Integrated & Community Services - Rapid Diagnostic Centre (RDC)

Following a discussion and assessment with your GP around your current and presenting symptoms, you have been referred to the Rapid Diagnostic Centre (RDC).

We are a service who investigate non-site specific/vague symptoms.

Our service aims to ensure that these symptoms are investigated as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

The RDC team aim to identify or rule out a cancer as a cause of these symptoms.

The team will co-ordinate all tests you need, and make sure the results are explained to you. Following these tests, the RDC will refer you on to an appropriate team if needed.

What to Expect

On the day of your appointment, you should attend for your appointment and/or test as discussed, at the site and time arranged. You should have received a text message or email to confirm this date and time after your nurse led telephone assessment.

Tests and Procedures

There are a wide range of tests we may suggest during your assessment in the RDC, below is a list of the most common investigations that you may be referred for.

CT scan

You may need to have a CT scan which makes a three- dimensional (3D) picture of the inside of your body using x-rays taken by the CT scanner. It uses a small amount of radiation. This is very unlikely to harm you. It will also not harm anyone who encounters you.

You will be asked to lie very still on a flat bed. This then moves slowly back and forward through the donut-shaped scanner as seen below.

MRI Scan

An MRI scan is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan which uses a powerful magnet to build a detailed picture of specific areas of your body. You will be asked to complete a checklist for your safety. Including any metal implants, you may have, pacemakers, internal defibrillators or surgical clips.

During this test you will need to lie very still on a bed inside a long tube. If you are worried about feeling claustrophobic, you may be able to have a sedative to help you relax. Talk to your GP or doctor about this prior to scan.

Colonoscopy

You may need a colonoscopy which looks at the inside of the whole length of the colon, this is normally carried out as an outpatient in the endoscopy unit.

This involves passing a flexible tube into your back passage. The tube is called a colonoscope. This has a tiny light and camera on the end of it. During the test, the doctor or nurse will use this to photograph any areas of the bowel that look abnormal. They may also take samples (biopsies) from these areas. The biopsies would be sent to the laboratory, but you will subsequently receive these results from the RDC. You should receive a procedure information leaflet from the endoscopy booking team along with pre-procedural information and preparation guide before undergoing the colonoscopy.

Gastroscopy

You may need a Gastroscopy which looks at the inside throat, food pipe (oesophagus) and stomach, known as the upper part of your digestive system. This is normally carried out as an outpatient in the endoscopy unit.

This involves passing a long, flexible tube with a small camera inside it is passed into your mouth and then down your throat into your stomach. This has a tiny light and camera on the end of it. During the test, the doctor or nurse will use this to photograph any areas that look abnormal. They may also take samples (biopsies) from these areas. The biopsies would be sent to the laboratory, but you will subsequently receive these results from the RDC.

You should receive a procedure information leaflet from the endoscopy booking team along with pre-procedural information and preparation guide before undergoing the gastroscopy.
 
We will discuss any test with you during your nursing assessment, and you do not have to agree to anything you do not want to have done.

Please make the team aware if you feel anxious about any procedures – we will do our best to reassure you throughout the process and explain each step.

Please leave all valuables and jewellery at home for any appointments or tests.

Reporting Results

If you are attending for a CT scan, your results will usually be available normally within 48 hours of attending. If you are happy to receive these results at home, you will be contacted by one of the RDC team via telephone as previously agreed. If you have opted for a face-to-face appointment for these results, this will be made for you once the results become available.

If possible, it could be useful at this time to ensure you have a family member or friend present to listen to the conversation and support, you to understand any points discussed.

If you are having an endoscopy (camera test), the endoscopy team will discuss any findings with you after your procedure whilst you are in the department.

If you are having any other investigations, the RDC team will look out for these results and phone you to talk through them as soon as they are available.

During your investigations in the RDC, you and your GP will receive letters by post detailing your assessment, investigations and results.
 
We always aim to promote good health and therefore smoking by staff, patients or visitors is not allowed anywhere in the hospital or in the hospital grounds. This includes the use of e- cigarettes.

For help to stop smoking please discuss this with the clinical team or speak to a trained, expert adviser by calling Smokefree National Helpline, Freephone 0300 123 1044.

Please contact the team by telephone on 0161 627 8187 or 0161 206 7711 between the hours of 8am - 6pm Monday to Friday if you require assistance.