Test results

Please bring specimens for the hospital to either surgery before 12pm.

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:

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.

You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk/blood-tests.

Home blood pressure readings

We sometimes ask you to take your blood pressure yourself at home. Often when people have their blood pressure checked at the surgery it is higher than normal. This may be due to ‘white coat hypertension’, a term used to describe the effect on blood pressure caused by the anxiety of the check. You may not be aware of this feeling but it is very common.

Taking your blood pressure at home allows us to obtain a more accurate picture of your blood pressure. Taking a series of readings allows us to see what level your blood pressure is on average. Blood pressure is normally very variable, however if the pressure remains high it can cause damage.

Remember that home machines should be calibrated regularly.

Questions about your results

If you want to talk to someone about your results, fill out a test results request form and someone will be in touch.