Tests & Results

Results of tests can only be given to the named patient, or guardian if the patient is a child. For adults, next-of-kin can only be contacted providing we have written permission from the patient scanned onto their record.

• Blood test results are usually received within seven days, although some specific tests are sent to other processing labs and can take longer (for example vitamin D, which usually takes around two weeks).
• Urine/swab tests are usually back at the practice after one week or 10 days in some cases.
• Results of ultrasound/CT/MRI scans are usually received after about two weeks; however, delays in reporting are not uncommon, so if in doubt you can check with a receptionist as to the wait you should expect.

To obtain your test results please use eConsult. If the doctor thinks you need to make an appointment following a blood test then a member of the reception team will telephone you. Please ensure that we have your up-to-date telephone contact number and address.

Our reception staff will convey the message that the doctor needs to see you. Usually this will be a normal, routine appointment and will not be urgent (the GP will state in their message to reception if the appointment is urgent; if they have not said it is urgent then you do not need to worry.).

In some cases, urgent results will be communicated back to you directly by your doctor.

Please do not ask the reception staff for information about your test result. They are not clinically trained and may inadvertently cause you undue worry. It is best for you to speak to or see your doctor (or the practice nurse if you are doing a blood test for the treatment room).

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 typically involves the phlebotomist taking a sample from a blood vessel in your arm, usually 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.