When you attend for a test of any kind you will be told how long you should expect to wait for the results. Please bear this in mind and call the Surgery, once sufficient time has elapsed. In most cases it takes between 3 – 4 working days for the results of tests to come back and be interpreted however this may vary depending on the test or investigation.
If a test is normal and no action is required the practice will not contact you but you are very welcome to contact the practice to access your results. To access tests results please contact the surgery by phone on 01356 624411. Please call between 2pm and 6pm to avoid the busiest times in the practice.
If results are normal or acceptable but your symptoms are persisting (or if you have any questions about your results) then please call the health centre and they will arrange for your to discuss this with a GP or Nurse.
Guide for different tests/investigations
Blood tests | 3 – 7 working days |
Urine tests | 3 – 7 working days |
Swabs | 7 working days |
X-rays | 7 working days |
Scans | 1 working day |
Tissue analysis | e.g. skin biopsy 10 working days |
When the test has been analysed the results are sent back to the practice where they are interpreted by the GP or Nurse.
When the results are analysed they are marked as one of the following:
- Test normal – within normal ranges and requires no further action unless instructed to do so by GP/nurse
- Test acceptable – acceptable for the condition(s) being treated or being checked for
- Please discuss – speak with the GP/nurse either by phone or an appointment
- Please consult – make an appointment to see GP/nurse
- Collect script – script available to collect at reception
Our Reception staff are not qualified to comment on results therefore it is your responsibility to check them and make any necessary follow-up appointment with the Doctor.
You will be asked for some personal details when calling, this is to confirm your identity. The receptionist has the right to refuse the release of medical information if he/she feels that it does not pertain to the person calling. We hope that our patients find our high standards of confidentiality satisfactory with regard to releasing this type of information.
If the test was arranged by your hospital consultant
If your test has been carried out at a Clinic or Hospital please call the Clinic or Hospital for the result, as we cannot action tests which have been requested by other Clinicians outwith the practice. If the consultant’s secretary or colleague inform you they will send the results to your GP, explain that you want the results from the specialist who arranged them who is in by far the best place to give appropriate advice.
Please note that we do have a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection. 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.
Information about your laboratory tests
For information on what your laboratory test results mean please visit Lab Tests Online.
Specimens
All specimens must be provided in a suitable container and marked clearly with name, date of birth, date provided and reason for the specimen.
Failure to do so may mean that the test will need to be repeated – Please note that when bringing in a sample to the surgery, only samples in the correct container can be accepted. These are available from reception.