Test Results

Test Results – Important Information for Patients

How to get your test results

The best way to obtain your test results is:

• ✅ Online via your patient online services or the NHS App, if you are registered
• ✅ By contacting the practice after allowing sufficient time for your results to be reviewed

Results are reviewed by a clinician before being released, which helps ensure they are interpreted correctly.

Please allow enough time

Test results can take several days or longer, depending on the type of test.
Please wait the advised timeframe before contacting the practice, as calling too early may mean your result is not yet available.

If you have not heard from us after the expected time, please contact the practice and we will be happy to check for you.

If your result is normal but symptoms continue

Sometimes results are reported as normal, but symptoms may still persist.

👉 If your result is normal and you are still experiencing symptoms, please contact the practice for further advice or review. A normal test result does not always mean no further action is needed.

Important reminder

The practice will contact you if a result requires urgent or significant follow‑up.
However, it remains the patient’s responsibility to ensure they have received and understood their test results.

Access to Test Results – Confidentiality

For patients aged 16 years and over, test results can only be given directly to the patient.

In line with our practice confidentiality policy, reception and clinical staff cannot disclose test details. Staff will advise you only if any action is required, such as arranging a follow‑up appointment or further tests.

Sharing results with someone else

Results may be given to another person only if one of the following applies:

• This has been previously agreed with your doctor, or
• The patient has provided written consent authorising another named individual to receive their results

Without appropriate consent, results cannot be shared with relatives, partners, or carers.

Submitting Specimen Samples

Specimens should be handed in as early in the day as possible.

Please ensure that:

• The container is clearly labelled with your full name and date of birth
• A test request form is completed and enclosed
• The sample is placed in a sealed container and enclosed within a leak‑proof sealed bag

Samples may be left in the secure “Drop Box” located in reception. No queuing is required.

Please note that samples are collected at 3:45 pm. Samples left after this time may not be suitable for testing and you may be asked to repeat the specimen.

There is no set nationwide timeframe for all NHS test results. Different tests take different amounts of time to be processed and reviewed.

Typical timeframes (approximate)

• Blood tests:
  Usually 3–7 days, but some specialist blood tests can take longer

• Urine and stool tests:
  Typically 5–7 days

• Swabs (e.g. infections):
  Around 3–7 days

• X‑rays:
  Often reported within 1–2 weeks

• Ultrasound scans:
  Usually 1–2 weeks

• CT or MRI scans: 
  May take 2–4 weeks, depending on the scan and urgency

Some results may be available sooner, while others require referral to specialist laboratories, which can extend processing times.

What affects how quickly results are available?

Results can take longer if:

• The test is specialised
• Further checks or interpretations are required
• The laboratory workload is high
• The result needs clinician review before release

Results are not normally issued until a clinician has reviewed them, to ensure they are safe and properly interpreted. Reception and admin team are not clinically trained and are NOT allowed to interpret results. They can only read what the clinician has commented on the results and cannot offer any further informatio or advice.  If you are unsure and would like further advice a routine telephone appoinment can be requested via our website.