Tests and Results

 

How and when to obtain test results from the surgery

Getting your test results

Hadleigh Boxford Group Practice clinicians work on the principle that we will only contact you if the result is abnormal.

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.

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.

For tests of a very confidential nature (Hepatitis B, HIV etc.) we will not discuss results over the telephone at all.

For such results, you must make an appointment to see the Doctor once you know that the results are back.

Important

Results or investigations requested by a hospital specialist may not be automatically passed to us. You may need to contact the specialist direct.

Once a doctor has reviewed your test results, you can view them:

Questions about your results

Get in touch with the surgery if you want to talk to someone about your results.

Contact us

 

Information about your laboratory tests

For information on what your laboratory test results mean please visit Lab Tests Online.

 

Specimens

Important

When bringing in a sample to the surgery, only samples in the correct container can be accepted. These are available from reception.

All specimens must be provided in a suitable container, these can be purchased at any local pharmacy, 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.

 

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.

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 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 website.

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