Test results normally take about one week to return from the various hospital departments. All test results are seen by a doctor who assesses if they are normal or require further action. You can telephone for your results between 11-2 and 4-5 pm. on 0131 312 6600 or by calling into the Practice. We cannot give test results to friends or relatives unless we have your written permission.
I Have Had a Blood Test Taken so What Happens Now?
Blood tests have to be sent away to a hospital laboratory for analysis. An NHS courier collects each day around 2 pm.
How Long Will I Have to Wait to Get My Result?
Most tests are analysed within 1 week, however, there are certain tests which require several weeks to be analysed.
The person who asked you to have your test or the person who took your test will tell you approximately how long it will be for your test to be analysed.
How do I Get my Result?
If you had your test because you are coming to see someone for a planned review, then you will receive your result at your review appointment unless it requires more urgent attention.
Every result is reviewed when it arrives back in the practice by one of our clinical team. As we receive a large number of test results, it is not possible for each individual to be contacted.
If your result indicates the need for urgent attention, we will of course contact you.
For all other results, the doctor will make a comment about any action that is required. If you contact the practice, the receptionist will be able to look up your test for you and tell you what the doctor’s comment has been, including any actions that we have taken or want you to take.
If your result is not back when you contact us you may be asked to phone back, usually within the next 24 hours, to allow time for the result to be reviewed.
What Happens Next ?
If your result needs urgent action a doctor, nurse or receptionist will contact you by phone to discuss what action needs to be taken.
If your result needs action, but not urgently, the practice will contact you within an appropriate timescale to explain what action needs to be taken.
If no action is required the practice will not contact you but you are free to contact the practice to get your result.
If you need to discuss your result with a doctor or nurse, please ask the receptionist to take a message for the doctor or nurse. They will either telephone you or you will be asked to make an appointment to see them.
What if You Can’t Contact me By Telephone?
If action is required and we can’t contact you, we will send you a letter to let you know about your result or ask that you contact us. Please make sure that we hold an up-to-date telephone number for you.
How Can I Help?
It may be difficult to contact you during the day. If you have a mobile telephone number or an email address that you are happy for us to contact you on, please write your details on one of the forms at the reception desk and hand it into the reception. It is helpful to keep this information up-to-date.
Please note that results tests taken out with the practice will be returned to the requester, e.g hospital consultant.
Specimens
When you are asked to submit a specimen it is important that you follow the below instructions to ensure it is processed:
- We cannot accept specimens unless they have been requested by a doctor or nurse.
- All specimens must be delivered to the surgery by 2 pm.
- Specimens should not be placed through the surgery letterbox. They must be handed into reception in the plastic bag.
- Specimens cannot be stored – in order to ensure accurate results. Specimens must be handed into reception on the day the specimen is provided.
- Specimens which do not comply with the above criteria will not be tested.
We thank you for complying with the above as this allows us to provide you with the best level of service.