If the result of the blood test is unclear, then you may be asked to book an appointment to have another blood test. If the blood test is slightly abnormal you may be asked to book an appointment to have another blood test in a few weeks or months time to see if it has returned to normal levels.

Urine Tests

If the test shows an infection for which you have been given the correct antibiotic, we will not contact you. If the test shows a possible infection then we may ask you to bring in another sample.

Swabs

If the test shows an infection for which you have been given the correct treatment then we will not contact you.

If the swab shows a possible infection that we have not treated then we may contact you to see if you have symptoms and need treatment or simply ask you to collect a prescription.

X-rays and Scan Results

It can take up to 2 – 3 weeks for the result to reach us.

Tests Requested in A&E, Hospital or a Community Clinic

If the test has been requested by the hospital, the result will go to the consultant first and the consultant will then either arrange to see you in clinic or write to you or us with the result.

It can take up to 8 weeks for the result of a hospital requested test to get to us.

Results – Comments

The clinicians have agreed to use standard comments in order to make the results clear to all, including you, the patient.

1. Normal – no action

All of your results are normal.

2. Satisfactory – Stable

The doctor has viewed your results and has indicated that they are happy with the result.

The laboratory may have marked your result as abnormal, however it is within an acceptable range for your current medical problems.

3. Satisfactory

The doctor has viewed your results and has indicated that they are happy with the result.

The laboratory may have marked your result as abnormal, but this is because it is just outside of the laboratory normal range. This is not of any significance.

4. Abnormal – Has an appointment

Your result was not completely normal and the doctor intends that this will be discussed with you at your next booked appointment. This may be booked by you or by the doctor that organised the test. This may be a telephone consultation.
If the doctor was concerned and felt that you needed to be seen sooner then they would have requested/booked a sooner appointment.

5. Abnormal – Treated

Your result is not normal but the doctor has indicated that you are already taking/have taken the correct treatment.