Common procedures
Common medical procedures and tests
75 procedures and tests explained simply: what they are for, how they go, who performs them. Each page links to a reference source.
General information that does not replace your doctor’s advice or the instructions given before a test.
General practice
General practice practitioners- General consultation A general consultation is an appointment with a general practitioner (GP). The GP is often the first professional you see for everyday health care. The GP keeps your medical record, refers you to specialists when needed and gives advice on prevention.
- Medical certificate A medical certificate is a document written by a doctor that states facts observed during an examination. It may be requested for sport, school or work. No suitable reference page was found among the allowed publishers (source_url = null).
- Vaccination Vaccination means giving a vaccine to help the body protect itself against certain infectious diseases. Vaccines exist for babies, children and adults. A vaccination schedule shows which vaccines are recommended at each age.
- Home visit A home visit is a consultation where the health professional travels to the patient's home. It mainly concerns people who cannot easily travel. No suitable reference page was found among the allowed publishers (source_url = null).
Radiology and medical imaging
Radiology and medical imaging practitioners- MRI An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan produces detailed pictures of the inside of the body. It is used to understand a health problem, plan a treatment or check how a treatment is working.
- CT scan A CT scan uses X-rays to take detailed pictures of the inside of the body. It is used to look for the cause of a health problem or to check how a treatment is working.
- Ultrasound An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. It is used to look at organs or, for example, a baby during pregnancy.
- Doppler ultrasound A Doppler ultrasound combines a standard ultrasound with a measure of blood flow. It shows how blood moves through arteries and veins.
- Mammography A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts. It is used to look for early signs of breast cancer, notably in screening.
- X-ray An X-ray uses a low amount of radiation to produce a picture of the inside of the body, such as the bones. It is used to see fractures or other problems.
- Bone densitometry (DEXA) A bone density (DEXA) scan measures how strong the bones are using low-dose X-rays. It helps assess the risk of osteoporosis.
- Dental panoramic X-ray A dental panoramic X-ray shows all the teeth and both jaws in one image. It is used to plan dental implants and to check for impacted wisdom teeth or jaw problems.
- Cone beam CT (CBCT) A cone beam CT (CBCT) is a dental scan that produces 3D images of the teeth and jaws. No suitable reference page was found among the allowed publishers (source_url = null).
- Angiography Angiography is an X-ray test that uses a contrast dye to show the blood vessels. It is used to check the condition of arteries and veins.
Medical biology (clinical laboratory)
Medical biology (clinical laboratory) practitioners- Blood tests Blood tests are a set of analyses done on a blood sample. They are used to check different aspects of health, such as how some organs are working.
- Urine tests A urinalysis is a physical, chemical and microscopic examination of urine. It detects and measures various substances passing out in the urine.
- Serology tests A serology test is a blood test that looks for antibodies, the proteins the immune system makes against germs. It can show whether you have had an infection or been vaccinated.
- PCR tests A PCR test looks for the genetic material of a germ, such as a virus, in a sample. The technique makes many copies of that material so it can be detected. No suitable reference page was found among the allowed publishers (source_url = null).
- Pregnancy test A pregnancy test checks urine or blood for a hormone called hCG, made during pregnancy. It is used to find out whether someone is pregnant.
- Semen analysis A semen analysis is a laboratory examination of semen. It is mainly used to study male fertility or to check a vasectomy.
- Home sample collection Home sample collection is a service where a health professional comes to the patient's home to take a sample (often blood) and brings it to the laboratory. No suitable reference page was found among the allowed publishers (source_url = null).
Cardiology and vascular diseases
Cardiology and vascular diseases practitioners- Electrocardiogram (ECG) An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a quick, painless test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It helps check the heart's rhythm and how it is working.
- Echocardiography An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan of the heart. It uses sound waves to check how well the heart is working.
- Exercise stress test An exercise stress test measures the effect of exercise on the heart. You walk or cycle while your heart is monitored.
- Holter ECG A Holter monitor is a small portable device that continuously records the heart's rhythm. It is used to study the heart during everyday activity, for example for palpitations or fainting.
- Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) uses a small device linked to an arm cuff, worn for 24 hours. It measures blood pressure many times, by day and by night. It helps the doctor see how blood pressure changes through the day.
Vascular medicine (angiology)
Vascular medicine (angiology) practitioners- Vascular Doppler ultrasound A vascular Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to look at arteries and veins and at how blood flows through them. It is used to study blood circulation, for example in the legs or the neck.
