Cardio Respiratory Unit

Main Contact Number: 024 7686 5128

Service Manager: TBC

Email: CRURECEPTION@geh.nhs.uk

Associated Consultants:-

Respiratory: 

• Dr Christine O’Brien
• Dr Clare Williams 
• Dr Carol Min
• Dr Rahul Bhat

Cardiology: 

• Dr Asok Venkataraman
• Dr Mahdi Halim 
• Dr Ahmad Tahir
• Dr Suresh Krishnamoorthy

Gastroenterology: Dr Edmond Sung

• ABPI - leg pressure studies (PDF)
• Overnight oximetry (PDF)

This is the most common test that CRU performs.  It measures the electrical activity of the heart. A quick and painless test that does require you to remove all top clothes and have special stickers applied to the chest area.

This is a test that requires all top half clothes to be removed. A gel is applied to the chest and an ultrasound probe is used to look at the heart in a similar way to when ladies have scan of their babies. Usually takes about 20minutes.

The test is a ultrasound scan of the heart, also known as an echocardiogram. It will assist in the assessment and diagnosis of a patient.

What is an echocardiogram?

An echocardiogram is a non-invasive scan of the heart. Ultrasound waves are used to create a moving picture of the heart.

The size and shape of the heart can be seen and later measured; the valves within the heart can be seen moving. The patient will hear noises during the scan as part of the valvular and blood flow assessment; this is normal.

The scan is performed using a handheld device, very similar to that used for pregnancy scans, so the patient will not ‘go into’ the scanner, simply lie on a couch.

Preparation for the test

There is no special prepartion necessary for this procedure.

Finding the department

From the main entrance walk by the teabar and shop and then take a right at the crossroads just before you reach the XRay and pathology departments there is a lift or a set of stairs, go up to the first floor, we are on the right if you use the lift and left if you use the stairs.

The procedure

The patient will be asked to strip to the waist and lie on a couch. ECG electrodes are placed on the chest and ultrasound gel is put at various points on the chest where the scanning probe is held.

During the scan pictures are taken from various places on the chest and the patient may be asked to lie in different positions. If they have any mobility problems or problems lying down they can inform the operator as they will be by at their side throughout the procedure.

The scan can vary in length depending on how easy the pictures are to obtain. If the scan takes longer than another person’s, it is due to different machines, operators and the patient’s own anatomy.

Please allow 30 minutes for the appointment.

Results

The results will be sent to the patient’s consultant who will check them and decide how to proceed. They will also decide whether further tests are necessary, if an appointment is needed or if a letter will suffice.

Please note that patients will not be given the results on the day of their test.

This is a simple non-invasive test which is used to assess the coronary arteries by looking at changes on the ECG as the heart rate rises. To cause the heart rate to rise, the patient will be asked to walk on a treadmill. This test is usually requested for patients who have experienced chest pain or shortness of breath on exercise.

Before the test

Before attending for the exercise test please:

• Do not eat a heavy meal for 2 hours

• Do not take alcohol for 4 hours

• Wear comfortable shoes

• Do not wear long skirts as they can get caught in the treadmill belt

• Do not use any body lotions

• Take all medication as normal unless informed otherwise by your consultant

Finding the department

From the main entrance walk by the teabar and shop and then take a right at the crossroads just before you reach the XRay and pathology departments there is a lift or a set of stairs, go up to the first floor, we are on the right if you use the lift and left if you use the stairs.

The procedure

The patient will be asked to strip to the waist (ladies are able to keep their bras on). Electrodes are placed across the chest to record an ECG and a blood pressure cuff placed around the upper arm. Readings are taken at rest, during the walk and during recovery.

The walk starts off very easy as a gentle stroll (less than 2 miles an hour), it gradually becomes more difficult until you wish to stop.

This test has been done by patients as old as 89 and even by a patient with an artificial leg. We do not expect an athletic performance simply that you try your best.

Please allow 40 minutes for the test.

ResultsThe results will be sent to the patient’s consultant who will check them and decide how to proceed. They will also decide whether further tests are necessary, if an appointment is needed or if a letter will suffice.

Please note that patients may not be given the results on the day of their test.

This is worn over 24hours and at regular intervals throughout the day and night the BP cuff inflates and records changes in your blood pressure.

