Guidance
If your doctor has requested that you have some tests they will make a plan with you about what to do next. If you have not been given a plan please ask for one to help you manage your problem effectively.
We have a dedicated health advisor team who will contact you directly if the doctor has requested some further action following the results. The Health Advisors have been trained to give out results but are unable to give you clinical advice, which is why it is important for you to make sure you understand why the doctor has asked for test and you have been given a plan.
It is still advised that you make contact with the surgery to find out your results to ensure that nothing is missed.
Getting your test results
If your test results show that you need more tests or treatment, we will contact you.
Once a doctor has reviewed your test results, you can view them:
- phone or visit us after 11:00am and we will tell you what the results are
- in your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
- Post – please supply a self – addressed envelope and allow for postal delays.
Frequently asked questions regarding tests
When will my results come back?
Most routine blood tests will take 72hrs. The following Blood tests will take longer:
- Diabetes blood test (Hba1c) – 1 week
- Rheumatoid Arthritis blood test – 1 week
- Coeliac blood test (endomyssial antibody) – 2 weeks
- Vitamin D blood test – 3 weeks
Other tests will take:
| TEST | Time for Result |
| Chest xray | 10 days |
| Ultrasound scan | 10 days |
| Helicobacter breath test | 1 week |
| Urine sample | 1 week |
| Sputum sample | 1 week |
| Stool sample | 1 week |
| Skin scraping | Up to 3 months |
| Nail clippings | Up to 3 months |
| Vaginal swab test | Up to 2 week |
| Smear test | Up to 2 weeks |
| 24 hour Blood Pressure monitor | 3 days |
| Home Blood pressure | 3 days |
How can I get my Test Results?
You can get your test results by:
- Calling the surgery after 11.00am
- Post – please supply a Self addressed envelope and allow for postal delays
Why have I been asked to have a repeat test?
If a doctor asks you to have a repeat test it is usually because:
- The result was borderline or equivacal – so the doctor wants another sample to monitor the situation or to re-check
- The result is abnormal – and the doctor is unable to interpret the result without further tests so has asked you to come in for more test.
Please do not worry if the doctor has asked you for a repeat test, if there is a serious problem then the Doctor will speak to or request to see you directly.
Questions about your results
If you want to talk to someone about your results, contact our team to discuss.
Confidentiality
The NHS has strict policies relating to confidentiality and data protection and we can only release test results to the adult to whom they relate unless that person had given prior permission for the release of their data and information or are not capable of understanding the results.
Non-urgent advice: 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.
Laboratory tests
For information on what your laboratory test results mean please visit Lab Tests Online.
Please note, this website does not give you access to your actual results, but will provide an explanation of what the varying tests are and what the results mean.
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.
Tests Performed Outside of the NHS Including Abroad
These results will not appear on any NHS systems, therefore are not accessible to NHS clinicians (unless the referral was made by your NHS care provider). If you have had tests outside of the NHS it is your responsibility to provide us with copies or originals of all the test results in order that we do not duplicate tests. If you are unable to do so you may be referred to an appropriate UK setting for the same test. This is to ensure we comply with best practice care standards. If you do not wish to have a repeat test you will be asked to give informed dissent.