Blood Tests and Specimens

Specimens should be brought into the Surgery before 10.30am on weekdays as the samples are collected then for transport to the hospital. Receptionists cannot accept samples that are not in appropriate laboratory containers. Please make sure specimens are clearly marked with your name.

If the doctor indicates that you require a blood test please make an appointment with a phlebotomist on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings between 8.30 - 10.30am.

Test Results

Please contact the surgery after 11.00am for the results of tests. We ask that you always phone to get the results of all tests (including blood tests). Receptionists will then be able to inform you of normal results and simple problems or you will be asked to discuss the results with a Doctor.

Please note that results will only be given to the patient concerned unless we have consent from the patient to release information

Blood Tests

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 child's 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.

X-Ray

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 a 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.