Obtaining Test Results
Patients frequently telephone reception asking for their test results. This has the effect of "blocking"
the switchboard. In any case, the receptionists do not have the authority to give results over the telephone but may
indicate if they are back.
As a rule of thumb, simple blood tests are back in 3 working days and X-rays are back in 10 working days. More
complicated blood tests may take several weeks. Despite what is said in hospital, from the time your hospital doctor
dictates your letter, to the time it is typed and then posted to the surgery, 2 to 4 weeks may have elapsed. Urgent
letters, however, are often sent by facsimile.
Blood tests are downloaded electronically from the hospital haematology laboratory on to each doctors computer in
his/her office. Doctors at Lister Medical Centre review all tests and letters daily (in their absence they have an
agreed "buddy" to do it). If any abnormal results are noted, the patient is telephoned at home or a letter
sent, unless the patient has already been told to return to see their GP at a specified time.
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