicine, are;

Early disease detection: Regular health tests allow doctors to identify the signs of diseases well before any noticeable changes. Some life-threatening and severe issues like cancer are caught and addressed before it is too late. 

Increases the chances of better care and treatment: Some life-threatening diseases like cancer, liver diseases and kidney diseases spread silently in the body, and the signs are noted only when it is too late. A regular health screening increases the likelihood that such issues are caught and treated earlier. Regular testing thus improves the outcome of diseases. 

Complete track record of heath: Record keeping is very important for all sorts of work. Regular health testing not only provides the necessary information about psychological and physical health and allows better actions and decision-making by doctors, but it also provides a long-term record that provides a better picture of the overall health. 

Lower healthcare costs: Some people find regular health testing costly as it costs hundreds of pounds yearly. However, the expenses are very small compared to when a condition like liver disease, kidney disease and cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage. Keeping track of physical health through regular health check-ups is way cheaper. 

A healthy relationship between patient and doctor: Regularly attending a physician develops trust and understanding between the patient and the medical professionals. It allows honest and open conversation between the physician and the patient and allows better treatment and medical management.

Better well-being and lifespan: Regular appointments with healthcare professionals encourage the patients to be more proactive about health and take necessary steps at the right time. It allows the adoption of a better lifestyle.

What health test should I do to assess general health?

A wide range of tests are available to assess general health, and people of all ages and gender are recommended to undergo health tests routinely for early disease detection and health monitoring. Here are some types of tests that help monitor the overall health. 

Complete blood count (CBC) or haemogram: Complete blood count (CBC) includes various tests like RBC count, haemoglobin levels, haematocrit, platelet count, white blood cells count, means corpuscular volume (MCV) and differential leukocyte count (DLC). The haemogram allows healthcare professionals to identify conditions like anaemia, nutritional deficiencies, heart and blood diseases, infections and inflammations. It is mostly the first test required by the doctor to have a look at the overall health. 

Lipid profile: Various tests in the lipid profile check for the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, bad cholesterol (LDL) and healthy cholesterol (HDL). The abnormally high level indicates the risk of heart disease, stroke and heart attack. 

The diabetic panel: The diabetic panel includes the tests like random glucose tests, fasting blood sugar levels, glucose tolerance test (GTT) and HbA1c that help monitor blood sugar levels, diagnose a pre-diabetic and diabetic condition, determine the risk of gestational diabetes, provide a comprehensive assessment of the sugar levels and monitor the efficacy of diabetes treatments.

Thyroid panel: Thyroid panel includes tests that check for the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), and abnormal levels indicate hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. 

Liver function tests (LFTs): Liver function blood tests (LFTs) in the liver panel detect the level of liver secretions like albumin, bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). These tests are useful to diagnose conditions like liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, fatty liver and metabolic diseases. 

Nutrient profile: The nutrient profile blood tests in the nutrient profile check the levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants whose deficiencies cause issues like hypotension, hypertension, osteoporosis, diabetes, toxicities etc. 

Electrolyte panel: These electrolyte panel blood tests detect essential minerals like chloride, magnesium, potassium and sodium whose abnormal levels cause issues like malnutrition, blood pressure fluctuations, hormonal imbalances, dehydration and seizures. 

Bone mineral test (BMT): Bone mineral test (BMT) checks bone health and diagnoses bone-related diseases like fractures, osteoporosis etc. Calcium content and bone density measurement are important parameters.

Cancer screening: Various tests in this category allow the early diagnosis of cancerous changes and include testing for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in case of prostate cancer, pap smears for cervical cancer, mammograms for breast cancer etc. 

Not all health tests are required routinely, and doctors recommend when a specific test is needed. 

What health test should I do to assess mental health?