This test is done to see what the patient’s blood pressure is like during normal conditions i.e. whilst they are at home and at work. This is done because many people find that attending the hospital causes their blood pressure to rise.

What is a blood pressure monitor?

The monitor contains a small pump, a measuring device and a memory, and is about the size of a small tub of margarine.

It is connected to a blood pressure cuff around the upper arm and will automatically take the pressure readings when required and store them in its memory.

This is then transferred on to the computer for analysis.

Preperation for the test

There is no special preparation necessary for this procedure except to ask that patient ensures that their sleeves are loose fitting to allow the cuff to fit around their arm.

They will need to attend for two visits, one day to have the monitor fitted and the other to have it removed. The first day for 20 minutes and the second for just 10 minutes.

The monitor must be returned on time on the second visit as it will be required for the next patient.

Finding the department

From the main entrance walk by the teabar and shop and then take a right at the crossroads just before you reach the XRay and pathology departments there is a lift or a set of stairs, go up to the first floor, we are on the right if you use the lift and left if you use the stairs.

The procedure

Patients will be asked to bare their arm and a blood pressure cuff will be placed around the upper arm, this is then connected by a rubber pipe to the monitor.

The monitor is then place in a small shoulder bag or clipped to a waistband.

Once the monitor is on the patient must be careful not to get it wet, so they will be unable to have a bath, shower or go swimming whilst the recording is being made. Apart from this we would like them to carry on with their normal day’s activity, including any work or exercise that they may do.

ResultsThe results will go to the patient’s consultant who will check them and decide how to proceed, whether further tests are necessary, if an appointment is needed or if a letter will suffice.

Please note that you may not be given the results on the day of your test.

This is a recorder that is attached via leads on your chest and measures your ECG over a set period of time. Can be from 24 hours up to 72hours as decided by your consultant. Whilst wearing the machine you will not be able to bath or shower.

This is an ECG that is carried out whilst you are exercising to see if your heart changes. Your blood pressure will be measured at the same time.

What is CPET?

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) is a non-invasive method used to assess the performance of the heart and lungs at rest and during exercise.

Who might need a CPET test?

• Patients scheduled for major surgery

• Patients taking part in a testing for the diagnosis of heart and lung disease

• Patients in rehabilitation following a major illness

What does the test involve?

During the CPET test the patient will be required to perform mild exercise on an upright bicycle whilst breathing through a mouthpiece. Each breath will be measured to assess how the body is performing. The capacity and strength of the lungs is measured before and during exercise. The heart tracing (ECG) will also be recorded prior to, during and post exercise.

The CPET test will lasts for a total of 40 minutes; however the patient will only be required to exercise for approximately 10 minutes. The test requires your maximum effort to ensure the most reliable diagnostic information is obtained.

Please allow 60 minutes for the appointment.

How fit does a patient need to be to perform the test?

Many patients worry that because they do not participate in regular exercise, they may not be able to complete the test. CPET is not a maximal tolerance test and the assessments are applicable as much to athletes as to those who are elderly or unfit.

Are there any risks?

The risk for CPET is the same as for mild-moderate exercise. The number of patients who develop symptoms is low (1:1000), and it is the same as for exercise testing in cardiology. We will be monitoring the patient closely during the test, with continuous ECG, blood pressure and oxygen measurements. If they develop significant symptoms, the trained staff will stop the testing.

What information will be analysed?

• Lung Function: Flow volume loops

• Oxygen Consumption during exercise  (VO2 max)

• Anaerobic Threshold

• Heart performance during exercise

• Blood gas measurement from blood sample taken from the earlobe

• Exercise 12 lead ECG

What to wear for the test

Comfortable clothing suitable for light exercise, such as trainers and loose trousers are recommended.

Before the test

Before attending for your CPET, please:

• Do not eat a heavy meal for 2 hours before

• Do not take alcohol for 4 hours before

• Do not take vigorous exercise for 30 minutes

• Do not wear any tight clothing that may restrict your breathing

• Do not smoke for at least 1 hour prior

• Please continue to take all prescribed medicine as normal

If the patient has experienced any of the following they should contact the department:

• Current or recent chest infection (within the last 3 weeks)

• Recent eye, stomach or chest surgery

• Heart attack or stroke within the last month

• Attended Accident & Emergency in the last 2 to 3 days

• Chest Pain on the Day of the test

Results

The results will go to the patient's consultant who will discuss them at the next clinic visit. 

