Tests and Results

 

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Specimens and Results

Specimens and blood tests are usually taken at the surgery and we ask patients to ring for their results between 11:30-12:30pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

If you would like to view your results via our online system, register here. Our Online Services, available for patients aged 16 and over, is called SystmOnline. It is a great online service which allows you to order repeat prescriptions, view your results, medical records and send secure messages to the practice. The service is open 24/7/365 days a year and can be accessed from your home computer, Tablet or Mobile phone.

Image of patient receiving test results

 

blood test tubes

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.

 

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.

an x-ray

You can find out more about x-ray tests, how they are performed, their function and the risks by visiting the NHS website.