“How to access results”
“How long will it take”
“What does this mean”
Getting your test results
If your test results show that you need more tests or treatment, we will contact you. For this reason, please make sure we have current contact details on record. We will NOT contact you routinely for normal results.
You can access your test results:
after 11am
Tests not ordered by the practice e.g. Hospital, Clinic, Community team and Private tests – the results will be sent to them and you should contact them directly for the results.
How long do I need to wait for my results?
Timescales may vary, depending on the type of test or where the test was done. Before they are released on the system, one of the clinicians will have to review and comment on them. You may sometimes see the result on your NHS app before the clinical team have had a chance to comment on them.
Blood tests – majority of results are back within 1-2 weeks, but some may take longer
Urine, stool or swab sample – up to 2 weeks
Nail clippings – 4 weeks
X-ray (SHH) – up to 2 weeks
X-ray (Buxton) – up to 6 weeks
Ultrasound Scan – up to 2 weeks
What does this mean?
You may see a little red “exclamation mark” beside a test indicating that a result is outside the normal range. This may be significant, but in many cases it is not, and your doctor will know whether this is the case and if any action needs to be taken.
All results are viewed and marked by a doctor. If a doctor has marked a result “normal” then you do NOT need to be concerned, even if there is a red exclamation mark next to it.
What does the doctors’ comment mean?
A glossary of some of the doctor’s terms (please note that this is not a comprehensive list, and some doctors may free text their comments meaning wording will not match exactly):
Hospital result: Tests done at the hospital
Hospital review planned: Tests done at the hospital
Known diabetic: Patient known to have a long-term condition. Result is normal for this patient. Will be contacted, if required.
Known pre-diabetic: Patient known to have a long-term condition. Result is normal for this patient. Will be contacted, if required.
New pre-diabetic: Your doctor has looked at your result and found it to be abnormal. Your blood sugar levels are outside the normal range, which indicates a potential issue that needs further monitoring. The doctor would like to speak to you to explain the result(s), and we should have contacted you to arrange an appointment – if we have not you should contact the practice.
No result – please repeat: Unfortunately, very occasionally samples are lost or damaged. Sometimes there is a delay in samples reaching the laboratory which can affect the quality of the specimen making it unusable. On other occasions an incorrect bottle or label may have been used. Occasionally an incorrect test is requested in which case a repeat may not be needed. The doctor will usually ask you to repeat the test.
Normal for this patient: This means that the doctor has looked at the result and deemed it to be within the normal and no further investigation or treatment is needed.
Normal review if symptoms not resolved: If test results are reported as “normal” but symptoms are still ongoing. . If your symptoms do not improve you should contact us for review with a clinician.
Not normal needs review: Your doctor has looked at your result and found it to be abnormal. Your result is outside the normal range, which may indicate a potential issue that needs further assessment. The doctor would like to speak to you to explain the result(s), and we should have contacted you to arrange an appointment – if we have not you should contact the practice.
On correct treatment: The doctor started you on a medicine and the results of your test show this is the correct treatment. There is no reason to change current treatment according to test results.
Recall to GP/Nurse/Pharmacist: The clinician would like to speak to you to explain the result(s). They may ask for this to be in person or by telephone.
Repeat smear: Cervical smear report received, suggest repeat smear on a timescale individual to each report.
Repeat test: Sometimes when there are slight abnormalities in your results, it may need to be repeated to establish if there is a pattern of abnormality. Small fluctuations in test results are common and slightly abnormal results usually return to normal, without the need for treatment. The GP would like to check your result has returned to normal or remained stable.
Review planned: You already have an appointment booked with the doctor, during which they will discuss the results with you. There is no need to contact us before then as the result is not urgent.
Stable – No action required: The doctor has looked at the result and deemed them stable and the result is not concerning. We will continue to monitor, and the doctor will tell you if you need a repeat test in the future.
If you want to talk to someone about your results, fill out a test results request form and someone will be in touch.
To understand abbreviations you may find in your health records, please visit the NHS website