All test results are checked by the doctor. Unfortunately, there are too many daily reports for us to get in touch with you individually, unless the doctor needs to speak to you urgently.  We would therefore ask you to ring in to get your result, but do please make sure that at least 7 days have passed since the test. This will allow time for the result to be sent to us, and for your doctor to have checked it and written a comment.  Please ask the receptionist, who will pass on the comments from the doctor.

The best time to ring for results is between 11.00am to 1.00pm or after 3.00pm.

If you have online access to your record, you will also be able to view your results there. Please click the tab to the left of the screen titled 'Online Access to your Medical Record for more information on this.

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 childs 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

 If the doctor or nurse has asked you to provide a pathology sample e.g. urine, stool, sputum, these must be left at reception before XXXXam, Monday - Friday.

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 an 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.