When you’ve just arrived in Spain, the biggest fear is getting sick. With the language barrier and unfamiliarity with the healthcare system, every doctor’s appointment can feel like a game of charades, and you worry that you might not explain yourself clearly, potentially delaying your diagnosis.
I’ve had some recurring stomach issues, which led to numerous interactions with my GP and specialists, giving me a firsthand experience of many common medical tests. Today, I want to share which tests doctors in Spanish hospitals typically order, what they are for, and their corresponding Spanish names. I hope this can help anyone in need.
Common Medical Tests
Basic Examinations
These are tests that your family doctor (GP) can usually order directly and serve as the initial diagnostic tools.
Blood Test (Análisis de sangre): This is extremely common and usually the first test ordered. The doctor will give you a form with the required parameters checked off, such as a complete blood count (hemograma completo), blood sugar (glucosa), liver function (función hepática), and kidney function (función renal). You’ll need to take this form to a local health center (centro de salud) or the hospital’s extraction unit. Fasting (en ayunas) is usually required.
Urine Test (Análisis de orina): Mainly used to check for urinary tract infections, kidney problems, etc. The doctor will give you a small cup to collect a sample, which you then return.
Imaging Tests (Pruebas de imagen): There are several types. For example, an X-ray (Radiografía) is often used to examine bones and lungs. An Ultrasound (Ecografía), commonly used for abdominal organs and gynecological exams, is very safe as it involves no radiation.
Specialist Examinations
If your GP finds your condition to be complex while seeing a doctor in Spain, you will be given a referral (volante) to a specialist. They might order more in-depth tests, such as [a scalp examination] for certain issues.
| Test Item | Spanish Name | Main Purpose |
|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging | Resonancia Magnética | Detailed examination of soft tissues, joints, brain, etc. |
| Computed Tomography Scan | Tomografía Computarizada | Provides fast, clear cross-sectional images of the body |
| Electrocardiogram | Electrocardiograma | Checks the heart’s electrical activity to diagnose heart problems |
| Gastroscopy / Colonoscopy | Gastroscopia / Colonoscopia | Examines the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines |
| Allergy Test | Pruebas de alergia | Identifies substances that cause allergic reactions |
In my case, due to stomach problems, I was referred to the gastroenterology department (digestivo). The doctor recommended an abdominal ultrasound (Ecografía abdominal) to check things out, which is one of the many [medical tests in a Spanish hospital]. The procedure was painless; they just apply a cool gel. Later, to rule out Helicobacter pylori, I also had a breath test (test de aliento). In short, don’t be afraid. If you feel unwell, tell your doctor everything. They will arrange the most appropriate tests based on your symptoms. Although the waiting times in Spain’s public healthcare system can be long sometimes, the equipment and professionalism are very reliable.