A lung function test measures how well the lungs are working. Doctors commonly request these tests to:

• check for lung disease

• to measure severity of lung disease

• to see if medication will improve breathing

• to test lung function before an operation

The procedure
The patient will be asked to breathe in and out of a machine through a disposable mouthpiece. The nose will be sealed using a noseclip and they will be seated during all the tests.

There are 3 main tests:

• Measurement of the speed the patient can breathe out by asking them to blast the air out of their lungs as quickly and as long as they can.

• Measurement of how well oxygen travels from the lungs into the blood.  For this the patient will breathe in until full and then hold their breath for 6 seconds.

• Measurement of the size or volume of air in the lungs.

Preparing for the test
Before attending for your lung function tests, please:

• Do not eat a heavy meal for 2 hours

• Do not take alcohol for 4 hours

• Do not take vigorous exercise for 30 minutes

• Do not wear any tight clothing that may restrict breathing

• Do not smoke for at least 1 hour

• Continue to take all prescribed medication as normal. Please bring a list of current medication.

Allow 30-60minutes for the appointment.

Finding the department
From the main entrance walk by the teabar and shop and then take a right at the crossroads just before you reach the XRay and pathology departments there is a lift or a set of stairs, go up to the first floor, we are on the right if you use the lift and left if you use the stairs.

The patient should contact the department if they have experienced any of the following

• Current or recent chest infection (within the last 3 weeks)

• Recent eye, stomach or chest surgery

• Heart attack or stroke within the last month

• Attended Accident & Emergency in the last 2 to 3 days

• Chest Pain on the Day of your test

Results
The results will go the patient's consultant who will explain them at their next clinic visit. Please note that patients will not be given test results on the day of the test unless they have a clinic appointment directly after testing, in which case they will be able to take a copy to clinic with you.

Useful links

• Patient leaflet

What is Home Oxygen Assessment and Review (HOSAR) or long term oxygen therapy (LTOT)?
Oxygen is an important gas in the air that we breathe. Oxygen therapy increases the amount of oxygen that flows into the lungs and the blood stream. It is given to people with lung disease and heart conditions who have low levels of oxygen in their blood.

Before the test
Please continue to take any medication as normal.

Please must remove any nail varnish from fingernails before placing the Oximeter probe onto the finger.

The results of the study will be discussed with at the next clinic visit.

Please allow 30 minutes for the first appointment. Please allow two hours for a second appointment if it is required. 

Finding the department
From the main entrance walk by the teabar and shop and then take a right at the crossroads just before you reach the XRay and pathology departments there is a lift or a set of stairs, go up to the first floor, we are on the right if you use the lift and left if you use the stairs.

The test
The test is usually performed to assess whether you need extra oxygen during the day and night.

First appointment
The test is performed in the hospital’s Cardio Respiratory Unit. After being seated for about 5—10 minutes, the physiologist will take a recording (Oximeter) that records the patient’s oxygen level and heart rate. 

If the resting oxygen levels are 95% or above, then the physiologist will send the patient home and inform the consultant that they do not require LTOT at this time.

If the resting oxygen levels are 94% or less, then we will put some warming cream (transvasin) onto the earlobe and leave it to warm up for approximately 15 minutes. Once warm we will the take a small amount of blood from the ear lobe and measure accurately how much oxygen is in the blood. 

If the levels are below a certain limit then the physiologist will make another appointment for three weeks later.

Second appointment
On the next appointment (if required), again cream will be applied to both ears. Again we will take some blood from the earlobe—if it is still below our limit then the patient will be given oxygen for 30 minutes and have another blood sample take.  If that result is still too low then we will give higher level of oxygen for 30 minutes and repeat the blood sampling. This will continue until the blood oxygen reaches above the set level.

Once the test is completed we will ask the patient to sign a consent form so that if the Consultant wants them to have oxygen it can be ordered for them.

During the appointment, we may also measure height and weight and ask the patient to complete a simple breathing test.

Useful links

• Patient leaflet

A specialist test to see if the airways are easily irritated. Usually performed when the patient has normal lung function. The test measures the “reactivity” of theairways—how sensitive or twitchy they are.

