Medical Tests and Laboratory Specimens

Test Results

If you are telephoning for results of laboratory tests or X-rays please be prepared, if necessary, to leave a telephone number so that the receptionist or doctor can call you back at a more convenient time.

When results are received they must be screened by the doctor. Most results are back within one week however some results take longer.

General Information about Test Results

Should the Doctor need to see you the Receptionist will book an appointment in accordance with the Doctors instructions. Usually the first available routine appointment is offered but in cases of urgency a same day or next day appointment is arranged.

For a variety of reasons a test may need to be repeated or medication may be prescribed and often the Practice Nurse will speak to you about this.

The results of tests carried out during hospital visits are not normally sent to the practice.

Results of Smear Tests

Normal smears are recalled every 3 years or if you have abnormal smears it may be more frequently. Sometimes a smear is inadequate, you will be called by the surgery to have it repeated. If there are any problems with your smear that need referral to a Gynaecologist the surgery will contact you. Smear results can take a few weeks to come back from the Cytology Department, you should also receive a copy of the result in the post.

Confidentiality

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.

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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.

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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.

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Laboratory Specimens

If you are asked to hand in a sample, please ensure you hand this in at reception before 1.30pm.

Please ensure your name and date of birth are on the container.