How we process test results
All results (blood tests, X-rays etc.) are reviewed by a GP within 24 hours of receipt at the surgery.
Should a doctor have any concerns about your results, the surgery will contact you.
Please note that we will only contact you where there is concern about your test results. We will not contact you where the results are normal or acceptable, and where the Doctor has no concerns.
Many patients telephone for their results. We appreciate that this is for peace of mind, but it creates a large amount of unnecessary work for staff who are already working at full steam.
If you feel that you must telephone for a result then please leave 7 working days before contacting us and in the case of an X-ray 3 weeks after you have had the X-ray taken.
Please call between 10am and 4pm and select option 4 to speak to our team of Medical Secretaries to enquire about your 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.
You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Choices website.
Please note that the practice does not take blood tests for children under 12 years old. These will be carried out at the hospital.
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.
A Doctor may refer you for an X-Ray, which will be carried out at the hospital.
If you have an 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.