What happens?
The patient will be given a series of sprays of a substance called mannitol to breathe through an inhalation device.  After each one they will need to do a short breathing test to measure if the spray has had any effect. This involves blowing as hard as they can down a tube.

Who performs the test?
A Clinical Physiologist—a qualified professional who specialises in performing breathing tests. 

Preparation for the test
The patient will need to stop taking some medication before the test:

• 72 hours before the test, stop any antihistamine medication.

• 24 hours before the test stop taking any of the following inhalers: serevent, seretide, symbicort, oxis, foradil or fostair.

• 8 hours before the test stop taking any other inhalers or nebulisers,

Please bring a list of all the treatment for breathing.

The test should not be performed within 2 weeks of a cold or similar infection. Please contact the department if this happens.

The test should not be performed if the patient thinks they may be pregnant.

In addition:

• Do not eat a heavy meal for 2 hours

• Do not take alcohol for 4 hours

• Do not take vigorous exercise for 30 minutes

• Do not wear any tight clothing that may restrict your breathing

• Do not smoke for at least 6hours

Please allow 60 minutes for the appointment

Finding the department
From the main entrance walk by the teabar and shop and then take a right at the crossroads just before you reach the XRay and pathology departments there is a lift or a set of stairs, go up to the first floor, we are on the right if you use the lift and left if you use the stairs.

Are there any side effects?
As the test progresses the patient may cough and feel a little tight-chested. They will be given treatment to relieve this at the end of the test. They may also experience some light-headedness, headache, or hoarse voice, which will go away by themselves. Please tell the staff performing the test when any symptoms appear.

What happens after the test?
The patient will be able to go home and resume their normal activities after the test. They should  continue taking all their usual medication when it is next due. If they experience any distressing or unforeseen side-effects, they should contact the Cardio-Respiratory Unit by telephone or in person (Mon-Fri, 9:00-5:00). Outside these hours, if urgent, they should contact their GP or attend the casualty department for advice.

Patients should contact the department if they experience any of the following

• Current or recent chest infection (within the last 3 weeks)

• Recent eye, stomach or chest surgery

• Heart attack or stroke within the last month

• Attended Accident & Emergency in the last 2 to 3 days

• Chest Pain on the Day of your test

Results
The results will go to the patient's doctor who will explain them at their next clinic. Please note that results will not necessarily be given on the same day as the test.

This test performs an overnight recording of the patient’s breathing during their sleep (overnight oximetry). The test is usually performed to see if they stop breathing for short periods during their sleep. This is called Sleep Apnoea. We may also need to assess whether they need extra oxygen overnight.

The test
The test can be performed at home, by collecting a small recording monitor (Oximeter) that records oxygen levels and heart rate. Using the monitor is very simple and involves attaching a small clip to the finger whilst sleeping.

The patient will be asked to press a small button once to start the recording and once to terminate the recording. During your appointment this will be demonstrated.

Upon waking the next morning, switch the monitor off and return as instructed.

During the appointment, we may also measure height and weight and ask the patient to complete a simple questionnaire.

Before the test

• Please continue to take any medication as normal, unless instructed not too.

• Please must remove any nail varnish from your fingernail before placing the Oximeter probe onto the finger.

• For the study, please try and follow a normal sleep routine.

Please allow 30 minutes for the appointment.

Finding the department
From the main entrance walk by the teabar and shop and then take a right at the crossroads just before you reach the XRay and pathology departments there is a lift or a set of stairs, go up to the first floor, we are on the right if you use the lift and left if you use the stairs.

Returning the oximeter
The Oximeter must be returned to the Cardio  Respiratory Unit between 8-10am on the morning after the test.

The monitor may be returned by a friend or relative

If the Oximeter is unable to be returned, please contact us urgently as the equipment will be booked out for another patient.

If the sleep study shows that you have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea you will be invited into the Physiologist led sleep clinic to discuss your options. 

Useful links

• Patient leaflet

The results of this test will help doctors to assess if a patient has an allergy related problem. The results will be discussed at a follow-up clinic appointment.

The test
The skin prick allergy test is the most widely used allergy test.

Drops of different allergens (“things you may be allergic to”) are placed directly onto the skin of the forearm, and the skin is gently pricked through the allergen solution using a small lancet.

Any skin reaction to the allergen (i.e. inflammation) is measured after 15 minutes and the solutions are then washed off.

