Tests and Results

Results

Test results can be obtained over the phone at any time between 11:30am - 5:00pm Monday to Friday by calling the main switchboard number 01233 621 626. Please note that we do not contact patients to inform them where their result is normal due to a large number of results received daily by the Practice.

All incoming test results are reviewed by a GP and in the event that a result requires further action a member of our staff is tasked by the GP with contacting the patient directly to advise them of the result and the follow-up action that is required.

While this maintains the principle that we will be proactive in contacting the patient where their result requires further action we do encourage patients to contact the Practice to find out their results.

Test results

Please leave at least two weeks from the date when the blood or urine sample was taken to allow the results time to reach the practice and be reviewed by a GP. Swabs, X-ray and ultrasound results may take up to two weeks or more. Smear results take up to eight weeks and results are sent to you by Public Health England.

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

Please call between 11:30am - 5:30pm to enquire about your test results as our reception staff will have more time to deal with your request between these times.

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.

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

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 tests. 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 an 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.

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.

X-ray