Diagnosing mental health conditions is tricky as the physiological parameters are mostly normal, and any abnormalities in the physiological parameters are of little value. The diagnosis is based on questionnaire-based tests in which specific questions are asked of the patients, and the answers help the psychologists or the psychiatrist identify the cause. Some questionnaires are developed for specific diseases. Some common questionnaires used for mental health conditions are;

Beck depression inventory (BDI): BDI contains 21 questions that help healthcare professionals identify the symptoms of depression, and the American psychological association and clinical experts have found it useful. 

Patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9): PHQ-9 contains nine different questions that help healthcare professionals to identify the people who are struggling with the symptoms of depression. 

Hamilton anxiety scale (HAM-A): HAM-A helps diagnose acute and chronic anxiety. The test is performed as an interview and helps the healthcare professionals identify the signs within 20 minutes.

Zung self-rating depression scale: Zung self-rating depression scale is recommended by the World Health Organization for diagnosis of depression. The test contains 20 questions, and the grade's responses are used to calculate a score. The higher values of scores indicate depression. 

Penn State worry questionnaire: The questionnaire helps psychiatrists identify anxiety in people not showing the signs; however, their inner feelings and thoughts suggest the problem. The 16 questions in that questionnaire help to detect the problems earlier. 

Schizophrenia test and early Psychosis indicator (STEP): STEP is designed to monitor the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia in people who have not developed the obvious signs. It contains 17 questions that help the psychiatrist identify the signs of schizophrenia and related disorders. 

Goldberg bipolar spectrum screening questionnaire: Goldberg bipolar spectrum screening questionnaire is used to screen bipolar disorder in people 18 or above. It is a self-administered test and is very sensitive.

Dissociative experiences scale: Dissociative experiences scale measures the severity and number of episodes of dissociative behaviour and helps diagnose bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It is a self-administered test, and the studies have found better reliable accuracy.

The clinical experts use the answers to calculate a score that helps assess mental health. 

What health test should I do to assess sexual health?

Sexual health is an important part of overall health. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), sexual health is a state of mental, emotional, physical and social well-being concerning sexuality. It is not just the absence of sexual dysfunction and disease and includes a range of psychological parameters. To achieve better sexual health, various health tests are recommended at regular intervals. Some common tests are;

SHBG Test: SHBG Test stands for sex hormone binding globulin, a protein produced by the liver which binds to three sex hormones, i.e., testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and oestrogen. All three hormones are found in both males and females. The SHBG carries the hormones throughout the body and controls their levels. Too low testosterone levels in men and too high levels in women cause sexual dysfunction. The test is recommended if there are signs of low testosterone in men, like low sexual desire and poor fertility, and symptoms of high testosterone in women, like poor fertility, acne and excessive body hair. 

Testosterone test: Testosterone is predominantly a male hormone (although minor amounts are produced in women too). Low levels are associated with decreased bone mass, increased fat mass, lower muscle mass, poor libido and sexual dysfunction. Healthcare professionals use the findings of testosterone tests, SHBG tests, clinical examination, and history to diagnose the cause of sexual dysfunction. 

Testing of sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Different STIs, e.g., gonorrhoea, syphilis, hepatitis B & C and HIV, cause sexual dysfunction and are spread from one partner to the other through sexual intercourse. Sometimes, co-infections occur, e.g., 5-10% of people with HIV have hepatitis B (NIH, 2021). Testing for different STIs yearly is recommended to monitor sexual health. 

However, as mentioned earlier, the spectrum of sexual health parameters is too large, and many factors are involved, some of which are not diagnosable through medical tests. Some factors that are tested and influence sexual health are heart diseases, psychiatric disorders, diabetes etc. Optimizing sexual health needs a whole program aimed at improving all related parameters. 

Are there any risks or side effects of common health tests?

Yes, different common health tests are associated with some risks and side effects, e.g., 

Blood tests: Blood tests are generally safe and carried out carefully. Sometimes, the issues like bruising, infections and soreness at the site, and dizziness and fainting are experienced. 