- Sclerotherapy Sclerotherapy is a treatment for varicose veins. A liquid is injected into the affected vein so that it closes. Blood then flows through other healthier veins.
Urology
Urology practitioners- Lithotripsy (kidney stone fragmentation) Lithotripsy is a technique that breaks kidney or urinary stones into small pieces using shock waves sent from outside the body. The pieces then pass out naturally in the urine.
- Cystoscopy A cystoscopy lets the doctor look inside the bladder and the urethra with a thin tube that has a small camera. It is used to look for the cause of some urinary problems.
Dermatology and venereology
Dermatology and venereology practitioners- Dermoscopy Dermoscopy is a skin exam using a small lit magnifying tool called a dermatoscope. It lets the doctor look more closely at moles and marks on the skin. No qualifying reference page was found among the allowed publishers.
- Dermatological laser treatment Dermatological laser treatment uses a very focused beam of light to treat some skin conditions, such as small visible blood vessels or warts. There are several types of laser depending on the problem treated.
- Cryotherapy Cryotherapy is a treatment using cold: very cold liquid nitrogen is applied to a skin lesion, such as a wart, to destroy it. New skin then forms underneath.
Gastroenterology and hepatology
Gastroenterology and hepatology practitioners- Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy) An upper digestive endoscopy (gastroscopy) lets the doctor look inside the oesophagus, the stomach and the start of the intestine with a flexible tube that has a camera. It is used to look for the cause of pain or digestive problems.
- Colonoscopy A colonoscopy lets the doctor look inside the large intestine (colon) with a flexible tube that has a camera, passed through the anus. It is used to look for the cause of some digestive problems and to spot abnormalities such as polyps.
- FibroScan (liver elastography) FibroScan is an ultrasound-based exam that measures how stiff the liver is. This gives an idea of the condition of the liver tissue without taking a sample. No dedicated reference page was found among the allowed publishers.
Obstetrics and gynaecology
Obstetrics and gynaecology practitioners- Pregnancy monitoring Pregnancy monitoring is the set of appointments, tests and ultrasounds that follow the health of the mother and the baby over the nine months. It is carried out by a doctor or a midwife.
- Pelvic ultrasound A pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of the uterus, the ovaries and the bladder. It is used to look at these organs, for example when there is pain or unusual periods.
- Cervical smear test A cervical smear test takes a few cells from the cervix to be analysed. It is part of screening for cervical cancer.
- Colposcopy A colposcopy lets the doctor look closely at the cervix with a magnifying instrument. It is offered, for example, when cervical screening gives a result that needs checking.
- IUD insertion An IUD (intrauterine device) is a small device placed in the womb by a health professional to prevent pregnancy over a long period. There are copper and hormonal types.
- Childbirth Childbirth is when the baby is born, either vaginally or by caesarean section. Labour most often starts on its own, with contractions that become stronger and more regular.
Nuclear medicine
Nuclear medicine practitioners- Scintigraphy Scintigraphy is an imaging exam that uses a very weakly radioactive product injected into a vein. A special camera then shows how an organ is working.
- PET scan A PET scan (positron emission tomography) is an imaging exam that uses a weakly radioactive substance to show how organs are working. It is often used to study certain cancers, the heart or the brain.
Nephrology
Nephrology practitioners- Haemodialysis Haemodialysis is a treatment for serious kidney failure: a machine, called an artificial kidney, filters the blood to remove waste the kidneys can no longer remove. The cleaned blood is then returned to the body.
- Peritoneal dialysis Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment for serious kidney failure that uses the lining of the belly (the peritoneum) to filter the blood. A special fluid is put into the belly and then drained out with the waste.
Neurology
Neurology practitioners- Electroencephalogram (EEG) An electroencephalogram (EEG) records the electrical activity of the brain using small sensors placed on the scalp. It is used, for example, to study certain seizures or brain conditions.
- Electromyogram (EMG) An electromyogram (EMG) measures the electrical activity of muscles and of the nerves that control them. It helps to understand the origin of some weakness, pain or tingling.
Medical oncology
Medical oncology practitionersOphthalmology
Ophthalmology practitioners- Fundus examination A fundus examination lets the doctor look at the back of the eye, in particular the retina and the optic nerve. It is used to monitor the health of the eye and of some blood vessels.
- OCT (optical coherence tomography) OCT is an eye scan that uses light to take very detailed cross-section pictures of the retina and the optic nerve. It is used to look at the thickness and structure of these areas. No dedicated reference page was found among the approved publishers.
