If you have recently had any tests (blood tests, x-rays, etc), please call the surgery on 01253 956 282 option 2 after 11am on the day directed and our Patient Advisors will be able to advise you of you results and book any follow-up appointments if needed. Alternatively you can sign up to the NHS app and Patchs to be able to view your test results online.
NHS App and your NHS account – NHS (www.nhs.uk) Patchs for Patients (patchshealth.com)
General timescales for test results:
- X-ray – 4-6 weeks
- Blood test – 7 days
- Urine test – 7 days
- Smear test – 2 weeks
Non-urgent advice: Please note
Due to our strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection, 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.
Due to current NHS demand delays should be expected with receiving some test results.
Hospital Results and correspondence
If you have been sent for a test (bloods, scans, x-rays etc) by a consultant or hospital department you will be required to contact the requesting clinician or department for your results, the practice will not be able to give these results to you. The hospital will send the results to the practice once they have reviewed them to ensure your medical records are up to date however this will take some time.
If you are waiting for results please contact the requesting department to chase these up. If you don’t have their direct number you can contact the switchboard on 01253 300000 and they can put you through.
Any complaints or concerns about the treatment you receive from the hospital please direct these to PALS by calling them on 01253 955589 or email them on [email protected] and they can look into your query.
Urine tests
All urine specimens must be provided in a suitable container and marked clearly with name, date of birth, date provided and reason for the specimen.
Failure to do so may mean that the test will need to be repeated. Please note that when bringing in a sample to the surgery, only samples in the correct container can be accepted. These are available from reception.
X-Rays & Scans
Sometimes your GP might want to have an image of what is happening inside your body. This means that we will need to send you for an X-Ray or a scan. These procedures are explained below:
Blood Tests
What is a blood test?
Your GP will be happy to discuss your blood test with you and explain what it is for. If you would like to know more, you can visit the NHS website and learn about some of the most widely used blood tests.
The GP or nurse will tell you if there are any special instructions that you need to follow before your test. Depending on the type of blood test you may be asked to:
- avoid eating or drinking anything (except water) before midnight prior to the test. This is called a fasting blood test and helps avoid food and drink you have consumed affecting the result
- stop taking certain medication prior to the test. This would only be done if there is a chance that one of your medications might affect the result of the test
If you have a phobia of needles or have difficulty giving a blood sample, please let the nurse or GP know. They will be sympathetic and will do their best to support you through the experience.
What happens during a blood test?
During the test, the healthcare professional will take a sample of your blood usually from a vein your arm where the veins are relatively close to the surface. Blood samples from children are usually taken from the back of the hand. The child’s hand will be anaesthetised (numbed) with a special cream before the sample is taken. More information about blood tests is available on the NHS website.
How will I feel after my blood test?
Only a small amount of blood is taken during the test so you shouldn’t feel any significant side effects. However some people feel dizzy or faint and if this happens you should tell the nurse or GP carrying out the test so that they can make you feel comfortable. You may also have a small bruise on your skin from the needle, but this will soon go.
Other Common Tests
Our practice may invite you for other tests, for example: