Test results are available using SystmOnline or the NHSapp. It is the responsibility of the patient or their carer to obtain the results of the tests.
The doctor will have recorded specific instructions regarding any follow-up that may be required and what information they would like conveyed to you.
If you do not have online access and call general enquiries the receptionist may tell you what the result is, they may ask you to make a telephone consultation with the doctor, they may ask you to make a face-to-face consultation with the doctor, or it may be that the doctor telephones you direct. Please be patient with our staff when you call; they are not medically qualified and can only pass on whether your Doctor has said the result is normal or not.
Time taken for results to reach your doctor
Please note that these times are only a guideline.
- Bloods – routine 1 week upwards
- Microbiology - Urine/stool/swabs 1-2 weeks
- Mycology – fungal 2-4 weeks
- Virology/Serology 2-4 weeks
- Xrays 1-3 weeks
- CT/MRI scans 2-4 weeks
- Cervical Cytology (smear test) 4-6 weeks
We often ask patients to arrange a telephone consultation if we feel the result needs explaining. Asking you to call does not mean that there is anything seriously wrong.
Sometimes the doctor will mark the result 'normal - no further action', this usually means the result didn't show anything abnormal. If this is the case and you are still having problems, we advise patients to speak to the doctor further to discuss what to do next.
If the receptionist is in any doubt whatsoever about the instructions that have been left, she will ask the doctor for clarification and telephone you back or if preferred, the patient is able to book a telephone consultation with their doctor to discuss the result further.