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
• monitoring of chronic illness or medications
• see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning
• check for sexual health blood borne virus ie Hep B, Hep C and HIV (any patient can request these)

General Information about Test Results

Please remember that the staff can only act in accordance with the Doctor's instructions so may not be able to give you a result. This does not necessarily mean that there is a problem but simply that the Doctor needs to see you or talk to you to explain the whole situation.

Test results can only be given to a third party providing we have the express written consent of the patient beforehand.

The results of tests carried out during hospital visits are not normally sent to the practice.

Confidentiality

Results for patients aged over 12 years old can only be given to the patient.

Specimens should be handed in as early in the day as possible. Please ensure your name and date of birth are on the container.

 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.