Radiological tests: Radiological tests like CT scans and X-rays cause excessive exposure to ionising radiation and increase cancer risk in the long run.

Biopsies: During a biopsy, a small part of body tissues is removed for testing, sometimes resulting in tissue damage, bleeding and local infections. 

Pap smear: Pap smear is used to diagnose the risk of cervical cancer, and sometimes minor issues like discomfort and bleeding are noted. 

Colonoscopy: Colonoscopy is used to examine colon abnormalities and sometimes has a risk of issues like infections and bleeding and a very small risk of bowel perforations. 

MRI scan: The MRI scan is generally safe. However, the radio waves in the MRI scan cause injury and discomfort in people with metallic implants. 

Mammograms: Mammography uses X-rays to screen for breast cancer. Exposure to ionising radiation is dangerous and excess exposure has a cancer risk. Moreover, the compression of breath tissues in women causes pain and discomfort in some women. 

Allergic testing: During allergic tests, the body is exposed to different allergens to see reactions that sometimes cause irritation, swelling, itchiness and redness at the site. 

Electrocardiogram (ECG): ECG records the electrical activity of the heart. It is non-invasive and safe for most people. However, the adhesive electrodes are not comfortable for some patients. 

Stress testing: Stress tests measure the body's response to the stress stimulus, and there is a risk of heart-related issues in heart patients. 

So, the risks are there for most of the health tests. However, the risks are minimal, and the benefits outweigh the risks. It is important to communicate with the doctors for better safety.

How much does a health test cost?

The cost of a health test depends on where it is purchased, for example, health test from Welzo start at £14.99. Additional factors on the cost of health tests depends upon whether the testing is covered by an insurance plan or privately and the individual healthcare agencies involved. Commonly, the cost of a private health screening without insurance is typically between 500-2,000£. Regarding health coverage by NHS, some tests are free while others need private dues that vary from clinic to clinic and from person to person. For example, the Harley Street checkups offer complete male health screening for 965£ and female health screening for 1,250£. 

The London Doctors Clinic offers various health testing packages ranging from 70£ for a basic health testing package including diabetes, blood pressure, lifestyle review and analysis of medical history to a comprehensive platinum health screening for 799£ covering most of the general health parameters. 

So, it is important to include different parameters in the selection of choice for health tests like personal preferences, testing accuracy, cost and healthcare providers' recommendations to make better decisions about health testing.

What happens after a health test?

After the sampling, the samples are dispatched to the laboratory. The laboratory staff processes the samples and generates results which are dispatched or mailed to the concerned physician. After reviewing the results, the concerned physician recommends further testing to explore the findings of tests further or prescribe appropriate treatment. The physicians advise certain lifestyle modifications to hasten recovery. Sometimes, follow-up appointments are required to look after the recovery. 

If the results are within normal range, any immediate action is unnecessary, and the patients are asked to carry on routine screening. In case of significant findings, follow-up meetings are scheduled to decide the next action. In case of positive results suggestive of a disease, the healthcare professionals work with the patient to develop a treatment and prevention plan, including physical therapy, medications, surgeries and other interventions as needed. The doctors guide the patients about the various implications of tests and the importance of following the treatment and device preventive plans. For example, if a patient is diagnosed with a pre-diabetic condition, the doctors guide about the preventive measures to prevent the condition from spreading any further. 

In some cases, like the diagnosis of advanced-stage cancer, the doctors offer emotional support and counselling to enable the patient to cope with the psychological implications and stress of test findings. Furthermore, the results are properly documented and added to the patient's previous medical record for future use. 

It must be remembered that every person is unique and need a separate and individualised screening protocol. The tests in an individualised schedule are tailored to the individual needs and health conditions. The important thing is to maintain communication with healthcare for better guidance and care. 

How can a health test impact patient's emotions?

