If you have registered for online prescriptions you can also arrange for the laboratory results option to be activated, just ask the receptionist.
If you are not registered for online services you can still register – and then ask for the laboratory test option to be added.
If the online option is not appropriate for you, the results of your blood test can be obtained by phone from your GP’s secretary five working days after your test.
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:
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.
You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Choices website.
Preparing for your blood test:
Here are preparation tips you can follow on the day of your blood test.
*Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated keeps more fluid in your veins, making the blood draw easier. Avoid coffee and other caffeinated drinks, which may dehydrate you.
*Wear short sleeves beneath any outerwear to make it easier to access your arm.
*Get plenty of sleep. Being well-rested helps make your veins easier to access during the blood draw.
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.