Minor Procedures
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients Department undertakes a wide range of Outpatient procedures. A few of the more common procedures are listed below:
Audiometry
The testing of hearing ability. Typically, audiometric tests determine a patient's hearing levels with the help of an audiometer, but may also measure the ability to discriminate between different sound intensities, recognize pitch, or distinguish speech from background noise. Acoustic reflex and otoacoustic emissions may also be measured. Results of audiometric tests are used to diagnose hearing loss or diseases of the ear.
BM Glucose Test
A glucose test is a type of blood test used to determine the amount of glucose in the blood.
Cervical Smear
In gynaecology, the Papanikolaou test or Papanicolaou test (also called Pap smear, Pap test, cervical smear, or smear test) is a medical screening method primarily designed to detect premalignant and malignant processes in the ectocervix. It may also detect infections and abnormalities in the endocervix and endometrium.
Cytology fine needle aspirate
Needle aspiration biopsy (NAB), also known as fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and fine needle aspiration (FNA), is a procedure performed to diagnose certain kinds of medical conditions, such as lumps in the neck. In this technique a thin needle is inserted into a mass or lump to extract cells that will be examined under a microscope. Fine needle aspiration biopsies are very safe, minor surgical procedures. Often, a major surgical (excisional or open) biopsy can be avoided by performing a needle aspiration biopsy instead.
Resting ECG
An electrocardiogram is a print out produced by an electrocardiograph, which records the electrical activity of the heart over time. Analysis of the various waves and normal drivers of depolarization and repolarization, yields important diagnostic information.
Glucose tolerance test
The administration of glucose to determine how quickly it is cleared from the blood. The test is usually used to test for diabetes, insulin resistance, and sometimes reactive hypoglycemia. The glucose is most often given orally so the common test is technically an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
Colposcopy to Cervix
Colposcopy or colcoscopy is a diagnostic procedure in which a colposcope is used to examine an illuminated, magnified view of the cervix, the tissue of the vagina, and vulva. Many premalignant lesions and malignant lesions in these areas have discernible characteristics which can be detected with a thorough colposcopic examination.
Injections
An injection is a method of putting liquid into the body with a hollow needle and a syringe which is pierced through the skin long enough for the material to be introduced into the body.
Spirometry
(Meaning the measuring of breath) is the most common of the Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), measuring lung function, specifically the measurement of the volume and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. Spirometry is an important tool used for assessing conditions such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and COPD.
Tympanometry
An examination used to test the condition of the middle ear and mobility of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and the conduction bones, by creating variations of air pressure in the ear canal.
Coil insertion
A procedure performed by a gynaecologist using an intrauterine device made up of a plastic or metal coil, spiral or other shape about 25mm long. It's inserted into the cavity of the uterus to prevent conception or pregnancy. Its exact mode of action is unknown but is thought to interfere with implantation of the embryo.
Loop Diathermy
A procedure performed by gynaecologists using a diathermy machine and loop in different sizes that is made up of a thin wire. The diathermy machine produces heat in a part of the cervix by means of high frequency electric current passed between two electrodes attached to the patient's skin. This can be used to remove diseased or damaged tissue and to remove small super ficial neoplasms.
For further information or to make an appointment please contact:
Enquiry Helpline
Tel: 020 7483 5148
Fax: 020 7483 5618
Email: wellington.webenquiries@hcahealthcare.co.uk
