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 App
- in your Patient Access account
- phone or visit us after 2pm and we will tell you what the results are
Our Care Navigation staff are not medically qualified and so are unable to comment or advise on your results. It is your responsibility to check them and make any necessary follow up appointments.
We only release results to the patient, unless aged under 16 or by special arrangement. Under data protection we will only be able to give results to the person concerned unless they have given prior informed permission or not capable of understanding them.
Test Results
Following having blood tests, while we will endeavour to advise of any significantly abnormal results, we advise patients who haven’t heard anything after 7 days to check their NHS App records where provided we have received it then it should be filed with a comment from a clinician which will indicate what action, if any, is required. There is not the capacity owing to the volume of tests in any one week for us to contact regarding any tests that may be slightly out of range or normal.
The NHS App is the best way to access your results as there should not only be the results but also comment from the requesting clinician. Test results will be available via Patient Access to view once they have returned to the practice and have been viewed and commented on by a clinician. If you do not have patient access then please register https://www.patientaccess.com/
If you cannot access the NHS App for any reason then you may call for results after 2 pm, but phone lines are frequently busy so we would urge use of the App if at all possible.
You may find comments on the results from one of our clinicians:
Normal-no action This means that the clinician has looked at the result, it is within normal range and no action is needed.
Satisfactory – no action This means that the clinician has looked at the result and deemed it to be close to normal range and not concerning. Some patients have consistent results outwith range that are “normal” for them
Satisfactory – if symptoms persist contact the practice. Typically this means your results are either normal or close to normal but the symptoms you presented with if ongoing may need further assessment even with normal results.
Make an appointment with requesting clinician – The clinician who requested the test would like to discuss the results with you; there may be treatment or further tests suggested. This is usually non-urgent unless we have contacted you separately detailing otherwise.
Make an appointment with usual GP – the test was organised by a locum, a practice nurse or extended hours service. Your named GP has looked at the result and would like to discuss it with you; there may be treatment or further tests suggested. This is usually non-urgent unless we have contacted you separately detailing otherwise.
Make an appointment with the Practice Nurse – This usually relates to cholesterol or blood sugars (HbA1c) or your annual review is due. Again this is usually non-urgent unless you have been contacted advising otherwise
Keep appointment as previously agreed – you already have a booked appointment appropriate to the result
Abnormal – on appropriate treatment – this usually relates to infection being shown and antibiotics being appropriate to the results. It may also cover deficiencies such as iron where we have already started a suitable supplement. If symptoms persist on completion of treatment please contact the surgery
Improving – result is better than previously and either heading to or achieved normal range (for you)
Stable – no action needed In keeping with previous measures and normal range for you
Collect prescription from usual pharmacy – treatment required – eg antibiotics, iron tablets, vitamin D. You should also receive a text detailing this.
Already discussed – we have already advised you of the results and discussed with you. This may be via phone call but occasionally by exchange of texts
Hospital results – this was ordered as part of hospital based care. The hospital would be responsible for the outcome of these results.
Test requires repeating – This may have a time frame attached. This covers a range of issues such as lab errors but also results that may be a little outwith range but we would anticipate in most cases that after the specified time the results may return to normal. It also covers results that need to be in a certain range on more than 1 occasion before a diagnosis is made bearing in mind that any blood test is just a snapshot on that day and may be an outlier. It may also need repeating with additional tests. If a time frame is specified such as 2-3 months please do not book earlier.
No response to bowel screening invitation – you were sent a kit to test your poo for microscopic levels of blood which is a screening test for bowel cancer. The lab has not received this. If you still have your kit then please send it in as directed with the pack. If you have not received it or disposed of it and would like to be tested (we do recommend this) please contact the surgery and we can arrange for a new kit to be sent out.
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 outside 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. GP’s may not have the training to interpret specialist tests which is why you should be advised by your specialist.
Questions about your results
If you want to talk to someone about your results, fill out our test results request form and someone will be in touch – https://www.thependlemedicalpartnership.nhs.uk/online-services/