Test Results

The practice has a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection.  We will only give test results to the patient named on the result.

Results would only be given to someone else if the patient has given prior permission for the result to be given to a named person or if the patient is not capable of understanding the results.

If you need to check blood/smear/x-ray results etc. please ring after 3:30pm when the telephone is less busy and the doctor has had time to review the results.

We ask that you wait 7 days before contacting the practice for your results.

Waiting too long for test results?

If you feel that you have been waiting longer than anticipated for results or reports from the hospital, please bring it to the attention of the reception team. They will contact the originator and try to obtain your results for you.

To assist you the receptionist will need to know:

• which hospital or service you attended
• who you saw or which department
• the date of your appointment
• the type of test/treatment you had

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 your arm. This is often known as venepunture. 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.

If you are worried or concerned about the procedure please bring this to the attention of the phlebotomist before the procedure is carried out.

Remember, no one knows your body like you do and if you have a preference for which arm/vein the blood test is taken from, please express this to the phlebotomist at your appointment.  

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 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 radiographer is a healthcare professional who specialises in using imaging technologyincluding x-ray and ultrasound equipment.

You can find out more about x-ray tests, how they are performed, their function and the risks by visiting the NHS Choices website.