TESTS & RESULTS

Results of tests and investigations

These are available after 3.30 pm. Results are obtained by a computer link from the hospital and are not accessed by the GP's until the afternoon.

Blood and urine results usually take 3-4 working days to 'turn around' at the hospital.  Other specialist non-urgent tests (e.g. Ultrasound, MRI, CT scans) can take up to 4 weeks to come back.

Receptionists are not qualified to read results and will only be able to give you your result if the doctor has seen it and authorised them to do so. You do not need an appointment to receive blood/urine results unless indicated by your GP.


Test results   

Urine Samples 

Please can all patients bring their urine samples in to the practice before 12 noon. Any samples after this time, will not be accepted unless a patient is specifically requested to bring one in after having an on-the-day triage call with a GP.

Any unrequested samples will not be tested and will be disposed of. 

Blood test

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 website

If the doctor or nurse has asked you to provide a pathology sample e.g. urine, stool, sputum, these must be left at reception before 11.00amMonday - Friday.

 

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 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.

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

X-ray