A to Z

A to Z list of common tests and treatments including different types of medication, surgery and therapies

A

Abortion

Learn about abortions, why they may be needed and the risks

Amniocentesis

Learn about amniocentesis and its uses

Amputation

Learn about amputation, why it's used and aftercare

Anaesthesia

Learn about anaesthesia and its uses

Antibiotics

Learn about antibiotics and their uses

Antidepressants

Learn about antidepressants, their uses and possible side-effects

Antiplatelets, clopidogrel

Learn about clopidogrel and its uses

Arthroscopy

Learn about arthroscopy procedures

Aspirin

Learn about aspirin uses and possible side-effects

B

Barium enema

Learn what barium enemas are used for and how they're performed

Beta-blockers

Learn about beta-blockers, their uses and possible side effects

Biopsy

Learn about what a biopsy is used for, how it's performed and recovery

Blood tests

Learn about blood tests and their uses

Blood transfusion

Learn about blood transfusions

Breast and cosmetic implants

Learn about breast and cosmetic implants and when they're used

Bronchodilators

Learn about bronchodilators and their uses

C

Chemotherapy

Learn about chemotherapy, why it is used and possible side effects

Children's vision screening

Learn about pre-school vision testing

Chorionic villus sampling

Learn about chorionic villus sampling and its risks

Colostomy

Learn about colostomy

Colposcopy

Learn about the colposcopy procedure

Contraception

Find out where to get contraception, how to use it, what methods are available and answers to any worries and questions

Coronary artery bypass graft

Learn about coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and its uses

Corticosteroids

Learn about the uses of corticosteroids

CT scan

Learn about CT scans and when they're used

Cytosponge

Learn about how a cytosponge test works and what it is used for

D

Decongestants

Learn about the different types of decongestant

Dentures (false teeth)

Learn about dentures (false teeth) and their upkeep

Dialysis

Learn about dialysis and its side effects

E

Echocardiogram

Learn about echocardiograms and their uses

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Learn about electrocardiograms (ECGs) and their uses

F

Fluoride

Learn about the uses of fluoride

G

General anaesthetic

Learn about general anaesthesia and its uses

H

Hand tendon repair

Learn about hand tendon repair surgery

Hearing tests for children

Learn why hearing tests are offered to young children

Herbal medicine

Learn about herbal medicines and potential issues with them

Hip replacement

Learn about hip replacement surgery

HIV PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

HIV PreP is a medicine that stops you getting HIV.

Home oxygen treatment

Learn why home oxygen therapy is used and how it's delivered

Homeopathy

Learn about homeopathy uses and its evidence base

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Learn about hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Hysteroscopy

Learn about hysteroscopy

I

Ibuprofen

Learn about ibuprofen, its uses and possible side effects

Ileostomy

Learn about ileostomy procedures

Inguinal hernia repair

Learn about inguinal hernia repair surgery

K

Knee replacement

Learn about knee replacement surgery

L

Laxatives

Learn about laxatives, how to take them and considerations

Liver transplant

Learn about liver transplants, including possible complications

Local anaesthesia

Learn about local anaesthesia and its uses

Lumbar decompression surgery

Learn about lumbar decompression surgery

Lung transplant

Learn when a lung transplant is needed and risks associated

M

Mastectomy

Learn about the mastectomy procedure, including risks

MRI scan

Learn about MRI scans

N

NSAIDs

Learn about non-steroidal anti-inflammatories

O

Occupational therapy

Learn about occupational therapy, including how to access it

Orthodontics

Learn about orthodontic treatment including how to access it

P

Paracetamol

Learn about the painkiller paracetamol

PET scan

Learn about PET scans and their uses

Prescriptions

Information on getting your prescription, including where to get it, what to do if you run out of a medicine and how to use your medicine safely.

Psychotherapy

Learn about psychotherapy and how to access it

R

Radiotherapy

Learn about radiotherapy and its uses

S

Screening

Includes information on bowel, cervical and breast screening and tests during pregnancy

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Learn about selective serotonion reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Statins

Learn about statins and their uses

T

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

Learn about transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)

U

Ultrasound scan

Learn about ultrasound scans and their uses

Urinary catheterisation

Learn about urinary catheterisation and its uses

W

Warfarin

Learn about warfarin, its uses and possible side effects

Wisdom tooth removal

Learn about wisdom tooth removal

X

X-ray

Learn about X-rays and how they work