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Blood Testing and Medical Imaging

Blood testing and medical imaging provide detailed insights into various aspects of health, supporting the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of medical conditions. We offer a range of diagnostic services tailored to individual needs, ensuring accurate evaluation and effective monitoring of your health.

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Dr Adrian Mondry
Physician (FRG) | MD (HHU Düsseldorf) | MRCP (London) | IM Specialist (ÄKNo) | Hypertensiologist (DHL)
Blood Testing Medical Imaging Preparation Results Recommendation FAQ
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Blood Testing
Medical Imaging
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Blood Testing

Blood tests are conducted to assess overall health, diagnose medical conditions, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments. Common blood tests include:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)

    Measures red and white blood cells, platelets, and haemoglobin to identify anaemia, infections, or other blood-related disorders.

  • Liver and Kidney Function Test

    Monitors organ health, particularly in patients with diabetes, hypertension, or long-term medication use.

  • Lipid Profile

    Assesses cholesterol and triglyceride levels to evaluate cardiovascular health and guide prevention strategies for heart disease.

  • Glucose and HbA1c Testing

    Measures current blood sugar levels and long-term glucose control, necessary for diagnosing and managing diabetes.

  • Inflammatory Markers

    Tests such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) help identify and monitor inflammation-related conditions. These are often used to assess autoimmune diseases, infections, or chronic inflammatory disorders.

  • Electrolytes and Metabolic Panels

    Monitor sodium, potassium, calcium, and other markers to assess kidney function, hydration status, and metabolic conditions.

Medical Imaging

Medical imaging provides detailed views of the body’s internal structures, supporting diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of health conditions. Common imaging methods include:

  • Chest X-rays

    Chest X-rays help evaluate lung infections, such as pneumonia, and chronic respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They are also valuable for assessing the size and shape of the heart, aiding in the diagnosis of heart failure. Additionally, they can detect abnormalities such as fluid accumulation, tumours, or fractured ribs.

  • Echocardiograms

    Echocardiograms use sound waves to create images of the heart, enabling the evaluation of heart muscle function, valve abnormalities, and structural defects. This non-invasive test is particularly useful for diagnosing heart failure, assessing the severity of valve disease, and monitoring the heart’s function after a heart attack or in chronic conditions such as hypertension.

  • Abdominal Ultrasound

    Abdominal ultrasounds are used to visualise organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen. They help identify conditions like fatty liver, gallstones, kidney stones, or cysts. This test is often used when patients present with unexplained abdominal pain, jaundice, or suspected liver or kidney dysfunction.

  • CT Scans

    Computed tomography (CT) scans generate highly detailed cross-sectional images of the body. They are used to evaluate conditions such as pulmonary embolism, which can cause shortness of breath or chest pain, as well as suspected malignancies in the lungs or abdomen. CT scans are also commonly used to investigate severe abdominal pain, including cases of suspected appendicitis or diverticulitis.

  • DEXA Scans

    Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scans are used for measuring bone density. They are necessary for diagnosing osteoporosis, especially in older adults or those with risk factors such as long-term steroid use. DEXA scans also help assess the risk of fractures and monitor the effectiveness of osteoporosis treatments over time.

Preparing for Your Diagnostic Tests

Preparation for diagnostic tests varies based on the type of procedure. Here are key guidelines:

Blood Tests

Many blood tests, such as fasting glucose, HbA1c, or lipid panels, require fasting for 8–12 hours to ensure accurate results. Fasting means avoiding all food and drinks except water. Staying hydrated by drinking water before the test can help make blood collection easier, especially if veins are difficult to locate. Some tests may not require fasting, and your doctor will clarify if any additional steps are necessary, such as pausing specific medications.

Chest X-rays or CT Scans

For most chest X-rays, no special preparation is needed. However, if a CT scan involves the use of contrast dye, fasting for 4–6 hours may be required to reduce the risk of nausea. It is necessary to inform your doctor if you have a history of allergic reactions to contrast dye or if you have kidney issues, as adjustments may be needed. For both X-rays and CT scans, you may be asked to remove metal objects, such as jewellery, that could interfere with the imaging process.