Yes, health tests and their results sometimes have enormous implications for the patient's well-being. The exact nature of the responses depends upon factors like the nature of tests, test results and individual circumstances. The common psychological responses are;

Stress and anxiety: The testing procedure and the anticipation of coming results trigger a stress response. The anxious feelings are particularly pronounced if the patient has signs and expects serious health issues. Waiting for results is emotionally very challenging. 

Relief: The anxiety suddenly disappears if the test results are normal. It is particularly noted when a serious health condition like cancer was expected, and the result was negative. 

Fear and uncertainty: If the results are uncertain and there is a need it further testing, fear and feelings of uncertainty develop. The feelings persist as soon as the negative test results are noted. The patients experience anger, anxiety and frustration (Herbert Fred, MD, 2019). 

Disappointment: If the results showed unexpected health issues or lack of pregnancy when the female was expecting, the feelings like frustration and disappointment prevail. The findings considerably disrupt life and raise concerns about health and well-being. 

Self Blame or feelings of guilt: If the health issues like high cholesterol levels, hyperglycaemia, hypertension etc., are diagnosed, patients feel ashamed and tend to blame themselves for the condition. The patients feel depressed, responsible for the situation, and worry about what could have been done to avoid it. A team of Japanese researchers noted in 2022 that the negative social perceptions about chronic conditions like diabetes are responsible for hopelessness, shame, guilt and regret (BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care). 

Impact on the relationships: Diagnosing sexually transmitted infections has implications for intimate relationships, and the spouse or partners experience worries about their safety. It influences the level of psychological support and motivation. 

Depression: Diagnosing a potentially fatal condition like cancer causes depression and sadness. The patients find themselves struggling to handle the emotional toll of the findings. The thoughts of impending death are overwhelming. 

Coping strategies: Ultimately, the patients develop coping mechanisms to handle the situation. Some patients seek psychological support in addition to medical treatment and motivate themselves by engaging in social support groups and mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Some patients become ever more committed to safeguarding their health and wellness. Sometimes, diagnosing a disease at earlier stages is enough to mobilise an otherwise sluggish person and induce a more proactive approach to life and health. 

Healthcare professionals, friends and family members must offer all types of support to the patients for better results. 

How often should a health test be done?

The desired frequency of health tests depends upon factors like lifestyle, age, the nature of a specific disease, family history of diseases, gender and other health issues. The exact recommendations are person-specific. Generally, the testing frequency is increased with age. Men and women below 40 years need a complete personalised health test after every five years. Between 40-60 years, the frequency is increased to every three years. After 60, annual health testing is recommended for all people. 

The testing frequency depends upon the particular disease. Some general guidelines for different types of tests are;

Blood pressure monitoring: It is recommended to monitor the blood pressure every two years starting from the 20s. If hypertension or hypotension is observed, the doctor increases the frequency as desired. 

Cholesterol and lipid profile: It must be monitored every 4-6 years starting from the 20s, and testing frequency is increased in case of obesity and other factors like hypertension. 

Blood glucose monitoring: Fasting and intermittent glucose testing is recommended every three years starting from the early 40s. In case of risk factors like a family history of diabetes and obesity, the frequency is increased.

Mammograms: Regular mammograms are recommended every 1-2 years for aged (after 40) and post-menopausal women.

Pap smears: First pap smear is recommended at age 21, and regular monitoring is done every three years. After 30, it is done every 3-5 years, along with the HPV test. 

Colonoscopy: Regular colonoscopy is started between 45-50 years, and the type and frequency of screening depends upon history and personal risk factors. 

Bone density test: It is recommended for every woman after 65. Women having risk factors like early onset of menopause and having bone disorders at an early age need earlier testing. 

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: It is recommended for men aged 50 to undergo PSA screening. The frequency is based on individual factors and must be decided by the doctor. 

Testing for hearing and vision issues: A regular ear and eye examination is required every two years. The frequency is increased in case of risk factors and infections.

Cancer screening: The annual screening for different types of cancers is recommended for people with a family history of cancer and exposed to risk factors like radiation.

