Advanced Health Assessment

What tests are included in this assessment?Show all

General

Physical examination and consultation with a doctor Hide

What is it?

The doctor consultation lasts up to 60 minutes depending on the assessment. As well as a physical examination, the doctor will have your test results, most of which should be available on the day

Medical history and lifestyle questionnaire Hide

What is it?

An in-depth questionnaire covering your medical history and any medical concerns you may have.

Test results Hide

Most test results should be available on the day for discussion with doctor.

Health trend analysis Hide

What is it?

A comparison for most repeat customers of key health indicators taken from previous health assessments.

Why do we do this?

So you can see how your health is changing over time.

Report and personal health action plan Hide

What is it?

The results of all tests available on the day, along with a personal health profile and action plan suggesting changes to maintain and improve your health in the future.

Heart and lungs

Carbon monoxide Hide

What is it?

A test designed to help smokers, it measures the level of carbon monoxide in your blood.

Why do we do this?

Cigarette smoke contains a large amount of carbon monoxide, and this combines with haemoglobin and displaces oxygen. The more that people smoke, the more oxygen is displaced. Research has shown that highlighting high levels of carbon monoxide in the blood can be a powerful motivator to stop people smoking. A carbon monoxide monitor can provide immediate results of carbon monoxide levels from a single breath. This can be shown to you before the development of a clinical disease such as emphysema or cancer.

What does it involve?

This is a simple test that our health adviser will conduct. It will involve blowing into a carbon monoxide monitor which will produce an immediate result.

Lung age Hide

What is it?

Based on the lung function tests that we complete we can estimate a persons ‘lung age’. This test is a great motivator to encourage people to stop smoking, and may indicate early lung problems if there are symptoms.

Why do we do this?

Research has indicated that demonstrating to smokers that smoking has damaged their health and effectively increased the age of their lungs is a big motivator to stop people smoking. The results of the test can indicate an issue before you actually develop a clinical disease such as emphysema or cancer.

What does it involve?

We calculate this from the results from our lung function test. Results are based of research of normal lung function in many people of many ages.

Cardiorespiratory exercise test Hide

What is it?

The test assesses how efficient your body is at using oxygen to produce energy and how efficient your heart and lungs are when you exercise. Together these measurements provide a highly accurate measure of metabolism and fitness.

ECG, respiration and blood pressure are measured during exercise together with heart, lung and muscular efficiencies.

Why do we do this?

Aerobic fitness is associated with future good health, and the higher your fitness level, the better your future health is likely to be. It can also help to identify coronary artery disease.

The information gained enables us to suggest what intensity and type of exercise might be best for you.

What does the test involve?

The test involves cycling on a special exercise bike. As you do this we monitor how your heart rate and breathing change in response to the exercise using continuous ECG readings and expired air analysis. The exercise ECG is reviewed and reported on by a consultant cardiologist.

The test typically lasts anywhere between four and 20 minutes, depending on your fitness level. The test stops at 85 percent of maximum heart rate. Most people are easily able to manage this.

We aim to make this test as safe as possible for you and there are some criteria which may prevent you from undertaking the exercise test during your visit.

Blood pressure and pulse rate measurement Hide

What is it?

The heart pumps blood around the body through a network of blood vessels, carrying oxygen and nutrients to the body. This pumping action produces pressure within the arteries carrying blood away from the heart.

Why do we do this?

Blood pressure tends to rise with age and high blood pressure rarely causes any symptoms. This is why it is important for adults to check it regularly.

A higher than normal blood pressure means that the heart has to work harder to push blood along. Over the long term, hypertension (high blood pressure) is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

A healthy blood pressure is 140/85 or lower. If you have diabetes then it is even more important that your blood pressure is lower than this.

What does the test involve?

A compression cuff is inflated around the arm and the reading is taken by the health adviser.

Resting ECG Hide

What is it?

An electrocardiogram measures the "electrical signature" of each heart beat while you are at rest.

What are Health implications?

An abnormal ECG can identify coronary artery disease, an enlarged heart and disturbances in the electrical control of the heart (arrhythmia).

What does the test involve?

You will be hooked up to a 12-lead ECG which "looks" at the heart from 12 different angles. This is recorded on a paper chart that is reviewed by a doctor.

Lung function test Hide

What is it?

A test measuring lung size and how well the lungs can move air in and out.

Why do we do this?

Measurements can indicate early signs of lung disease and certain conditions such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma.

What does it involve?

You are asked to blow through a tube attached to a machine called a spirometer.

Coronary risk score Hide

What is it?

This score indicates the chance of you having a heart attack within the next 10 years.

Why do we do this?