This is a safe test, however the patient may experience some itching that may cause slight discomfort. This usually subsides within an hour. They may experience a slight scratch from the pinprick.

What is test for?
Different Allergens tested for may include:

• Pollens (i.e. Flowers, Weeds)

• Pets (i.e. Cat, Dog)

• Moulds

• House Dust Mite

If there is anything specific that the patient can think of, it is useful to mention this to the physiologist performing the test so that it may be included.

Before the test

• Please do not use any antihistamine preparations for two days before the appointment

• Please continue to take all other medication as normal

• Please wear clothing that will allow easy access to the forearms

Please allow 40 minutes for the test. If there are any questions regarding this test please phone the department on 02476 865128 and ask to speak to the Respiratory Physiologist.

Finding the department
From the main entrance walk by the teabar and shop and then take a right at the crossroads just before you reach the XRay and pathology departments there is a lift or a set of stairs, go up to the first floor, we are on the right if you use the lift and left if you use the stairs.

Results
The results will be visible at the time of testing. A written copy of the results will be sent to the requesting hospital consultant who will then inform the patient's GP as appropriate.

Sleep

Sleep is driven by natural brain activity. You need to have a certain amount of deep sleep for your body and mind to be fully refreshed. Having only limited episodes of deep sleep will leave you feeling very tired the next day.

In order to function properly, most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep. Around 15-25% of that time should be spent in the deepest phase of sleep, known as slow wave sleep.

What happens during OSA?

During the night, people with OSA may experience repeated episodes of apnoea and hypopnoea.

During an episode, lack of oxygen causes the person to come out of deep sleep and into a lighter state of sleep, or a brief period of wakefulness, in order to restore normal breathing. However, after falling back into deep sleep, further episodes of apnoea and hypopnoea can occur. Such events may occur more than once a minute throughout the night.

Most people with OSA snore loudly. Their breathing may be noisy and laboured and it is often interrupted by gasping and snorting with each episode of apnoea.

The repeated interruptions to sleep caused by OSA can make the person feel very tired during the day. A person with OSA will usually have no memory of breathlessness, so they are often unaware that they are not getting a proper night's sleep.

Symptoms of sleep apnoea 

Episodes of interrupted breathing are often visible in someone with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) who is asleep. OSA can also cause other symptoms, often due to tiredness resulting from lack of deep sleep.

Most people with OSA snore loudly. Their breathing may be noisy and laboured, and it is often interrupted by gasping and snorting with each episode of apnoea.

If you have OSA, you may have no memory of your interrupted breathing during the night. However, when you wake up you are likely to feel as though you have not had a good night's sleep.

Other symptoms of OSA include:

• feeling very sleepy during the day

• waking up with a sore or dry throat

• poor memory and concentration

• headaches (particularly in the morning)

• anxiety

• depression

• lack of interest in sex

• in men, impotence (inability to get or maintain an erection)

Some people with OSA may also wake up frequently during the night to urinate.

How common is OSA?

OSA is a relatively common condition that affects more men than women. In the UK, it is estimated that around 4% of middle-aged men and 2% of middle-aged women have OSA.

The onset of OSA is most common in people aged 35 to 54 years old, although it can affect people of all ages, including children. The condition often goes undiagnosed. It is estimated that up to 5% of adults have undiagnosed OSA.

Studies have also shown that 60% of people over 65 years old have OSA.

Treatment

OSA is a treatable condition and there are a variety of treatment options to reduce the symptoms.

Lifestyle changes, such as losing excess weight, can often help mild cases of sleep apnoea to resolve. In more severe cases, the use of breathing apparatus while sleeping may be necessary.

Common treatments for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) include advice on lifestyle changes, and use of breathing apparatus (CPAP) while you are asleep.

Lifestyle changes

Mild cases of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can usually be treated by making lifestyle changes, such as:

• losing weight (if you are overweight or obese)

• stopping smoking (if you smoke)

• limiting your alcohol consumption

Men should not regularly drink more than 3 to 4 units of alcohol a day. Women should not regularly drink more than 2 to 3 units of alcohol a day. If you've had a heavy drinking session, avoid alcohol for 48 hours.

'Regularly' means drinking these amounts every day or most days of the week.

