Getting your test results
The timeframes for results processing can vary significantly, this is beyond the practice’s control, however the requesting clinician will be able to give you an approximate timeframe.
Once a doctor has reviewed your test results, you can view them:
- in your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
- using the GP online system – SystmOnline
- phone or visit us after 10:30 am and we will tell you what the results are
Due to the extremely high volume of results received, it is not possible to notify patients of normal results. However, we will contact you if a result is abnormal, or if you require treatment and further investigations.
Questions about your results
If you want to talk to someone about your results, message us via our online consultation and someone will be in touch.
Non-urgent advice: Returning specimens
Non-urgent advice: Please note
In this respect, we will only give out results to the person they relate to unless that person has given prior permission for their release or if they are not capable of understanding them.
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 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.