Test Results

When you attend for a test of any kind you will be told how long you should expect to wait for the results. Please bear this in mind and call the surgery between 15.00 - 17:00 once sufficient time has elapsed [at least 7 days].

This gives time for the result to be reviewed by the requesting GP, and the GP will make a short comment on the results - this is what the receptionists will read out.

Our reception staff are not qualified to comment on results further. 

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.

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.

Our bloods are collected at 12.00 each day so to ensure reliable results your blood sample must be taken in the morning.  For example, a blood test can be used to:

The only blood test that you will need to fast for are Glucose and Cholesterol tests, others are unaffected by fasting.

If you think you have a kidney infection please remember to bring a urine sample or ask for a sample bottle on arrival at reception.

Private Screening tests

We have had some patients coming in regarding various private screening tests, which seem to have been targeting patients in the local area.

Our advice would be that if you are worried about one of the diseases they claim to screen for, to discuss with a GP first before spending money.

This also applies to any private genetics testing.

This is a useful site discussing the problems with private screening:
http://privatehealthscreen.org/

We fully support the free NHS screening programs, e.g Mammograms, Smears, Aortic Aneurysm or Bowel screening. 

New videos about what happens at screening have been produced by the Public Health Agency.

It is hoped the videos will help clear up confusion about how to take the test and clarify the process.

The video is also available in British and Irish sign language and subtitled.

What happens at breast screening:

http://www.cancerscreening.hscni.net/2170.htm

What happens at bowel screening:

http://www.cancerscreening.hscni.net/2188.htm