Test Results
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 between 10.30am to 2.30pm once sufficient time has elapsed. You will find it easier to get through at these times.
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.
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.
Test Times
Below is an approximate guide to how long results will take to come through.
| Type of Test | Usual Time for Results |
|---|---|
| Blood tests | 1 week |
| X-rays | 2 weeks |
| Ultrasound scans | 2 weeks |
| Heart scans | 3 weeks |
| Echocardiogram (ECG, heart traces) | 1 week |
| Urine samples for infection | 5 days |
| Swabs for infections | 1 week |
| Nail clippings for infection | upto 4 weeks |
Blood Tests
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
- 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. 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 often be anaesthetised (numbed) with a special cream before the sample is taken.
Blood Tests, their purpose and the way they are performed.
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 in the lungs.
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.
X-ray tests, how they are performed, their function and the risks.
Confidentiality
Results for patients over 16 years old can only be given to the patient. rresuklts for children will be given to the person with parental responsibility.
As per our practice policy, the staff WILL NOT disclosed any details of the test but will advise you of any action that needs to be taken.
Results can be given to someone other than the patient if previously arranged with Doctor.
Laboratory Specimens
Specimens such as urine and stool samples that are collected at home should be handed in as early in the day as possible. This is because the samples are picked from the surgery for delivery to the hospital at around 12 O’ Clock, and it may not be appropriate to store some of them overnight. Please ensure your name and date of birth are on the container.