Getting your test results
Please note that it is the responsibility of all patients who have been for blood or other tests by the Practice.
Once a doctor has reviewed your test results, you can view them:
- in your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
- by using our online service
- or call on 01922 701 280 after 2pm
NHS Login
Important
If you have not heard from us and would like to know the results of your test, please leave it about 2 weeks before you contact us. This is to allow for the time taken to process samples.
A receptionist can tell you the advice the doctor has given, i.e. normal result or you need to see the Doctor or Nurse. If you request a pregnancy test you will be given a security code to collect your result.
Please remember that the staff can only act in accordance with the Doctor’s instructions so may not be able to give you a result. This does not necessarily mean that there is a problem but simply that the Doctor needs to see you or talk to you to explain the whole situation.
The results of tests carried out during hospital visits are not normally sent to the practice.
Test Times
Below is an approximate guide to how long results can take to come through.
| Type of Test | Usual Time for Results |
|---|---|
| X-Ray | Up to 2 weeks |
| Smear | 2 weeks |
| Blood tests | 2 to 7 days, depending on the test |
| Urine | Within 7 days |
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. For some children, it may be more appropriate for the doctor to arrange the test within a hospital based clinic.
You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Choices website.
Confidentiality
As per our practice policy to ensure patient confidentiality, staff WILL NOT disclosed any details of the test but will advise you of any action that needs to be taken.
Results for patients over 16 years of age can only be given to the patient. Results can be given to someone other than the patient if previously arranged with Doctor.
Laboratory Specimens
Specimens should be handed in as early in the day as possible. Please ensure your name and date of birth are on the container.
Results of Smear Tests
Normal smears are recalled every 3 years or if you have abnormal smears it may be more frequently. Sometimes a smear is inadequate you will be called by the
surgery to have it repeated. If there is any problems with your smear that needs referral to a Gynaecologist the surgery will contact you to see a doctor in the surgery. Smear results can take a few weeks to come back from the Cytology Department, you should also receive a copy of the result in the post.
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.
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 Choices website.