Tests and Results

 

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Results of tests and investigations

Blood test results take between a few hours and a few days (sometimes even longer) to come back.

X-ray results can take a week at most. Your Doctor may wish to see you once the results are back, or may alternatively ask you to phone up for the results. It is important that you are able to prove your identity when phoning.

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

Image of patient receiving test results

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

Please bear in mind that the results or investigations requested by a hospital specialist may not be automatically passed to us. You may need to contact the specialist direct.

We ask that you telephone for results after 2pm.

 

Picture of test tubes

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.

 

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.

Doctor holding an x-ray

You can find out more about x-ray tests, how they are performed, their function and the risks by visiting the NHS Choices website.