The development of heart disease depends on a number of risk factors and management and control of these risk factors can decrease your risk of cardiovascular disease.

What does it involve?

The test is calculated by the doctor and is based on a widely accepted algorithm based on your age, sex, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, presence of diabetes and whether you smoke or not.

Chest X-ray (only offered if clinically necessary) Hide

Why do we do this?

Any X-ray exposes you to a small amount of radiation. For this reason we only offer the chest X-ray if it is clinically necessary ie if you have symptoms of possible chest disease.

Body composition

Height and weight measurements Hide

Your height will be measured and you will be weighed.

Waist to height ratio Hide

What is it?

A measure of the degree to which fat is stored around the middle. It is calculated by dividing your waist measurement by your height.

Why do we do this?

The way the body fat is distributed is important. People who have body fat stored mainly around the abdomen (apple shaped) – have a higher risk of developing heart disease and diabetes than people with the same amount of body fat stored mainly around the hips and thighs (pear shaped). A higher ratio indicates a greater amount of abdominal fat.

What does it involve?

Measuring your height and weight.

Body mass index calculation Hide

What is it?

Your body mass index (BMI) is one way to find out if you are a healthy weight. It is calculated using an accepted medical formula which involves calculating a ratio of your height to weight and comparing this to an accepted health range.

Why do we do this?

Carrying too much fat is the most common cause of a high BMI. Being overweight is related to health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. People with a BMI over 25 are at a higher than average risk of these conditions.

What does it involve?

Measuring your height and weight.

Body fat percentage Hide

What is it?

This test works out how much of your body is made up of fat and how much is lean tissue, such as muscle and bone.

A healthy proportion of body fat depends on your age and gender.

Why do we do this?

Combined with a BMI measurement this can indicate what the best healthy weight for you is. Excess body fat can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some cancers.

What does the test involve?

Measuring the electrical resistance of your body using a tiny electrical current which is quite painless.

Metabolic rate calculation Hide

What is it?

It indicates to you the minimal number of calories you need in a resting state.

Why do we do this?

A test which indicates an estimated daily calorie requirement which may help you understand your calorie need and help in weight control.

What does it involve?

This is a calculation, based on accepted science, that we make based on your age, gender and weight.

Additional tests

Diabetes Hide

What is it?

Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to regulate the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. According to Diabetes UK, it is estimated that 1 million people in the UK have diabetes without their knowing. The test measures the level of blood glucose after fasting for at least six hours.

Diabetes is a significant risk factor for severe eye problems (including blindness), it greatly increases the risk of heart attack, kidney failure and severe arterial disease.

Why do we do this?

A raised glucose level may indicate diabetes. Diabetes can usually be controlled with diet, exercise or medicines, but if poorly controlled, it increases the risk of heart disease and strokes, nerve damage and blindness.

What does it involve?

The health adviser takes a small amount of blood. The blood is used to carry out a wide range of tests. Results should be available on the day for discussion with the doctor.

You are asked to fast before your assessment. The test is more reliable if you have fasted for at least six hours before your assessment.

Calcium levels Hide

Calcium is important in nerve and muscle function, as well as being an important part of bone structure.

Calcium is carried in the blood by albumin. Albumin is produced by the liver. Changes in the albumin level will also change the calcium level.

What does it involve?

The health adviser takes a small amount of blood. The blood is used to carry out a wide range of tests. Results should be available on the day for discussion with the doctor.

Liver function Hide

What is it?

The liver makes important hormones and proteins. It also breaks down toxic substances, producing less harmful ones that can be removed from the body more easily.

Kidney function Hide

What is it?

The kidneys remove some of the body’s waste products by filtering the blood. These waste products leave the body in the urine. Urea and creatinine are two waste products removed by the kidneys.

Why do we do this?

Higher than normal levels of creatinine and urea in your blood may indicate that the kidneys are not working properly.

What does it involve?

The health adviser takes a small amount of blood. The blood is used to carry out a wide range of tests. Results should be available on the day for discussion with the doctor.

Gout Hide

What is it?

Gout is a painful inflammation of the joints caused by the build up of a substance called uric acid. This test measures the level of uric acid in your body.

Why do we do this?

The level of uric acid in your blood may be raised if you have gout or a family history of gout. Taking one of a number of drugs (including alcohol) can also cause a rise in the uric acid level. Uric acid levels can also be raised in kidney disease.

What does it involve?

The health adviser takes a small amount of blood. The blood is used to carry out a wide range of tests. Results should be available on the day for discussion with the doctor.

Thyroid function Hide

What is it?

This test measures thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which helps control the thyroid gland. This is the gland that releases the hormone thyroxine, which controls metabolism.