Dental check-ups: Adult men and women are advised to visit the dentist every six months to check their dental health. 

The guidelines are just for information purposes, and the patients must consult the doctor for a more personalised testing plan. 

What is a personalised health test?

A personalised health test is a health testing plan tailored to the individual needs based on factors like medical history, lifestyle, environment and genetics. Such a testing plan aims to provide more effective and accurate healthcare by including personal factors in the healthcare plan. It is based on some key components like;

Genetics: The genetic information of each individual is specific and is present in the DNA. The sequencing of DNA is done to understand the individual variations. This information helps understand a person's risk of certain diseases, and the testing plan is adjusted accordingly. 

Lifestyle factors: Different lifestyle factors like lifestyle choices, sleeping patterns, stress levels, exercise routines and diets etc., influence the risk of diseases, and these factors must be incorporated into a successful treatment and prevention plan. 

Medical history: The medical history, including the family history of certain diseases, treatments currently used or used in the past and any past or current medical conditions, must be included in the plan. 

Environmental factors: Different environmental factors, like exposure to hazardous chemicals, pollutants, toxins etc., are essential parts of a personalised healthcare plan. 

Predictive modelling: Nowadays, advanced data analysis and modelling techniques are used to predict the onset of certain diseases by analysing the factors like lifestyle, genetics and environmental risk factors (Benjamin P. Chapman, University of Rochester Medical Center).

Personalised health testing offers many benefits, e.g., it allows targeted treatments that are more effective and are associated with fewer side effects, helps formulate better and personalised prevention measures that are more effective at minimising the risk of diseases, enable the physicians to suggest a better choice of drugs and drug dosages and improve the overall disease management. Moreover, it gave the doctor and health professionals valuable information to understand the relationship between disease, lifestyle and genetics (Benjamin P. Chapman, University of Rochester Medical Center).

One thing to consider is that the knowledge about personalised health care and testing is evolving, and sufficient information about many health conditions is currently unavailable. There are concerns about the privacy and consent of the individuals. Consultation with the concerned professional is needed for more effective planning.

Can health tests detect all types of health conditions?

Yes, health tests are designed to detect most health conditions. However, the sensitivity and specificity of the tests are variable, and most tests are not 100% accurate for the job. Combining many tests or test results with clinical findings is necessary. Some factors to be considered are sensitivity and specificity of the test, and the tests having higher values of both are more effective for the job; the stage of disease, e.g., some tests are effective at early stages of cancer while the others are effective at advanced stages of diseases; diagnostic limitations for individual tests and health conditions; genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors. 

Some rare diseases, e.g., cystic fibrosis etc., are not included in routine testing and need specific clinical assessments and tests. Likewise, some health conditions are not easily diagnosed at early stages and become more detectable at the advanced stage, and regular monitoring and health check-ups for a long time are required. The medical science related to disease diagnosis and treatment is rapidly evolving, and the conditions that were not treatable in the past are becoming more and more easily identifiable.

Are there any age or gender-specific health tests that I should consider?

Yes, the regular health monitoring program includes many age and gender-specific tests. The risks and predispositions to many diseases change with age and gender, and such tests are tailored to individual needs. The specific diagnostic tests for women are HPV tests, pap smears, mammography, bone density test and screening for ovarian cancer (Heather Paladine, American Family Physician, 2021). 

For men, some gender-specific tests are screening for colon cancer, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and screening for testicular cancer etc. Some tests performed in both genders are cholesterol tests, blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, eye examination, dental checkups, regular vaccination against infections, screening for skin cancer, colonoscopy, STI testing etc. (Sae Woong Kim, The World’s Journal of Men’s Health, 2015). 

