Tests and Results

 

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How do I request investigation results?

  • Once you take your blood test, the results will be back normally within 5 working days.
  • If your results are normal, the practice will not be in contact, you may request a copy of your results at reception
  • The surgery will contact patients if the results are abnormal, or the doctor has any concerns. A copy of the results can be given once the results have been discussed with the doctor.
  • For blood tests results, please ring the surgery between 11am and 2pm when the surgery is less busy.
  • Pathology Samples: the samples are collected from the surgery by 3pm Monday to Friday- if you have been requested to provide a sample, please ensure these samples are in the surgery before collection times.

Image of patient receiving test results

 

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 Choices 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.

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.