Tests & Results

For general enquiries we would ask you to call after 11 am. Telephone consultations will usually be undertaken at the end of surgery.

If your problem is urgent please say so.

If you find the lines are busy please keep trying. Remember to inform us if you have changed your telephone number, postal address or are ex-directory.

We try to inform patients of all abnormal results, but if you are unsure please do not hesitate to contact the surgery for results after 7 days, in between 2pm and 6pm.

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.

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

Urine Specimens

We can only accept a urine sample if it has been requested by a clinician.

All specimens need to be handed in to 3W Health by 12.00 pm.

Any urine samples that have NOT been requested by a Doctor or Nurse will NOT be processed and will be discarded.

This is for patient safety, as a clinician needs to triage your symptoms.

If you have any concerns, please talk to a clinician so you can be triaged appropriately to treat your symptoms.