Test results

Results Of Tests And Investigations

If you have had a test in surgery (for instance, a blood test, or swab) it is essential that you contact reception after 2 weeks to check that all your results are back and to ask what your doctor has said about them. Results can sometimes go missing between surgery and lab so please never assume that no news means good news . 

(If you have an online account, such as SystmOnline or the NHS App, and you have also requested Detailed Coded Record Access, you will be able to see your results via your account). 

Our reception staff are not qualified to comment on what results mean.  Please make a follow-up appointment with the doctor if asked to do so.

For full information about tests and what they mean please visit these websites written for patients:

We can only give out results to the person they relate to unless that person has given prior permission for their release or if they are not capable of understanding them.

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 childs hand will be anaesthetised (numbed) with a special cream before the sample is taken.

It is essential that you contact reception after 2 weeks to check that all your results are back and to ask what your doctor has said about them. Results can sometimes go missing between surgery and lab so please never assume that no news means good news.

Our reception staff are not qualified to comment on results therefore it is your responsibility to check them and make any necessary follow-up appointment with the doctor if asked to do so.

Where to Have Your Blood Test

Charter Medical Centre Phlebotomy – Adults and Older children 

Blood tests for Adults at Charter MedicalCentre can be booked via our Automated 24/7 telephone system, via SystmOnline or via Reception.  Blood tests must be authorised by an NHS clinician.  For older children who can tolerate a blood test without local anaesthetic please speak to reception who may be able to book an appointment with a Practice Nurse.

For fasting Blood Tests eat nothing, and drink only water for 12 hours before your appointment. Continue to take your medication as normal.

Hove Polyclinic walk-in clinic – for over 16’s only (must be ordered by Charter Medical Centre)

For blood tests ordered by Charter Medical Centre over 16’s may also attend the walk-in Community Phlebotomy Service at Hove Polyclinic  (Telephone 01273 265588). You will need to take a copy of your Blood Test Referral Form, available from reception.  Please telephone the service for advice before attending or click here:  Community Phlebotomy Service.  This service is  unable to do blood tests ordered by hospital consultants or  other hospital personnel.

Royal Sussex County Hospital – walk-in clinic – for over 16’s only (if ordered by your NHS Hospital Consultant or other NHS Hospital personnel)

For blood tests ordered by your hospital consultant or hospital personnel, over 16’s can also visit the walk-in phlebotomy service at Royal Sussex County Hospital. (Please telephone 01273 696955 for further advice before attending). 

Royal Sussex County Hospital – walk-in clinic – for under 16’s who need blood taken from the hand with a local anaesthetic 

Young children who need blood taking from the back of the hand after application of a local anaesthetic cream will need to attend the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital (please call 01273 696955 for advice about how to access this service) – you will need a copy of your Blood Test Referral Form, available from reception if the test was ordered by Charter Medical Centre

Housebound Patients 

Your GP will send a referral form to the Community Phlebotomy Service who will contact you

For full information about tests and what they mean please visit these websites

http://www.labtestsonline.org.uk 

http://www.patient.co.uk/directory/investigations-scans-tests 

X-Rays

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 an 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.