PET stands for positron emission tomography, a way of creating 3D images of the inside of your body and showing how well certain parts of the body are working. During the scan, a slightly radioactive substance (known as a radiotracer) is injected into your bloodstream. It can then be detected as it moves around your body and is taken up by different cells or parts of your body. It shows which cells are more active and which are less. It is usually used with CT or MRI scanning to provide detailed images. Your body then excretes the radiotracer over the course of a couple of hours after the scan, so it does not stay in your system. PET scanning is particularly useful for helping diagnose cancer, looking at its spread or response to treatment, and looking at conditions that affect the brain.

A PCR test is short for polymerase chain reaction, a test that works by detecting the genetic material of a particular bacteria or virus. If it detects the genetic material of the target infection, then the result comes back as positive. PCR testing is used for various conditions, including influenza, herpes, and COVID-19. It's more accurate for detecting COVID-19 than lateral flow tests, but requires time as a laboratory needs to process the result, rather than a quick test at home. It identifies people with a current COVID-19 infection, but it cannot detect if you have had it. Anecdotally, doctors have found that PCR tests usually turn positive a couple of days before a lateral flow test.

Moving away from home is always a big step, full of celebration and excitement, but also some anxiety and feeling a bit overwhelmed. One of the boring jobs that should be on the list once that first week is out of the way is thinking about getting registered with a local doctor. Fingers crossed you won’t need to see your doctor, but if you do then it’s good to know where you can go. Your doctor can be your route to hospital specialists, your travel and vaccination expert, or even just a reassuring person to talk to if things are difficult. Here the Healthwords medical team goes into a bit more detail about how to look after your health when arriving at the university.

The letters MRI stand for magnetic resonance imaging and it is a way of scanning that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create accurate images of the inside of your body. The different densities in your body show up as different shades of gray to white in the images produced. MRI is one of the safest forms of scanning and is pain-free. Unlike X-ray and CT scans, it does not cause any radiation exposure. It can be used to look at any part of the body but is particularly useful for looking at the brain, spine, blood vessels, and heart.

Blood tests have many different uses. Some of these include being used to diagnose a condition, and to monitor a particular organ in the body, such as the kidney or liver. They can also be used to give measurements of bodily processes such as blood sugar, or current levels of inflammation.

A lateral flow test looks for certain markers (proteins and hormones) on a sample of fluid, to give a positive or negative result. There are many different types of lateral flow tests - you may be familiar with a home pregnancy test or the quick COVID-19 test, both of which are rapid lateral flow tests. The COVID-19 self-test can be ordered for free from COVIDtests.gov. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages people that think they may have been exposed, or have symptoms, or will be meeting anyone who is vulnerable, or going to events or crowded places to be tested. This is designed to catch those without symptoms and prevent spread.

Ketostix test strips detect the level of ketones in your urine. They are for people with diabetes. Ketostix is used to identify a dangerous complication of diabetes called diabetic ketoacidosis. It occurs when your body does not have enough insulin. A lack of insulin means your cells can't get enough glucose for energy. Therefore, your body must burn fat for energy instead. Ketones are a by-product of this process produced by your liver. High levels of ketones make your blood acidic. The condition can be life-threatening if not promptly treated. Some ketones leave your body in your urine, allowing for detection by Ketostix. Ketostix test strips are mainly for people with type 1 diabetes, but some people with type 2 diabetes may need to use them if they do not produce enough insulin. They are an alternative if you do not like testing your blood. People who: follow a keto diet, are fasting, or have an eating disorder like anorexia may also benefit from using Ketostix to monitor their urinary ketones. Ketostix is available on prescription and over the counter.

Blood tests have many different uses. They can be used to diagnose a condition, to monitor a particular organ in the body, such as the kidney or liver, and they can also be used to give measurements of bodily processes such as blood sugar or current levels of inflammation.

A sick note (also known as a fit note) is a document from your doctor as evidence that you are unwell or need to take some time off from university. Your doctor may recommend you take some time off work or studies for a specified period until you recover or have further investigations.

Many doctors recommend a yearly check-up for individuals aged between 40 and 74. It is your choice if you decide to schedule a health check. The reason for the health check is to assess for age-related diseases that become more common as you age. These include heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, stroke, and dementia. The health check allows you to identify any risks early and better prepare you for the future so that you can make informed, proactive steps to improve your health. If you have no other medical conditions, this health check is usually recommended to be repeated every 5 years.

The FreeStyle Libre 2 system is designed as a flash glucose monitor for individuals with diabetes who need to regularly monitor their sugar (glucose) levels. It consists of two components: the FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor and reader. The FreeStyle Libre 2 sensor is a small device that is applied to the back of the upper arm. It measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid, which is a thin layer of fluid beneath the skin. The sensor continuously measures glucose levels throughout the day and night. To obtain a glucose reading, you simply scan the sensor with the FreeStyle Libre 2 reader or use your smartphone with a compatible app. The reader or app displays the current glucose reading, as well as a trend arrow indicating the direction in which your glucose levels are heading. This information helps you make informed decisions about your diabetes management. One of the key advantages of the FreeStyle Libre 2 system is that it eliminates the need for traditional finger pricking to obtain a blood sample. Instead, the sensor provides glucose readings through non-invasive means, making it more convenient and less painful for users. The FreeStyle Libre 2 system provides valuable glucose data that can help you understand your glucose patterns, identify trends, and make adjustments to your diabetes management plan. It offers flexibility, convenience, and accuracy in monitoring your glucose levels, empowering you to take control of your diabetes effectively. Diabetes is associated with high blood glucose levels. This occurs when you're not producing enough of a hormone called insulin (type 1), or your insulin is not working properly (type 2). Self-monitoring of glucose levels is mainly for people with type 1 diabetes. However, it can be beneficial for some people with type 2 diabetes. For example, people using insulin or other medications that carry the risk of causing low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia).

Blood tests have many different uses. They can be used to diagnose a condition, to monitor a particular organ in the body such as the kidney or liver, and they can also be used to give measurements of bodily processes such as the level of sugar in your blood or current levels of inflammation.