Test Results
Your doctor or nurse may request that you have further investigations. For example blood tests X-rays, etc.
Once the results from these arrive at the surgery they are read by the doctors who mark them appropriately as 'Normal', 'Patient to come in', 'To be repeated', etc.
You can phone for these results after 10am when the receptionist will pass on the doctor's instructions to you.
Did you know you can view the results of some tests online ?
Test Times
Below is an approximate guide to how long results can take to come through.
| Type of Test | Usual Time for Results |
|---|---|
| Blood tests | 5 days |
| X-rays | 2 weeks |
| Ultrasound scans | 2 weeks |
| Heart scans | 3 weeks |
| Electrocardiograms (ECG) (heart traces) | 1 week |
| Urine samples for infection | 5 days |
| Swabs for infections | 1 week |
| Nail clippings for infection | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Urine samples for pregnancy | 5 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.
X-Rays
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.
X-ray tests, how they are performed, their function and the risks.
Confidentiality
Results for patients over 16 years old can only be given to the patient.
As per our practice policy to ensure patient confidentiality, the staff WILL NOT disclosed any details of the test but will advise you of any action that needs to be taken.
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.