Highfields Medical Centre

Samples, Tests and Results

Results

Please call after 11am to enquire about your test results as our reception staff will have more time to deal with your request between these times.

Note that the practice has a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection and we will only release test results to the person to whom they relate unless that person has given prior permission/consent for the release of this data or they are not capable of understanding the results.

The results of tests are received in the surgery at varying times. If the result is abnormal, unexpected or further treatment is required, we will contact you by letter or telephone. If the result is normal you will not be contacted. 

If you have online access through SystmOnline or the NHS App, your results will be visible online once a GP has reviewed them. There are really good resources to help you understand your results on both applications.

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 website

Samples

If the doctor or nurse has asked you to provide a pathology sample e.g. urine, stool, sputum, these must be left at reception before 2pmMonday – Thursday.

Lab Tests Online-UK

Lab Tests Online-UK is written by practising laboratory doctors and scientists to help you understand the many clinical laboratory tests that are used in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease.

This is a really useful resource which is easy to understand for those who are confused or curious about thier conditions and test results.

Please click the link below for more information on Lab Tests Online-UK:
https://labtestsonline.org.uk/