Tests and Results

 

BACK TO MAIN INDEX

 

Specimens

If your doctor asks you to take a blood or urine test or x-ray, you should always ring for the result.

Although your doctor will normally try to contact you if the result is significantly abnormal, you should not assume that it is normal because you have not heard anything, as results can sometimes 'go astray'.

Most test results are available after a week although smear results may take longer.

Please contact the surgery for results after 3pm as the receptionists are less busy at this time.

Image of patient receiving test results

 

Results of Tests and Investigations

We will contact you only if a result is abnormal and you require treatment or further investigations. You will not be contacted if your result is normal.

We encourage you to use the NHS App to view your test results. You can download the NHS app using the links below.

Alternatively, you can contact the Surgery after 3pm to enquire about your results. The administrative staff will give results to you or you may be asked to speak to the nurse or doctor.

Results will not be given to anyone other than the patient, or for children their parent or guardian, except in exceptional circumstances.

Please note that we do have a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection. In this respect we will only give out results to the person they relate to unless that person has given prior permission for their release or if they are not capable of understanding them.

 

Blood Tests

A blood test is when a sample of blood is taken for testing in a laboratory. Blood tests have a wide range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test. For example, a blood test can be used to:

  • assess your general state of health
  • confirm the presence of a bacterial or viral infection
  • see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning

A blood test usually involves the phlebotomist taking a blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm and the usual place for a sample is the inside of the elbow or wrist, where the veins are relatively close to the surface. Blood samples from children are most commonly taken from the back of the hand. The child's hand will be anaesthetised (numbed) with a special cream before the sample is taken.

You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Website

If the doctor or nurse has asked you to provide a pathology sample e.g. urine, stool, sputum, these must be left at reception before 11.00am, Monday - Friday.  There is now a blood and specimen collections in the afternoons at 4pm so afternoon appointments can be booked and specimens left for later collection.  Specimens must be in a container provided by the surgery.