Tests & Results

You are welcome to call after 10:00 to enquire about your test results as our staff will have more time to help you at these time.

You will be told how long you should expect to wait for the results at the time of your test so please bear this in mind before calling. It is then 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.

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.

Hospital-Requested Phlebotomy Tests

There are occasions when a patient is under the care of the consultant at hospital and the consultant is requesting some blood tests to be carried out. The practice can only perform this phlebotomy if the patient brings the form with them to the practice. There are numerous reasons why the form is important.

Why is a Printed Form Necessary?

1. Clear Instructions : A printed form from the hospital provides clear instructions on the specific tests required. This ensures that we collect the correct samples and that the results are accurate and useful for your ongoing care.
2. Accountability and Record-Keeping : The form serves as a record of the hospital’s request. It helps us maintain accurate records of the tests performed and ensures that all parties involved are accountable.
3. Efficient Processing : Having a printed form allows us to process your request more efficiently. It reduces the risk of errors and ensures that your samples are sent to the correct laboratory with the necessary information.
4. Responsibility : The results will go back to the requester (hospital) who is the one responsible for any action that needs to be taken following receipt of the blood tests.

What You Need to Do

• Request a Form : If a hospital has requested phlebotomy, please ensure they provide you with a printed form detailing the tests required.
• Bring the Form : Bring the printed form with you to your phlebotomy appointment at our practice. Without this form, we may not be able to proceed with the blood tests.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Our goal is to provide you with safe, efficient, and high-quality care. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our reception team.

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.