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 call the Surgery, once sufficient time has elapsed.
Results will not be given out before 11:00am.The reception staff will usually be able to advise if a result is normal, or if the doctor or nurse wishes to see you again.
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.
You will be asked for some personal details when calling, this is to confirm your identity. The receptionist has the right to refuse the release of medical information if he/she feels that it does not pertain to the person calling. We hope that our patients find our high standards of confidentiality satisfactory with regard to releasing this type of information.
The results of tests requested by your GP practice, will be returned to the practice for interpretation by your clinician and will be available by contacting the practice.
If the test was arranged by your hospital consultant
For tests carried out whilst an inpatient in the hospital, arranged following an out-patient appointment or bloods taken by the community phlebotomy service, results will be returned to the lead clinician or consultant for their specialist interpretation. The results of these tests will be communicated to you in a way agreed between you and the hospital team looking after you, but may be by letter, phone call, via their secretary or at a return appointment.
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.
Information about your laboratory tests
For information on what your laboratory test results mean please visit Lab Tests Online.
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.
Samples must be handed into the surgery before 12 noon to ensure collection by the lab driver the same day.