Echocardiograms

Standard echocardiograms usually do not require any preparation. However, for stress echocardiograms, where heart function is evaluated during physical exertion or after administering medication, you may be instructed to avoid caffeine, nicotine, or certain medications (e.g., beta-blockers) beforehand, as these substances can affect test results.

Abdominal Ultrasounds

Preparation typically involves fasting for 6–8 hours to minimise intestinal gas and improve visualisation of organs like the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. For kidney ultrasounds, fasting may not be needed, but staying hydrated may be required if the bladder or urinary tract is being examined.

DEXA Scans

For accurate bone density measurements, it is recommended to avoid taking calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before the scan. Wearing clothing free of metal, such as zippers or belts, is also advised, as metal can interfere with the accuracy of the scan. If you’ve recently had imaging with contrast dye or a barium study, notify your doctor, as these may temporarily affect the results of a DEXA scan.

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Reviewing Your Test Results

The timeline for receiving and reviewing results varies depending on the type of test or imaging conducted.

  • Blood Tests
    Routine tests, such as CBC or metabolic panels, are typically available within 1–2 days. Results for monitoring chronic conditions, like HbA1c or kidney function, help guide adjustments to medications or lifestyle recommendations.
  • Imaging Reports
    Preliminary findings from imaging, such as chest X-rays, may be discussed on the same day for urgent concerns. Radiologist-reviewed reports, including detailed analyses, are typically available within 2–3 days and guide further diagnostic or therapeutic steps.

When to Consider Testing

Diagnostic tests such as blood tests and medical imaging are often recommended to investigate symptoms, monitor chronic conditions, or assess overall health. Consider these tests if you experience:

  • Persistent Symptoms

    Unexplained fatigue, weight loss or gain, frequent infections, or prolonged pain.

  • Changes in Health

    New or worsening symptoms in chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension.

  • Preventive Screening

    Routine check-ups for cholesterol levels, blood sugar, or bone density, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of heart disease or osteoporosis.

  • Pre-Surgical Evaluation

    Blood tests and imaging may be required to assess your health before surgery or other medical procedures.

  • Follow-Up After Illness

    Tests to ensure recovery from conditions such as infections or to evaluate the impact of treatments like medications or physical therapy.

  • Age-Related Testing

    Bone density scans (DEXA) for osteoporosis in older adults, or cardiovascular screenings as part of age-related care.

Your doctor will recommend tests based on your specific symptoms, medical history, and preventive care needs. Regular testing helps detect potential health concerns early and ensures effective management of chronic conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I repeat blood tests for chronic condition monitoring?

Depending on your condition, blood tests may be required every 3–6 months for stable chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension. More frequent monitoring may be necessary if adjustments to treatment are needed.

Can I exercise before a blood test?

It is generally recommended to avoid strenuous physical activity before certain blood tests, such as glucose or hormone panels. Exercise can temporarily alter these levels, potentially leading to inaccurate results.

What happens if I don’t fast before a fasting blood test?

Eating or drinking anything other than water before a fasting blood test can interfere with the results, particularly for tests like glucose and lipid panels. If this occurs, the test may need to be rescheduled to ensure accurate measurements.

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Dr Adrian Mondry

Physician (FRG)|MD (HHU Düsseldorf)|Specialist for Internal Medicine (ÄKNo)|Hypertensiologist (DHL)|MRCP (London)

Dr. Mondry has over 30 years of experience as an internal medicine & hypertension specialist.

  • Previously a Senior Consultant in the Department of Medicine at the National University Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, where he is currently a visiting consultant.

  • Hypertension Specialist accredited by the German Hypertension League (DHL)

  • Contributed to the latest Singapore ACE Clinical Guidance on “Hypertension – Tailoring the Management Plan to Optimise Blood Pressure Control” as a committee member.

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