Tests & Results

vaccine

Please remember to check your test results once enough time has passed. We will contact you if any follow-up is needed, but please don't assume that no news means your result is normal or that nothing further is required.

Different tests take varying amounts of time to come back, depending on the type of test and whether specialist review is needed, so please allow sufficient time before getting in touch.

Important: If your symptoms get worse

Don't wait for test results if you're feeling worse or have a new or urgent concern. Contact us as normal  or call NHS 24 on 111 if we're closed. In a medical emergency, always call 999.

How to check your results

Call 01968 675 576 and press option 2.

Please phone between 10am–5pm for general enquiries and test results.

Please only contact us for results after the usual timescale has passed, unless a clinician has advised you otherwise.

Reception staff can only give results once they have been checked and marked by a clinician. They cannot interpret results or provide medical advice.

If you receive a result outside of our opening hours and have urgent concerns, contact NHS 24 on 111.

How long results usually take

These timescales run from the date the test was taken or the sample was received by the laboratory — not from the date you requested the test.

Type of test Usual timescale
Blood tests Around 5–7 working days
Urine tests and swabs Around 5–7 working days
Stool samples Around 7–10 working days
X-rays and scans Often 10 working days or longer
Specialist tests May take several weeks
Cervical screening / smear results Results are posted and may take several weeks

These timescales are a guide only. Some results may come back sooner; others may take longer.

Hospital or another service

If your test was requested by a hospital clinic, consultant, community service, or another healthcare professional outside the practice, please contact that service directly for your result.

The practice may not receive these results, and we may not be able to interpret, chase or action tests that were requested by another clinician or service.

Bringing in a specimen or sample

Only bring in a sample if a clinician has requested it.

Samples must be provided in the correct specimen container. These are available from reception. We cannot accept samples in unsuitable containers.

Before handing in a sample, please make sure the container is clearly labelled with:

  • your full name;
  • date of birth;
  • the date the sample was taken;
  • the reason for the sample, if known.

If a sample is not correctly labelled, is in the wrong container, or has not been requested by the practice, we may be unable to accept it and the test may need to be repeated.

Page last reviewed: 03 June 2026
Page created: 20 November 2023