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 for the release of this data or they are not capable of understanding the results.
It is the patients responsibility to contact the Practice to obtain their test results. You can call the Practice at any time of day to obtain results. When you take your test you will be told how long it will be before the results are returned to the practice. Please do not chase your results before this as they will not be available yet. The Practice will try contact you in the event of any abnormal results but we advise you to always contact the surgery as a fail-safe measure.
Our Reception staff are not medically qualified to explain what your results mean therefore they will only inform you of the Doctors comments. This could be they are normal or the Doctor may issue a prescription if signs of infection are present. If the results need to be discussed in more depth you will be asked to make a telephone appointment to discuss further. This does not warrant a same day appt and is not urgent. These types of appointments are routine and can wait for the next availability. If for any reason there is an abnormal result requiring immediate action you will be informed accordingly.
You will be asked for some personal details when calling, this is to confirm your identity. The receptionist has the right to refuse the release of medical information if he/she feels that it does not pertain to the person calling. We hope that our patients find our high standards of confidentiality satisfactory with regard to releasing this type of information.
If the test was arranged by your hospital consultant
If your test has been carried out at a Clinic or Hospital please call the Clinic or Hospital for the result, as we cannot action tests which have been requested by other Clinicians outwith the practice. If the consultant’s secretary or colleague inform you they will send the results to your GP, explain that you want the results from the specialist who arranged them who is in by far the best place to give appropriate advice.
Please note that we do have a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection. In this respect we will 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.
Information about your laboratory tests
For information on what your laboratory test results mean please visit Lab Tests Online.
Specimens
All specimens must be provided in a suitable container and marked clearly with name, date of birth, date provided and reason for the specimen.
Failure to do so may mean that the test will need to be repeated – Please note that when bringing in a sample to the surgery, only samples in the correct container can be accepted. These are available from reception.