Test results

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.

As per our practice policy to ensure patient confidentiality, staff WILL NOT disclosed any details of the test but will advise you of any action that needs to be taken.

Results for patients over 16 years of age can only be given to the patient. Results can be given to someone other than the patient if previously arranged with Doctor.

Specimens should be handed in as early in the day as possible. Please ensure your name and date of birth are on the container.

Normal smears are recalled every 3 years or if you have abnormal smears it may be more frequently. Sometimes a smear is inadequate you will be called by the

surgery to have it repeated. If there is any problems with your smear that needs referral to a Gynaecologist the surgery will contact you to see a doctor in the surgery. Smear results can take a few weeks to come back from the Cytology Department, you should also receive a copy of the result in the post.

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.