The test is offered to all women over 50 and both men and women who take the Later Life Health Assessment.

Why do we do this?

TSH levels may be raised if your thyroid gland is underactive, which leads to a condition called hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism often appears without obvious symptoms, but can cause weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, depression and lack of energy. It is more common in women than men, especially women over the age of 50.

TSH levels may be low if your thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism). This can cause weight loss, palpitations, nervousness and flushed skin.

What does it involve?

The health adviser takes a small amount of blood. The blood is used to carry out a wide range of tests. Results should be available on the day for discussion with the doctor.

Faeces test Hide

What is it?

Men and women over 45 years are offered a test called a faecal occult blood test to detect hidden blood in the faeces.

Why do we do this?

Blood in the faeces can be a sign of any condition that causes bleeding into the digestive tract, including stomach or peptic ulcers, benign polyps, piles or anal fissures. It can also indicate bowel cancer.

According to Cancer Research UK, bowel cancer claims the lives of more than 16,000 people every year in the UK, but if can be cured if caught early enough.

What does the test involve?

The test involves analysing three faeces specimens (samples of your bowel movement).

For more information please read the separate Bupa information sheet Faecal occult blood test (pdf, 151Kb).

Strength assessment Hide

What is it?

A simple test to assess ‘grip strength’. This provides insight to evaluate one of the key components of physical fitness and compare your results to population norms and monitor changes in strength over time (at repeat visits).

Why do we do this?

Strength is a core element of fitness. A grip dynamometer test provides an indication of overall strength. Grip strength is correlated to overall upper body strength, lean muscle mass and a lower risk of frailty in later life.

What does it involve?

A simple squeeze of the handles on a grip dynamometer.

Flexibility test Hide

What is it?

This test measures your flexibility. It provides an opportunity to evaluate one of the key components of physical fitness and compare your result to population norms and monitor your flexibility over time during repeat visits.

Why do we do this?

Flexibility is one of the core elements of fitness. Greater flexibility may mitigate against joint aches and pains. A trunk flexion assessment provides an indication of total body flexibility.

What does it involve?

We use a "sit and reach" box. This measures the flexibility of the hamstrings and lower back.

Diabetes risk score Hide

What is it?

A score that indicates your risk of developing diabetes.

Why do we do this?

Diabetes is becoming more common, and can lead to many other conditions including premature heart disease and stroke.

What does it involve?

This is a simple questionnaire based on sound research, and looks at items in your lifestyle that may increase your risk of diabetes. By knowing your risk, you can make changes, and reduce the chance of developing diabetes.

eGFR Hide

What is it?

This is a detailed kidney function blood test.

Why do we do this?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects about 10 percent of the population and may have no symptoms until kidney function is severely reduced. Mild CKD is also important as it represents a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease. Once identified patients with progressive CKD can be actively treated to preserve remaining kidney function reducing the risk of kidney failure and heart disease.

What does it involve?

We calculate this as part of your blood tests.

Haematological profile

Haemoglobin measurement Hide

What is it ?

Measurement of the amount of haemoglobin in the blood. Low haemoglobin levels may indicate anaemia.

Abnormalities of red cells, white cells and platelets Hide

Tested as part of a full blood count which measures the levels of the blood cells in the blood:

Red blood cells – these carry haemoglobin

White blood cells – these are produced by the body to protect us against infections and repair damage. There are different types of white cells with different functions

Platelets – these are involved in blood clotting

Why do we do this?

Red blood cells test

Changes in the size and number of these may indicate a number of diseases, including the cause for anaemia.

White blood cells

A raised level in the blood may mean you have an infection, or indicate chronic (long-term) conditions.

Platelets

Platelets have a wide normal range. A very low result can be a sign of a number of medical conditions, including blood clotting disorders.

What does the test involve?

The health adviser takes a small amount of blood. The blood is used to carry out a wide range of tests. Results should be available on the day for discussion with the doctor.

Urinalysis

Three tests to help detect diabetes mellitus and kidney problems Hide

What is it?

Your urine is tested for blood, glucose and protein, which should not normally be present.

Why do we do this?

Either blood or protein in the urine can be a sign of an infection. The presence of glucose (sugar) in the urine may be the first sign of diabetes. If you have glucose in your urine, your blood test may show a high fasting blood glucose level. Significant amounts of protein in the urine can be a sign of kidney disease.

What does it involve?

You will be asked to provide a urine sample at the beginning of your assessment. The urine will be analysed and results should be available on the day for discussion with the doctor.

Sensory

Hearing test Hide

What is it?

A test to measure your hearing at different frequencies

Why do we do this?

