Getting your test results
We recommend you arrange a Follow up appointment when you have tests done.
You will get a text message once the results are back.
If urgent, a Doctor reviewing the result will contact you.
We are unable to access bloods, X-Rays and Scans (U/S, CT and MRI that are requested by the hospital as we work on different IT systems.
Once a doctor has reviewed your test results, you can view them:
- in your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
- by using our online service
- phone or visit us and we will tell you what the results are
NHS Login
Non-urgent advice: Frequently asked questions regarding tests
When will my results come back?
Most routine blood test will take 72hrs.
The following Blood tests will take longer:
Diabetes blood test (Hba1c) – 1 week
Rheumatoid Arthritis blood test – 1 week
Coeliac blood test (endomyssial antibody) – 2 weeks
Vitamin D blood test – 3 weeks
Other tests will take:
Chest x-ray – 10 days
Ultrasound scan – 10 days
Helicobacter breath test – 1 week
Urine sample – 1 week
Sputum sample – 1 week
Stool sample – 1 week
Skin scraping – Up to 3 months
Nail clippings – Up to 3 months
Vaginal swab test – Up to 2 week
Smear test – Up to 2 weeks
24 hour Blood Pressure monitor – 3 days
Home Blood pressure – 3 days
How can I get my Test Results?
You can get your test results by:
in your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
by using our online service
phone or visit us and we will tell you what the results are
Post – please supply a Self addressed envelope and allow for postal delays
Why have I been asked to have a repeat test?
If a doctor asks you to have a repeat test it is usually because:
The result was borderline or equivocal – so the doctor wants another sample to monitor the situation or to re-check
The result is abnormal – and the doctor is unable to interpret the result without further tests so has asked you to come in for more test.
Please do not worry if the doctor has asked you for a repeat test, if there is a serious problem then the Doctor will speak or request to see you directly.
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. For some children, it may be more appropriate for the doctor to arrange the test within a hospital based clinic.
You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Choices website.
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.
You can find out more about x-ray tests, how they are performed, their function and the risks by visiting the NHS Choices website.