Test Results
Results Of Tests And Investigations
If you require a referral to a specialist, the doctor will advise you during the consultation of the type of referral needed and the department to which you will be referred. You may be given an indication of waiting time for an appointment. You clinician will tell you the department you have been referred to though the specialist you will be assigned to may not be known at the time of referral.
If you have any queries regarding the status of a referral that is currently in the system, please contact the appropriate department at the hospital or secondary care.
If you require an X-ray you will usually be referred to Northampton General Hospital. There is a walk in service (8.30-17.00) for Chest x-rays ONLY but attendance must be the same week as the referral. All other x-rays must be booked. For all other imaging e.g. MRI, Ultrasound, PET scans, patients will be sent an appointment by the hospital.
If you are referred for other Radiology scans such as CT, Ultrasound, MRI etc you will receive an appointment for these from the hospital.
Blood Tests and Results of Tests/Investigations
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
- confirm the presence of a bacterial or viral infection
see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning
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. The childs hand will be anaesthetised (numbed) with a special cream before the sample is taken.
Blood tests require a blood test form to be presented. Blood test appointments are available at the surgery most days of the week, via Northampton General Hospital (NGH), or on Saturdays through enhanced access appointments. All test results can be obtained by contacting the surgery by telephone after 3pm, Monday to Friday.
You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Choices website.
Phlebotomy Clinics are held at the surgery weekly (appointment required – contact reception).
X-Rays
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.