Medical Tests and Laboratory Specimens
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 only call the surgery after sufficient time has elapsed.
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 call after 2pm for test results.
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.
Test Times
Below is a general guide to how long results can take to come through.
| Type of Test | Usual Time for Results |
|---|---|
| X-Ray | Up to 4 weeks |
| Smear | 2 weeks |
| Blood tests | Within 7 days |
| Urine | Within 7 days |
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.
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.
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.
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.