Test Results

Getting your test results

Once a doctor has reviewed your test results, which can take up to 5-10 working days to be returned to us (this does not apply to x-rays or scans as these tests take much longer), you can:

  • phone us and we will advise you what the GP has commented on each test. Please note that our reception staff cannot always say what the specific result is, only what the GP has commented – please call late morning or early afternoon when the phone lines are less busy

Smear test results can take up to 16 weeks and you will receive your result by letter from the health board.

Please remember that staff may have to ask questions to establish your identity and to assess the best course of action for your enquiry, to obtain details to pass on to the doctor. Such questions are meant to help you and are not designed to be obstructive or intrusive.

Our Reception staff are not qualified to comment on results therefore it is your responsibility to check them and make any necessary follow-up appointment with the Doctor.

Non-urgent advice: Questions about your results

If you want to talk to someone about your results, contact our team to discuss.
You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Inform website.

Non-urgent advice: Confidentiality

The NHS has strict policies relating to confidentiality and data protection and we can only release test results to the adult to whom they relate unless that person had given prior permission for the release of their data and information or are not capable of understanding the results.

Non-urgent advice: 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 out with the practice.

All specimens must be provided in a suitable container and marked clearly with name, date of birth, date provided and reason for the specimen. Failure to do so may mean that the test will need to be repeated. 
Please note that when bringing in a sample to the surgery only samples in the correct container can be accepted. These are available from reception.
These results will not appear on any NHS systems, therefore are not accessible to NHS clinicians (unless the referral was made by your NHS care provider). If you have had tests outside of the NHS it is your responsibility to provide us with copies of these. If they are not in English then it is your responsibility to have them translated into English in order that we do not duplicate tests. If you are unable to do so you may be referred to an appropriate UK setting for the same test. This is to ensure we comply with best practice care standards. If you do not wish to have a repeat test you will be asked to give informed dissent.