Test Results and Investigations
We will only contact you by SMS, telephone, or by letter, if a result is abnormal and / or if you require treatment or further investigations.
You will not be contacted if your result is normal. If you wish to enquire about the results of your tests please telephone the surgery, the receptionist will then be able to give your results to you. Your results will not be given to anyone other than the patient, unless you have consented to us doing this or, except in very exceptional circumstances.
Results can take time to reach us, so please allow the following timescales as reference.
- Blood Samples - 10 days
- Urine Samples - 1 week
- Swabs - 1 week
- Stool Samples - 2 weeks
- Nail Clippings - 3 weeks
- X-Ray / Ultrasound scans - 4 weeks
- Histology following Minor Surgery - 4-6 weeks
- Smear Results - 2-6 weeks (these results will come directly from central NHS screening team.
Not all samples will take this long and some specialist tests may take longer.
Enquiries about results from tests ordered by the hospital should be directed to the hospital and not to the practice as these results go back to the requesting clinician.
📱 Accessing Test Results on the NHS App
Patients can now view many of their test results directly through the NHS App or their NHS account online. This includes results from tests carried out at your GP surgery and hospital results that have been shared with your GP.
✅ What You Can See
- Blood tests, urine tests, and other investigations ordered by your GP
- Hospital test results that have been sent to your GP surgery
- Cervical screening results (normal results now sent digitally via the NHS App as of September 2025)
❌ What You May Not See
- Hospital test results not shared with your GP
- Older test results (before 2023) unless your GP surgery has made them available
🛠 How It Works
- You must be registered with a GP surgery in England and aged 16 or over
- You’ll need to prove your identity when setting up your NHS App or account
- Results appear in your GP health record section of the app
- If you don’t read a result notification within 72 hours, a letter may be sent as a backup for cervical screening and other programmes
🔔 Notifications
Make sure to turn on notifications in the NHS App to receive alerts when new results are available.
💬 Need Help?
If you can’t see your results or something looks incorrect, contact your GP surgery. They can help make older results visible or explain what your results mean.
🔗 Learn more and download the NHS App
🩸 What is a Blood Test?
A blood test is a common procedure used to assess your general health or help diagnose a variety of conditions. It involves taking a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in your arm, which is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Blood Tests are done in surgery but can also be done at Walton Hospital, Whitworth UTC and Chesterfield Royal Hospital, provided that the necessary test request has been completed.
If you are housebound you may be referred to the community phlebotomist to have your blood sample taken.
Why it’s done:
- To check your overall health
- To investigate symptoms (e.g. fatigue, infections)
- To monitor ongoing conditions (e.g. diabetes, thyroid issues)
- To assess how well treatments are working
What to expect:
- The test usually takes about 7 minutes
- You may feel a small scratch when the needle goes in
- Results are typically available within a few days to a couple of weeks
Some tests may require you to fast or stop certain medications beforehand. Your Clinician will advise you if any preparation is needed.
🔗 Learn more on the NHS website
🩻 What is an X-ray?
An X-ray is a quick and painless imaging test that uses radiation to create pictures of the inside of your body. It’s especially useful for examining bones and joints, but can also help detect issues in organs like the lungs.
X-rays are done at the hospital, and you would need to be referred by a clinician.
Why it’s done:
- To check for broken bones or fractures
- To identify infections or abnormalities in the chest or abdomen
- To monitor conditions like arthritis
What to expect:
- You may be asked to lie on a table or stand against a surface
- The procedure is usually completed in a few minutes
- It’s performed by a trained radiographer
🔗 More about X-rays on the NHS website
🔊 What is an Ultrasound Scan?
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. Unlike X-rays, it does not use radiation, making it safe for use during pregnancy.
Ultrasound scans are done at the hospital, and you would need to be referred by a clinician.
Why it’s done:
- To monitor pregnancy
- To investigate symptoms like pain or swelling
- To examine organs such as the liver, kidneys, or heart
Types of ultrasound:
- External: A probe is moved over the skin
- Internal: A probe is gently inserted into the body (e.g. vaginal or rectal scans)
What to expect:
- A gel is applied to the skin to help the probe glide smoothly
- The scan usually takes 15–45 minutes
- It’s generally painless, though internal scans may feel slightly uncomfortable
🔗 More about ultrasound scans on the NHS website