Lab Results
Sometimes your doctor needs to take a sample of blood or urine either to discover what is wrong with you or to measure something in your blood so that the right medication is given to you. These tests could be anything from blood sugar to a full blood count or a sample of tissue to test for cancer.
While urine can generally be tested in the surgery, blood and other specimens are usually sent away for testing at a laboratory. Most results come back within 48 hours unless a very rare test is needed which has to go to a specialist lab further away when it might take a little longer.
While we will try always to inform you of important abnormal results it is important for you to check your results with the surgery. This is usually 1-2 days for most laboratory testing but may be up to a fortnight for cervical smears and for tissue sample results (histology). We will generally not inform you of normal results unless this has been agreed and minor abnormalities that do not affect you are just noted by the doctor on the result and can be discussed if you have any questions around them.
X-ray and special tests arranged through the hospital take varying amounts of time. Please let us know if you have not heard from a service in a reasonable time nor had the result from some investigation. We do not have control over this but are happy to check on difficulties in this area as they arise.
Registration on our portal will allow access to your recent results. This can be arranged at the surgery.
Electronic lab referrals are now available so your requested tests will be available at any laboratory collection centre.
In general good communication including your feedback and cooperation in arranging requested tests will help us do our job and care for your health. Please keep your contact details up to date so we can contact you by phone, text or email.
Please do not request frequent or unnecessary tests from the doctor. Each test has its own advantages and disadvantages and rarely is there one investigation that can provide all the answers. Your doctor has been trained in the use and interpretation of tests. Google or your neighbours advice are rarely useful in determining your needs.