Blood tests can be used in a number of ways such as helping to diagnose a condition, assessing the health of certain organs or screening for some genetic conditions. It involves having a small amount of your blood taken for testing.
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:
in your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
phone or visit us between 10am to 4pm and we will tell you what the results are
FAQ’s
Why a blood test is done?
Understanding why the test is being done can help you feel more prepared and at ease. A blood test may be done to:
– check your general health – find out if symptoms you’re having are caused by certain conditions – find out if you’re more likely to get a condition – find out how well a condition is being treated or managed
Preparing for a blood test
The GP, nurse, or specialist should tell you if you need to do anything to prepare for a blood test.
– not eat or drink anything other than water (fast) – stop taking certain medicines, such as medicines to help prevent blood clots (anticoagulant medicines). Certain medications can interfere with blood test results so it is important to let your doctor know about all medications you’re taking. – Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm, where the blood will be drawn from. – Let the healthcare professional know if you have a history of fainting or light-headedness during blood draws. They can take steps to minimize the risk.
If you’re anxious about needles, let the healthcare professional know. They can offer relaxation techniques to help you cope.
What should I bring for a blood test?
This typically includes your blood test request form and photo ID.
Getting your blood test results
You may get your blood test results after a few days and usually within a few weeks. The wait time for results can vary depending on the tests performed. If you do not hear anything after a few weeks, please contact us. We will talk to you about your results and explain what happens next. If you’re anxious about your results, you can contact us and explain your concerns If your results do not show anything, you may not need to do anything else. Sometimes you may need other tests, depending on why you had the blood test.