- Visual field test The visual field is everything you can see without moving your eyes, in front and to the sides. The visual field test measures this area of vision. It helps to find areas where vision is weaker.
- Cataract surgery A cataract is when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. Surgery removes this lens and replaces it with an artificial one. It is used to get a clearer vision back.
- Ophthalmic laser treatment Ophthalmic laser uses a very precise beam of light to treat certain areas of the eye, especially the retina. It can shrink or destroy abnormal structures or create small planned scars. It is used for several retina conditions.
ENT (otorhinolaryngology)
ENT (otorhinolaryngology) practitioners- Audiometry Audiometry is a test that measures how well you hear sounds of different pitches and volumes. It is used to assess the hearing of each ear. The result is shown on a chart called an audiogram.
- Nasal endoscopy Nasal endoscopy is an examination that uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera and a light, passed through the nose. It lets the doctor see inside the nose and the back of the throat. No dedicated reference page was found among the approved publishers.
- Hearing aid fitting Hearing aid fitting means choosing and adjusting a hearing aid, a small device worn in or behind the ear. It makes sounds louder and clearer. It is used when hearing has become weaker.
Paediatrics
Paediatrics practitioners- Vaccination Childhood vaccination means giving vaccines that prepare the body to defend itself against certain infectious diseases. It follows a schedule that starts in the first months of life. This schedule is updated regularly.
- Infant check-ups Infant check-ups are a series of regular medical visits during the first years of life. The doctor checks growth, development, sight, hearing and vaccines. These visits help to follow the child's health.
Pulmonology
Pulmonology practitioners- Spirometry (pulmonary function tests) Spirometry is a breathing test that measures how much air your lungs can hold and how fast you can blow it out. It is part of lung function tests. It is used to assess how well the lungs work.
- Polysomnography (sleep study) Polysomnography is a test that records what happens in the body during sleep, such as breathing, brain activity and oxygen level. It is used to better understand some sleep problems. It is done with sensors placed on the body.
- Bronchoscopy Bronchoscopy uses a flexible tube with a camera to look inside the airways. It can also be used to take small samples or collect secretions. It is used to explore the bronchi and the lungs.
Rheumatology
Rheumatology practitionersAllergology
Allergology practitionersDental surgery
Dental surgery practitioners- Scaling and polishing Scaling and polishing is a teeth cleaning that removes tartar, a hard deposit that builds up on teeth and near the gums. It is followed by polishing. It helps to keep teeth and gums healthy. No dedicated reference page was found among the approved publishers.
- Teeth whitening Teeth whitening is a treatment that makes the colour of teeth lighter. It uses specific products applied to the teeth. It changes how teeth look but does not make them stronger.
- Tooth extraction Tooth extraction means removing a tooth from its place in the jaw. It is offered when the tooth is too damaged, infected or crowds the other teeth. No dedicated reference page on extractions in general was found among the approved publishers.
- Dental crown A dental crown is a cap that covers the whole visible part of a damaged tooth. It protects the tooth and restores its shape and function. No dedicated reference page was found among the approved publishers.
- Dental implant A dental implant is a small screw, often made of titanium, placed in the jawbone to replace the root of a missing tooth. It supports a crown or a denture. No dedicated reference page was found among the approved publishers.
Psychology
Psychology practitioners- Psychological assessment A psychological assessment is an evaluation carried out by a psychologist using interviews and sometimes tests. It is used to better understand a person's emotional functioning, behaviour and personality. No dedicated reference page was found among the approved publishers.
- Neuropsychological assessment A neuropsychological assessment is a series of tests that evaluate memory, attention, language and other brain functions. It is carried out by a neuropsychologist. It is used to describe how these functions work in a person. No dedicated reference page was found among the approved publishers.
- Individual therapy Individual therapy is talking therapy, one to one with a psychologist or therapist. It gives a space to talk about difficulties and feelings. It helps to find ways to cope better with them.
- Child therapy Child therapy is support from a psychologist, using talking, play or drawing. It helps the child to express feelings and cope better with difficulties. No dedicated reference page was found among the approved publishers.
- Couples therapy Couples therapy is support from a therapist with both partners together. It gives a space to talk about the relationship and the difficulties met. It helps people to communicate better. No dedicated reference page was found among the approved publishers.
- Grief counselling Grief counselling is support for people who have lost someone close. Grief is a normal reaction, emotional, physical and social. Support can help some people through this time.
Where these pages come from
Each page is written from a public reference page (French health insurance, HAS, NHS, MedlinePlus, MSD Manual, WHO) shown at the bottom with its verification date. No dosages, no prices.