Getting your test results
If your test results show that you need more tests or treatment, we will contact you.
Once a doctor has reviewed your test results, you can view them:
- in your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
- by using our online service
- phone on 020 7349 7330 to book an appointment with a clinician to discuss your results.
NHS Login
Non-urgent advice: Please Note
If your doctor has requested that you have some tests they will make a plan with you about what to do next. If you have not been given a plan please ask for one to help you manage your problem effectively.
It is still advised that you make contact with the surgery to find out your results to ensure that nothing is missed.
It your test has been organised by another health professional outside of the practice we will not be able to provide you with your results. You will need to return to the clinician that request the test.When will my results come back?
Most routine blood test will take 72hrs. The following Blood tests will take longer:
- Diabetes blood test (Hba1c) – 1 week
- Rheumatoid Arthritis blood test – 1 week
- Coeliac blood test (endomyssial antibody) – 2 weeks
- Vitamin D blood test – 3 weeks
Other tests will take:
| TEST | Time for Result |
| Chest xray | 10 days |
| Ultrasound scan | 10 days |
| Helicobacter breath test | 1 week |
| Urine sample | 1 week |
| Sputum sample | 1 week |
| Stool sample | 1 week |
| Skin scraping | Up to 3 months |
| Nail clippings | Up to 3 months |
| Vaginal swab test | Up to 2 week |
| Smear test | Up to 2 weeks |
| 24 hour Blood Pressure monitor | 3 days |
| Home Blood pressure | 3 days |
Why have I been asked to have a repeat test?
If a doctor asks you to have a repeat test it is usually because:
- The result was borderline or equivacal – so the doctor wants another sample to monitor the situation or to re-check
- The result is abnormal – and the doctor is unable to interpret the result without further tests so has asked you to come in for more testing.
Please do not worry if the doctor has asked you for a repeat test, if there is a serious problem then the Doctor will speak to or request to see you directly.
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.