Poor results may indicate hearing loss due to noise exposure or other ear conditions

What does it involve?

Hearing tests involve listening out for sounds at different frequencies. The quieter sounds you can hear are compared to a “normal” range

Vision test Hide

What is it?

A test for vision at different distances, colour vision and peripheral vision.

Why do we do this?

Problems with vision may indicate presence of cataract as well as the need for glasses.

What does it involve?

We use a special eye testing machine that involves you looking at and reading numbers and letters.

Female tests

Breast check Hide

What is it?

A breast check is a physical and visual examination of the breasts.

Why do we do this?

According to Cancer Research UK, breast cancer accounts for nearly 30 percent of all cancers. Deviations from normal do not necessarily indicate breast disease. All abnormalities must be followed up either with a repeat check or with a referral to a specialist breast clinic.

Breast awareness instruction Hide

What is it?

Instruction on self-examination and general awareness of breast appearance and texture.

Why do we do this?

Regular examination can ensure early detection of abnormal changes in breast tissue.

Cervical smear test Hide

What is it?

The purpose of the test is to look for any pre-cancerous changes in the cells that may turn into cancer at a later stage. Pre-cancerous cells can usually be treated easily.

Why do we do this?

Regular smears can help decrease the risk of getting cervical cancer. According to Cancer Research UK about 2,800 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in the UK and it is the second commonest cancer in women under 35 years old.

For more information, please read the our information sheet covering important information for women about the cervical smear test (pdf, 129Kb)

Pelvic examination Hide

What is it?

An internal examination of the vagina, uterus and ovaries together with a physical examination of the pelvic area. This is only carried out if clinically indicated and cannot be carried out if you are menstruating. Please try to arrange your screen mid-cycle to avoid having to return for this part of your assessment.

Why do we do this?

Detection of any lumps or masses will allow further investigation to identify their nature and any course of treatment. This test is not infallible, and if you have symptoms that may indicate a pelvic problem we may suggest referral to a specialist.

Mammography Hide

What is it?

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts.

Why do we do this?

It is the most effective means of detecting and investigating breast disease. It can detect a change in breast tissue before you can feel anything unusual yourself. NHS screening programmes offer mammography to all women over 50. There is clinically evidence that mammograms from the age of 40 are valuable in detecting early breast cancer. Bupa Centres offer mammography to all women over 40 (there may be an additional charge).

We recommend women aged 40 to 50 have mammograms on an annual basis, and those over 50 have mammograms every other year.

What does the test involve?

It involves having both breasts X-rayed.

Please note that an additional cost applies to add a mammogram to your standard health assessment.

Rubella antibodies Hide

What is it?

Rubella (german measles) is usually a mild complaint in adults but it can cause damage to the fetus if women catch the disease during early pregnancy.

Women of child bearing age are tested at their first health assessment to find out if they are immune to rubella. This is not necessary for women who have already had this test elsewhere.

Why do we do this?

If the test shows you are not protected from rubella, we recommend that you arrange with your GP to have a vaccination. This is still important even if you are not planning to become pregnant in the near future, because the less rubella there is in the population, the better for everyone.

What does it involve?

The health adviser takes a small amount of blood. The blood is used to carry out a wide range of tests. Results should be available on the day for discussion with the doctor.

HPV test Hide

What is it?

Some types of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) are associated with the development of cervical cancer in some women. If your smear is abnormal, and HPV is present, then further investigations are needed

Why do we do this?

By doing this test we can discover whether an abnormal smear has a higher chance of becoming a cancer. Catching this early means we can reduce the risk of cancer dramatically.

What does it involve?

The sample taken for your cervical smear test will also be tested for the presence of HPV.

Male tests

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) Hide

What is it?

It is a blood test offered to men over the age of 50. PSA is a substance released into the blood by the prostate gland, situated at the base of the bladder.

Why do we do this?

The test can help in the detection of early prostate cancer.

According to Cancer Research UK the lifetime risk of men developing prostate cancer is one in 14. Currently 9,500 men die each year in the UK from the disease. Prostatic cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the prostate and is a common form of cancer in men. It becomes more common as men grow older. In elderly men prostatic cancer usually grows slowly and may never cause any problems, but in some men, the cancer can grow rapidly and spread to other parts of the body.

What does it involve?

We offer this test to all men aged 50 and over, and also to those aged 45 and over if there is a strong family history of prostate cancer. Except in the above circumstances, below the age of 50, prostate cancer is uncommon and the significance of a raised PSA level less certain.

For more information please read the Bupa information sheet covering important information for men about PSA testing (pdf, 224Kb).

