FAQ

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Please find a list of frequently asked questions and answers below. If you can't find the answer to your query here, please contact us on 1800 252 969 or info@healthwatch.ie where a member of our team will answer any question you may have.

Are my results confidential?
Rest assured that the entire health check process is completely confidential. Your results will be reported directly back to you and only you via a private follow up consultation, which usually takes place 2-3 weeks after your initial health screen.

Should I avail of the service if I am pregnant?
Healthwatch during pregnancy is safe. Blood testing, ECG and spirometry are safe. However, some blood results like cholesterol, liver function and haemoglobin may be altered during pregnancy, so some abnormal results during the pregnant phase may need to be repeated after the baby is delivered to determine the true level. Cervical smear test CANNOT be performed if you are pregnant. So if there is a possibility that you are pregnant and you are due for a cervical smear test, it is very important you inform the nursing staff of this.

What's involved during my initial nurse appointment?
During the initial nurse appointment our nurse will begin by discussing with you your responses to the health and lifestyle questionnaire which you should complete before your appointment. Next she will carry out the selected non invasive physical tests which include Height & Weight to calculate your BMI, blood pressure etc and also take the required blood/urine samples. The samples will be transported to our laboratory for analysis where a comprehensive range of tests will be carried out. The number of tests carried out will depend on what screening package you are availing of.

How do I prepare for the appointment?
It is important that that in the 12 hours preceding your assessment you consume water only. However, if you have diabetes please continue to control your sugar levels as you normally would. It is permissible to drink as much water as you wish as this will not affect your results. If you have an afternoon appointment arrangements can be made to take the required blood samples from you in the morning, allowing you to eat and drink as normal and conduct the remainder of your health screening. If you are concerned about your fasting period please contact HealthWatch for advice. When you book your HealthWatch appointment we will email you a pre-screening pack which will include a health questionnaire that you’ll need to complete before your assessment and other important information about your health assessment. Alternatively you should arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment to allow time to complete the questionnaire.

Do I need to fast before my appointment?
Most assessments include a measurement of your cholesterol and glucose levels. In order to ensure accurate readings, it is important that in the 12 hours preceding your assessment you consume water only. However, if you have diabetes please continue to control your sugar levels as you normally would. It is permissible to drink as much water as you wish as this will not affect your results. If you are concerned about your fasting period please contact HealthWatch for advice. What happens if I forgot to fast for 12 hours prior to the appointment? If you forgot or were not able to fast for 8 hours prior to your appointment, please let our nurse know of this.

How long will my health assessment take?
The entire appointment usually takes up to 40 minutes depending on the health screening profile that was chosen for you.

When will my results be ready?
You results will be discussed with you by the HealthWatch Doctor usually 2- 3 weeks after your initial health screen. If there is anything abnormal you will be contacted sooner.

What happens if something is discovered?
Should there be any significant findings, our medical team will advise you on the next action to take. We will strongly recommend that you make contact with your GP and that he/she is updated on all of your health related issues. Our medical team will advise and guide you on all follow up action that may be required.

How often should I have a health assessment?
In the vast majority of cases, a thorough health screen should be carried out every two years.

Specific Test Preparation
In this section you will find important information regarding specific tests which may be included in your health screening profile. Please take note of the tests listed below that have been included in your screening profile and the relevant preparation guidelines:

• Cervical Smear - Please make a note of the date of your last period (if you are menstruating the smear cannot be carried out), and please know when you had your last smear and the result. If you have had a hysterectomy please check with your G.P. that the neck of the womb was removed, if it has not you will still need to have a smear test. Do not have a smear if you are or think you are pregnant
• ECG (Heart Assessment) – Please do not apply body moisturising cream the day of the appointment. Male Participants: Please be aware that the nurse may have to shave small areas of your chest to ensure the pads make good contact with the skin.
• Eye Test – If you require corrective lenses/glasses please bring these with you as the eye test should be done with glasses/ lenses if needed.
• Faecal Occult Blood – A very small sample of stool is required for this test. A container will be provided for you prior to your screening appointment. When you uncork the lid there is a scoop attached. Using the scoop insert a small piece of your bowel motion into the container. Please write your name, date of birth and date sample taken on the container and bring it with you to your appointment. Avoid eating foods such as black sausages or raw red meat and iron tables or Vitamin C supplements coming up to the date of your screening.
• Lung Function Test (Spirometry) – Please do not smoke prior to the test and do not have a large meal.
• Urinalysis – A urine sample is required for this test. You will be provided with a container for the sample which should be taken first thing in the morning of your health screen. Please write your name, date of birth, and date of sample taken on the sample and bring it to your appointment.