What is a medical check-up again?
Before we look at aftercare, it is good to reflect on what what exactly a medical screening entails. You can think of it as a thorough maintenance of the human body. The aim is to detect hidden health risks such as incipient cardiovascular disease, diabetes or organ abnormalities even before you effectively experience symptoms.
What investigations are carried out?
Our specialised doctors in Antwerp conduct several targeted examinations. We put the most important screening that we offer in a row.
- Clinical research: A general physical check by the doctor such as listening to the heart and lungs and checking reflexes.
- Blood and urine tests: The basis by which we chart your organs, sugar levels, cholesterol and any deficiencies.
- Fat percentage scanning: An accurate measurement of your body composition.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography: Mapping the electrical activity of your heart and an ultrasound to visually assess the heart muscle and valves.
- Cycling test: An exercise test to see how your heart and lungs perform under physical pressure.
- Duplex of the cervical vessels: A sound-wave ultrasound to detect any narrowing in the carotid arteries.
- Echo abdomen and transrectal ultrasound: Ultrasounds to look closely at the organs in the abdominal cavity and specifically the prostate.
- Dermatoscan: A thorough, digital check of birthmarks to detect skin cancer early.
- Spirometry and bodybox: Advanced lung function tests that measure lung capacity and airflow rate.
- Mammography and ultrasound: Targeted breast screening for early detection of abnormalities.
- Bone densitometry: A scan that measures the density of your bones to detect osteoporosis.
- EEC: A measurement of the brain's electrical activity.
- Eye and/or ear tests: Preventive screening of your vision and hearing.
- Uroflow: A test that measures the strength and flow of the urine jet in cases of urinary problems.
- Coloscopy and rectoscopy: An internal visual examination of the colon or rectum to detect polyps or inflammation.
Reading tip: Want to know exactly how each of these specific screenings works? Then read our blog on “What exactly is tested during a comprehensive medical check-up?”.
Immediately after the check-up: the first evaluation
Waiting for the results: The laboratory data
The reason why you get a medical check-up is, of course, to receive hard and, more importantly, scientific data of your health. While some physical tests can immediately see certain health risks or conditions, the in-depth analysis of your body needs a bit more time.
How long do you have to wait for the result of a blood test?
Quality and accuracy are always our top priorities in Medical Check-Up. In a regular GP consultation, a result of a blood and urine test er often quickly, but in a comprehensive preventive medical check-up, we screen for dozens of specific and complex parameters such as detailed cholesterol profiles, tumour markers, vitamin statuses and hormone balances.
So usually, it takes several days to a week at most for all laboratory data to be fully analysed, double-checked and validated by the lab technicians and our specialised doctors.
The final report and discussion: mapping your health
Once all the lab results are in and the scan analysis results are finalised, everything comes together in a report. All previous data, so both the findings from the initial evaluation and the detailed lab data, are carefully collected by our doctors and compiled into a comprehensive, personal health report. This document forms the medical blueprint of your health and thus your body.
What exactly does the health report say?
We do not believe in incomprehensible medical jargon. The report is designed to be clear and visually straightforward for everyone. Using clear dashboards and colour coding, you get immediate in-depth insights.
- Cardiovascular health: What is the state of your heart, the condition of your vessels and your cholesterol profile? You will gain insight into possible cardiovascular diseases.
- Metabolic functions and organs: Are the vital organs like your kidneys, liver and thyroid working optimally? And how is your blood sugar regulated?
- Deficits and balances: You get a clear overview of your vitamin status, mineral balance and any hormonal abnormalities.
Physical parameters and scans: the detailed results of your lung function, bone density, skin scan or internal examinations are summarised clearly.
The consultation: the doctor's advice
Of course, we don't just send the health report by mail and then let you figure it out on your own. The most important part of the medical check-up is to discuss the results with the treating physician, the consultation. You can do this physically at our centre in Antwerp or from the comfort of your own home via video call.
During this consultation, the doctor goes over the complete, bundled health report with you. The doctor translates all the figures and graphs into concrete insights for your daily life. You then receive personal medical and lifestyle advice. Whether subtle deficiencies need to be eliminated, risks need to be monitored or you simply want to know how to maintain your current health, the doctor will give you the exact action points and answers to all your questions.