Regarding age, some tests are specific for youngsters and others for elders. The elders at a higher risk of health issues, particularly organ dysfunction and bone density and regularly need some tests like mammograms, bone density screening (DEXA scan), screening for colon cancer, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, blood pressure monitoring, eye and ear examination, thyroid tests, liver function tests, lung function tests, blood glucose monitoring, cholesterol monitoring and monitoring of mental health conditions and cognitive functions (Sae Woong Kim, The World’s Journal of Men’s Health, 2015). 

The youngsters are in a growing phase, and they need a different set of tests like growth and development assessments, vaccination, vision and dental examinations, hearing tests, testing for STIs, sexual and reproductive health assessment, substance abuse monitoring, nutrient profile, weight management, awareness about different types of cancers and physiology of sports. 

Can health tests be conducted during a GP Consultation?

Many health tests are conducted during a general practitioner (GP) consultation. The GP is the first person in the line of healthcare professionals to perform primary assessments and various health screenings and tests to determine the causes of symptoms. Some tests routinely conducted at the time of GP consultation are physical examination to assess the overall health and monitor the signs of diseases, blood pressure monitoring, blood testing, urine testing, testing for sexually transmitted infections, skin check-ups for skin cancer, administration of vaccines, testing of hearing and vision health, physical health assessment, assessment of the basic mental health, detection and management of chronic conditions and management of prescription and medications. 

So, the GPs are able to diagnose some important health conditions during a clinical examination. In severe cases, the patients are referred to more specialised professionals or a diagnostic centre for better monitoring and confirmation.

Can health tests be done at home, or must I visit a healthcare provider?

Yes, home-based testing kits are available for different tests that allow a person to perform different health tests at home. The advancement of medical technology and the development of home-based kits have allowed home testing for many conditions. The suitability of home-based testing kits is variable and depends upon factors like accuracy and the parameter being studied. At-home tests offer benefits like the convenience of performing tests at home, availability of testing kits for various health conditions, easy and at-home monitoring of chronic health conditions and better prevention and control of chronic illnesses. 

Some considerations need to be addressed. There are concerns about poor accuracy and a higher risk of false positive and false negative results than lab-based tests. The issues like the risk of incorrect at-home interpretation and the limited scope of testing kits are the cause of concern; as such kits are available only for a limited range of health conditions.

Visiting a healthcare provider has many benefits over home-based testing. It allows a more accurate diagnosis, better-individualised recommendations, better physical examination and monitoring of health parameters, identification of complex and diverse factors in case of a complex disease, better comprehensive care, and timely referral to the concerned healthcare professionals for further evaluation and specialised care. 

Choosing between whether to go for lab testing or at-home testing depends upon the purpose. For example, home testing is useful for routine screening of health conditions in the absence of signs or in case of mild signs, while visiting a healthcare provider is recommended in case of complex cases with multiple and severe symptoms and for the follow-up of severe diseases.

What is the difference between a personalised health test and a health test?

Both the health test and personalised health test are medical evaluations done to assess an individual's health. However, some important differences exist in both approaches' scope, customisation and focus. Some differences are,

Health test: The health test is a general term for all types of medical screenings, assessments and examinations to assess a particular health parameter or a person's overall health. Different health tests cover most of the health parameters and provide useful insight into the physiology and pathology of a person. The health tests promote health and well-being, help in the prognosis of diseases, monitor existing conditions and enable healthcare providers to prescribe treatments. The tests are standardised for different health parameters and specific to the purpose. 

The personalised health test, precision medicine or personalised medicine, is a novel concept. In this approach, the treatment recommendations and medical care are tailored to a person's specific features, e.g., medical history, lifestyle factors, genetic makeup and other factors. The goal is to deliver more focused, targeted and effective healthcare by incorporating individual factors that influence how a person responds to the treatment. 

The difference lies in the coverage. The health tests cover a large population, while the specialised tests are tailored to individual needs. Research on various aspects of personalised therapy is going on and will likely improve healthcare. Personalised healthcare needs regular consultation with healthcare professionals to identify individual factors. It involves better technology and more focused and precise treatment.