When you attend for a test of any kind you will be told how long you should expect to wait for the results. Please bear this in mind and call the surgery once sufficient time has elapsed.
To find out about your recent test results you can either come in to the surgery to speak to a member of the reception team or phone us. It is worth noting however, it may be more difficult to do this earlier in the morning due to the volume of phone calls we tend to receive at this time.
If you are attending one of the clinics within the practice, including the diabetic or kidney disease clinic, your sample will have to be sent to the lab for testing. Please allow around 4 days for these results to be available.
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.
If the test was arranged by your hospital consultant
If your test has been carried out at a Clinic or Hospital please call the Clinic or Hospital for the result, as we cannot action tests which have been requested by other Clinicians outwith the practice. If the consultant’s secretary or colleague inform you they will send the results to your GP, explain that you want the results from the specialist who arranged them who is in by far the best place to give appropriate advice.
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.
Please note that 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.
Information about your laboratory tests
For information on what your laboratory test results mean please visit Lab Tests Online.
Specimens
All specimens must be provided in a suitable container and marked clearly with name, date of birth and a date and reason for the specimen.
Failure to do so may mean that the test will need to be repeated – Please note that when bringing in a sample to the surgery, only samples in the correct container can be accepted. These are available from reception.
Blood tests
After having your blood taken the person taking your blood (either phlebotomist or doctor) will tell you how long to wait before the results will be back. Most routine blood tests are often back within around 3 days. Some less common blood tests can take up to 6 weeks to come back. It is still worthwhile to call us every so often to enquire about these in case they come in early.
Urine tests
Red topped bottles
Your doctor may ask you to hand in a urine sample using a red topped bottle. These are used to test for any sign of infection and must be sent to the lab to do so. These results are usually back within around 3 days. Your doctor may contact you before this to inform you there is an infection. It is still important for you to get in touch with us to confirm whether you have an infection or not.
White topped bottles
White topped bottles can be used for various reasons. In most cases they are tested within the practice and results are usually available in the afternoon the following day.