Testicular examination Hide

What is it?

An examination of the testicles.

Why do we do this?

Detection of any lumps or masses will allow further investigation to identify their nature and any course of treatment.

Quality assurance

Stringent standards to ensure high quality Hide

Clinical governance

Clinical governance is defined as "a framework of responsibility and accountability, that continuously measures, monitors and improves the safety and quality of all clinical services, (whether directly provided or funded) and differentiates the quality of clinical services Bupa provides and funds promoting optimal patient/customer health outcomes and clinical excellence."

It requires that as an organisation we have:

• quality improvement activity eg audit
• a process for monitoring
• internal and external reviews
• clear policies to manage risk
• clinical incidents reporting
• a clear complaints handling policy
• management and reporting of poor performance

We are registered with the Care Quality Commission

This organisation requires that all our procedures and policies place the client as the most important stakeholder, and that we ensure client safety at all times through clear policies and procedures. We adopt these principles even in those centres which are not required to be registered with the Care Quality Commission.

Bupa Centres are registered as required, regulated and inspected by the Care Quality Commission. Copies of the latest inspection reports are available from:

Care Quality Commission National Correspondence
Citygate
Gallowgate
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4PA

Telephone: 03000 616161
Website: http://www.cqc.org.uk/
Email: enquiries@cqc.org.uk

Our doctors and health advisers

We choose our doctors carefully; normally they will have been qualified for at least five years and have a broad background of medical experience. Most will have a higher degree – MRCGP, MRCP or equivalent. All will have undergone a training programme to familiarise them with the concept of health assessment and Bupa Centre protocols. All are subject to an initial three-month appraisal and then annual appraisals thereafter.

Our health advisers are either qualified nurses, exercise physiologists or hold other relevant healthcare qualifications, all of whom have undergone a training programme in performing health assessments. This includes training on the impact of nutrition and diet, alcohol consumption, exercise programming and the benefits of exercise, and the effects of smoking on health.

All clinical staff are subject to an enhanced CRB clearance before they commence employment.

We have a robust complaints policy

We are always pleased to hear about aspects of our service that you have particularly appreciated. We also want to hear about any problems you have experienced, so that we can deal with them speedily and improve our service for the future.

If something goes wrong, here's a simple procedure to ensure that your concerns are dealt with quickly and effectively. If you have a complaint about any aspect of our service, we would like to address this straightaway. If possible therefore, please speak to a member of staff at the centre. All centres have a complaints handler who has had specific training. Or you may prefer to talk to the centre manager.

If we cannot satisfactorily resolve your concern there and then and you wish to make a complaint by telephone or in writing, please call or write to the centre manager.

We will aim to give you a written acknowledgement of your complaint within 24 hours of receipt, unless a full reply can be made within five working days. A full response will be made within 20 working days. All complaints are dealt with confidentially and impartially.

If required, your complaint will be referred to the regional manager and may be escalated to the managing director.

We keep a record of every complaint and look at how many we receive and the reasons. We use this information along with our customer surveys to help make sure we continually improve the service we provide.

This procedure does not affect your legal rights.

Why do we do this?

We are committed to quality in all clinical areas.

1. Source: BMJ 1998; 317 : 61 (Published 4 July 1998)

ISO accreditation Hide

We operate under the guidelines of the ISO9001 quality management system and have been accredited since 2001. Part of our accreditation includes being externally assessed twice a year to ensure we continue to maintain our high quality standards. Through this, all of our services and products are accredited and our customers can be assured that the systems behind the scenes are in place so that you receive the highest quality of service.

As part of this, we operate stringent clinical standards polices with internal audits of procedures. All non-clinical staff also undergo regular appraisal through the Bupa Positive Performance Management process.

We have received the following comments from our external auditors, SGS, during previous audits:

"Staff involved in the audit were able to demonstrate excellent knowledge of, and compliance with procedures, there is obvious ownership of the management system at all levels."

"It is evident that a great deal of thought and commitment has been given to developing the system to meet the requirements of ISO 9001:2000 and incorporate business and clinical needs."

"Excellent systems in place to monitor customer satisfaction."

"Very well managed centre with adherence to system requirements evident."

"All staff involved in the audit process demonstrated excellent knowledge and ownership of the key processes and the documented Quality Management System."

"Staff are proactive in problem solving and demonstrated contingency plans in place to enable patients to receive blood resulted on the day of assessment when the laboratory equipment is not functioning."

"Excellent controls in evidence in all areas. Communication is particularly good."

Central booking facility Hide

Our call centre staff have access to appointments at all of our centres throughout the country. They will be therefore able to help identify suitable appointments at a number of centres.