Test Results and Laboratory Specimens |
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- If you still need to contact us regarding your test results, since our telephone lines are very busy first thing in the morning, we ask you to telephone for test results (e.g. blood, urine or x-rays) after 11am each day.
To ensure confidentiality we only release results to the patients themselves unless alternative arrangements have been agreed in writing.
Due to the high demand for appointments the telephones can at certain times of the day be extremely busy. We ask that when requesting such items as sick notes, and test results that where possible you telephone the surgery after 2pm thus ensuring that patients ringing for urgent appointments have greater access to the receptionists first thing in the morning.
If you have not heard from us and would like to know the results of your test, please leave it about 2 weeks before you contact us. This is to allow for the time taken to process samples.
- A receptionist can tell you the advice the doctor has given, i.e. normal result or you need to see the Doctor or Nurse. If you request a pregnancy test you will be given a security code to collect your result.
- Please remember that the staff can only act in accordance with the Doctor’s instructions so may not be able to give you a result. This does not necessarily mean that there is a problem but simply that the Doctor needs to see you or talk to you to explain the whole situation.
- The results of tests carried out during hospital visits are not normally sent to the practice.
- 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 needs referral to a Gynaecologist, the surgery will contact you to see a doctor in the surgery.
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.
As per our practice policy to ensure patient confidentiality, staff WILL NOT disclosed any details of the test but will advise you of any action that needs to be taken.
Results for patients over 16 years of age can only be given to the patient. Results can be given to someone other than the patient if previously arranged with doctor.
Below is an approximate guide to how long results can take to come through.
| Type of Test | Usual Time for Results |
|---|---|
| X-Ray | Up to 2 weeks |
| Smear | 2 weeks |
| Blood tests | 2 to 7 days, depending on the test |
| Urine | Within 7 days |
Specimens should be handed in as early in the day as possible. Please ensure your name and date of birth are on the container.