Test Results

If you need to telephone us to check test results (bloods, smear or x-rays or scans) please telephone after 10:00am when the receptionists are less busy and has the time to find out if the result is available.

The receptionist may be able to tell you the results of tests, but some need to be explained by the doctor or nurse. You can speak to them by booking a call, or make an appointment to see them.

To preserve your confidentiality, results of tests and investigations will not normally be disclosed to anyone other than you; and you may be asked for some proof of identity before the results are disclosed to you.

Please get in touch if you have not heard the results of all tests and investigations.

Most blood and urine tests take four days, smears one month and x-rays two weeks.

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 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 Choices website.