Laboratory Specimens

Specimens are sent to the hospital on Monday to Friday. If you are asked to bring a specimen on those days please ensure that we receive it before 12 noon so that it is in time for that day’s hospital collection.

Test Results

Please telephone for any results between 2.00 and 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, when the doctors have seen the test results for that day and when staff have more time to help as telephone lines are less busy.

Most routine blood test results are available within 72 hours although some can take up to two weeks. X-ray results may take two to three weeks.

Results for any patient over 16 can only be given to the patient personally or to another party with the written consent of the patient, to protect confidentiality.

 

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 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 at a hospital 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.

Chlamydia Screening

 

All sexually active young people under 25 across the UK are being encouraged to be tested for chlamydia as it is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and most people do not know they have it. At the surgery we can offer a test and arrange treatment which is free and painless for this infection. If you want a test, come in to see one of the doctors and nurses, If you are under 25 and sexually active you may be offered the test routinely during a consultation with any of the doctors or nurses, alternatively if you want a test just ask.