Blood Tests, Diagnostic Tests & Investigations

Proper and accurate measurement of blood pressure is vital in identifying potential life threatening risks for conditions such as stroke and heart attacks.

We can also measure blood pressure over 24hrs which gives a much more reliable average reading for diagnosis of hypertension. Our highly experienced HCA is able to measure your blood pressure and also fit and discuss clearly the process of the longer monitoring.

The BRCA test looks for genetic mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which help repair cell damage. If these genes are altered, the risk of developing breast, ovarian and other cancers increases. In the past few years, several public figures have spoken about carrying the BRCA gene mutation, helping to raise awareness of the role that BRCA tests can have in preventing future cancers.

What Do BRCA Genes Do?

BRCA genes play a key role in protecting us from cancer by repairing damaged DNA or triggering cells to self-destruct when damage is too great. When these genes don’t work properly, damaged cells can continue to multiple and grow, leading to cancer.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can increase the risk of:

In women:

• Breast cancer (especially at a younger age)
• Ovarian cancer
• Fallopian tube cancer
• Peritoneal cancer

In men:

• Male breast cancer (especially with BRCA2)
• Prostate cancer

In both men and women:

• Pancreatic cancer
• Melanoma (more strongly associated with BRCA2)

While both genes increase cancer risk, BRCA1 mutations are more strongly associated with breast and ovarian cancer, whereas BRCA2 mutations tend to be linked with a wider range of cancers, including male breast and prostate cancer.

Is BRCA testing right for you?

The following are indicators that you might want to consider BRCA testing:

• A close family member has had breast or ovarian cancer (particularly at a young age)
• Families where multiple relatives have had cancer
• Families with a family history of male breast cancer
• Those with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry

Deciding to get the BRCA genetic test is a personal one. Some patients report that knowing their risk reduces their anxiety and allows them to consider preventative measures. Others say they would rather not know and instead have annual checks.

To find out more about BRCA testing at Haven, please call 01202 110303. BRCA testing costs £720 (prices subject to change).

Read more about BRCA testing here

A cardiac monitor, or Holter monitor, is a small, battery-operated device typically worn for a 24-hour period. The device records your heart’s rhythm as you go about your daily activities. You may be asked to maintain a diary to help the doctor better understand how your heart responds during different activities.

The information recorded by the device can be crucial for diagnosing irregularities in heart rhythm, particularly when symptoms are intermittent and may not be detected during a standard 12-lead ECG. It can also be helpful for understanding the effectiveness of medication, or how well your pacemaker is working.

An ECG is a heart tracing measuring the electrical conduction of the heart. Used for diagnosing conditions such as atrial fibrillation.

An echocardiogram is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses sound waves (ultrasound) to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and function. It provides valuable information about the size, shape, and movement of the heart chambers, as well as the functioning of the heart valves.

An EMG or electromyography, is the diagnostic test that measures the electrical activity of muscles and help assess their health and functionality.

This is a procedure carried out by a highly trained specialist doctor that involves using a fibre optic camera to examine the interior of the body. This can be vital in the diagnosis of certain conditions such as stomach ulcers and even cancers.

At Haven Medical we are able to promptly and conveniently arrange a vast array of highly specialised investigations. These include an extensive range of blood tests that can be discussed with one of our GPs or arranged directly with our HCA who will perform the blood test.

Each year, over 50,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer, making it the most common cancer among men. While high-profile figures like Joe Biden and Sir Chris Hoy have helped shine a spotlight on the disease, the absence of a national screening programme — combined with the fact that prostate cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms — means that thousands of men may be unknowingly living with the disease.

Screening Options

There are several options available to men looking to check their prostate health available at Haven Medical.

A PSA test (Prostate-Specific Antigen test)
A PSA test (Prostate-Specific Antigen test) measures the level of PSA — a protein produced by both normal and cancerous cells in the prostate — in a man’s blood.  There are limitations to the test, for instance false negatives, and higher than ‘normal’ PSA levels can be caused by other reasons, but it presents a cost effective way of assessing your PSA levels.

The Stockholm3 test
The Stockholm3 test is an advanced blood test designed to improve the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer — the types of cancer that are more likely to require treatment.  The Stockholm3 test is considered to be a more precise and comprehensive assessment than the PSA.

The Stockholm3 test looks at:

1. PSA levels
2. Four additional prostate-specific biomarkers
3. Genetic markers (over 100 genetic variants associated with prostate cancer)

If you would like to find out more about PSA or Stockholm3 testing, please call 01202 110303 or email [email protected]

Our simple swab test quickly identifies the presence of Strep A, allowing you or a loved one to access the right treatment.

What is Strep A?

Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) is a bacteria that can cause conditions such as ‘strep’ throat and other infections. While it often results in mild but uncomfortable symptoms, it can, in rare cases, cause serious illness and complications.

Strep A is a common bacteria that many people carry in their throats or on their skin without showing any symptoms. It spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, or contact with open wounds, making outbreaks common in schools and nurseries.

The Strep A bacteria not only results in ‘strep’ throat, but is also one of the causes of impetigo, cellulitis and Scarlet Fever.

Symptoms of Strep A include:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Sore throat
• Swollen glands
• A rash that feels rough like sandpaper
• Scabs and sores (impetigo)
• Pain and swelling (cellulitis)
• Muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting

While Strep A can be treated with antibiotics, its symptoms can be caused by other conditions, so testing ensures the correct treatment and use of antibiotics.

In rare cases, if Strep A spreads to areas of the body where bacteria are not typically found, such as the blood or muscles, it can result in invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS), which can lead to serious, life-threatening conditions.

To book a Strep A test today, call our team on 01202 110303

This investigation is a safe and painless imaging procedure that provides valuable insights into your health.

A transducer is gently moved across the skin, allowing us to visualise internal structures in real-time. This non-invasive and efficient procedure offers a closer look at your organs and tissues, aiding our expert team in making informed assessments.

If you are on a waiting list for an ultrasound and would like to have your results quicker, please get in touch to find out if we can help.

Trucheck™ Intelli is a breakthrough blood test that helps detect early signs of over 70 different cancers — using just a simple blood sample. Catching cancer early can make all the difference, helping you get the right treatment sooner and improving outcomes.

How it works:

Cancer cells naturally shed tiny fragments, such as circulating tumour cells (CTCs), into the bloodstream. Trucheck™ Intelli identifies these cells and can suggest where in the body they may have originated. If any cancer-related cells are detected, our medical team will guide you through the next steps, including any follow-up investigations or treatment options.

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