Getting your test results
Test results ordered by a GP or Practice Nurse are seen by a GP, who assesses if they are normal or require further action.
- you can telephone for your results on 01738 628234 choosing Option 2 “Prescription queries and Results” Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, also in person after 10:00am where our reception team will be happy to help. Please note, these options are only available during opening hours, and will not be accessible during planned closures.
You will usually only be contacted with a result if further action is required, typically by telephone. We do not routinely call if the results are normal. However please do call for all your test results so you know we have received a result and keeps you up to date on your own health.
It is very important all your telephone numbers are up to date at all times. Update your details by completing a change of details form.
When you speak to reception, you may be told the doctor has marked the result as “satisfactory” which usually means normal. There might be a message or instruction for you or you may be asked to make a review appointment with the GP who requested the test.
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.
Wait time for results
If your GP has sent you directly for a test at the hospital such as an X-ray, we usually get the results back within 2 weeks but can be longer depending on the test.
Most blood, urine and swab results take 1 week to be reported to us from the laboratory, some take longer.
Smear tests – Sometimes there can be delays in issuing cervical screening results.
Do not worry if you’ve not received your cervical screening result within 2 weeks.
If you’ve been waiting more than 10 weeks for your result, please let us know and we will contact the lab to check on your sample.
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 or Clinic
They often write to us as your GP informing us of the results and importantly how this affects your management.
Your GP will be very happy to discuss hospital results with you but there can be a delay while we receive information from your hospital doctor first. It is important we have this so please check with reception that a letter/result has been received from the hospital doctor before making this appointment.
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.