Tests and Results

 

BACK TO MAIN INDEX

 

Please call between 8am and 8pm from Monday to Friday to enquire about your test results.

Note that the practice has a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection and we will only release test results to the person to whom they relate unless that person has given prior permission for the release of this data or they are not capable of understanding the results.

When you take your test you will be told how long it will be before the results are returned to the practice.

It is your responsibility to check your results and to make an appointment to discuss them with your doctor if your are advised to do so.

Test results

 

Routine Results Waiting Time

Blood tests 5-10 days
Urine samples Up to one week
Swab samples 1 week
Stool samples 1-2 weeks
X-Rays and ultrasounds 2 weeks

 Please note that occasionally some results take longer to come back than the routine time frame.

 

Obtaining your results

  1. If you have online access, you can view your results online. If you would like online access set up, please ask the reception team for more information.
  2. You may receive a text informing you whether your results are normal or abnormal.

Please note that a blood test may be used to investigate multiple problems and therefore you may receive several texts about your results.

The text may include guidance on further actions, for example if you need to book an appointment to see your GP or speak with them on the phone.

If you do not receive a text or a call within the time frame stated above, please call the reception from Monday to Friday to enquire about your test results.

 

Blood test

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

 

X-Ray

An X-ray is a widely used diagnostic test to examine the inside of the body. X-rays are a very effective way of detecting problems with bones, such as fractures. They can also often identify problems with soft tissue, such as pneumonia or breast cancer.

If you have a X-ray, you will be asked to lie on a table or stand against a surface so that the part of your body being X-rayed is between the X-ray tube and the photographic plate.

X-ray

An X-ray is usually carried out by a radiographer, a healthcare professional who specialises in using imaging technology, such as X-rays and ultrasound scanners.

You can find out more about x-ray tests, how they are performed, their function and the risks by visiting the NHS website.