One unit of alcohol is equal to half a pint of normal-strength beer, a small glass of wine or a pub measure (25ml) of spirits.

Stopping smoking can also help sleep apnoea to resolve.  Sleeping on your side, rather than on your back, may also help to relieve the symptoms of OSA, although it will not prevent the condition.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

Moderate to severe cases of sleep apnoea may need to be treated using a type of treatment called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This involves using breathing apparatus to assist with your breathing while you are asleep.

CPAP is used when you are asleep. A mask is placed over your nose, which delivers a continuous supply of compressed air. The compressed air prevents the airway in your throat from closing.

Earlier versions of CPAP often caused nasal dryness, nosebleeds and a sore throat. However, the latest version includes a humidifier (a device that increases moisture), which helps to reduce these side effects.

If CPAP causes you discomfort, inform your treatment staff because the device can be modified to make it more comfortable. For example, you can try using a CPAP machine that starts with a low air pressure and gradually builds up to a higher air pressure as you fall asleep.

As CPAP can feel peculiar to start with, you may be tempted to abandon the treatment. However, people who persevere with it quickly get used to wearing the mask, and their symptoms improve significantly.

CPAP is available on the NHS and it is the most effective therapy for treating severe cases of OSA. It reduces blood pressure and the risk of stroke by 40%, and lowers the risk of heart complications by 20%.

Possible side effects of CPAP include:

• mask discomfort

• nasal congestion, runny nose or irritation

• difficulty breathing through your nose

• headaches and ear pain

• • stomach pain and flatulence (wind)

   

If you have any of these side effects, discuss them with your sleep specialist who may be able to recommend an alternative treatment.

Left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of:

• high blood pressure (hypertension)

• heart attack

• stroke

• obesity

• type 2 diabetes

Untreated OSA also increases a person’s risk of developing heart failure and irregular heartbeats, and it can lead to poor performance at work and at school.

Driving

As someone with OSA can suffer a lack of refreshing sleep, they run an increased risk of being involved in a life-threatening accident, such as a car crash. Their risk of having a work-related accident also increases.

Research has shown that someone who has been deprived of sleep due to OSA has the same impaired judgement and reaction time as someone who is over the drink-drive limit.

If you have OSA, it could affect your ability to drive. It is your legal obligation to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about a medical condition that could have an impact on your driving ability. The GOV.UK website has advice about how to tell the DVLA about a medical condition.

Your GP can refer you to the Respiratory Consultants at the George Eliot Hospital for a simple Overnight Oximetry test that will tell us if you have mild / moderate or severe OSA (or just a snorer).

A basic measurement of how fast and how much air you can breathe out. You will be told if you need to stop any inhalers when you book your appointment.

This test is done in order to determine the efficiency of the arterial circulation of the legs.

Leg Pressure studies (also known as Leg Doppler studies) is a recognised procedure used to calculate the ABPI (ankle/brachial pulse index). This is a calculation comparing the blood pressure in the arm to that in the legs. The Doppler is used to identify the pulse in the feet and is NOT used to create images of the blood vessels (that is a separate type of test not conducted in this department).

Preparing for the test
There is no special preparation necessary for this procedure      except to ensure that any sleeves are loose fitting to allow the blood pressure cuff to fit around the arm.

This test is undertaken by technical staff who do not have nursing skills so they will be unable to change any dressings.

If the patient requires assistance with surgical stockings they should bring any aids they use with them from home.

Finding the department
From the main entrance walk by the teabar and shop and then take a right at the crossroads just before you reach the XRay and pathology departments there is a lift or a set of stairs, go up to the first floor, we are on the right if you use the lift and left if you use the stairs.

The procedure
The patient will be asked to bare their arm and a blood pressure cuff will be placed around the upper arm whilst the blood pressure is taken in each arm.

At the same time a separate blood pressure cuff is placed around the lower leg so that the blood pressure can be measured in each leg.

In order to find the pulses in the feet, the patient will be asked to remove their shoes and socks/tights.

Throughout the test they will be lying on a couch.

The test normally takes no longer than half an hour.

Results
The results will be sent to the patient’s consultant who will check them and decide how to proceed. They will also decide whether further tests are necessary, if an appointment is needed or if a letter will suffice.

Please note that patients may not be given the results on the day of their test.

Useful links

• Patient leaflet