Test results
How and when to get your blood, urine, and scan results.
Please allow time for results to come back
Most results are released into the system in the afternoon once the doctor has reviewed them. Blood tests usually take 3 to 5 working days overall – some specialised tests longer. Scans and X-rays can take 2 to 4 weeks. If anything looks abnormal we’ll contact you directly; you don’t need to chase.
How to get your test results
1. NHS App or Patient Access (fastest)
Sign in to view your test results as soon as they’re reviewed and released by a doctor or nurse. You’ll see any of their comments alongside the result. If you have NHS App notifications turned on, the app alerts you the moment a new result is released.
2. Call us
Call 01270 441672 and choose the test results option. Our dedicated results line is open 12pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
3. Send a request online
Submit an admin request through eConsult asking for your results. We’ll reply by the end of the next working day.
A note on text messages: we don’t currently send test results by SMS, but a doctor or nurse may contact you by SMS or email if they need to discuss something. If you want to be notified as soon as a result is ready, turn on NHS App notifications.
What the results mean
If a doctor or nurse needs to discuss the result with you, we’ll contact you directly. You don’t need to chase us.
Reception staff can tell you whether your result has come back and whether it’s been flagged as normal, but they can’t interpret it for you. For anything more than that, you’ll need to speak to a doctor or nurse.
If you’re worried about a result, ask reception to book you a phone call with a doctor or nurse. For background reading on common test types and what the numbers mean, our Health Hub links out to the NHS A-Z and Live Well sections.
Results from the hospital
If you’ve had a test or scan organised by a hospital consultant, your results go back to the hospital first. Once they’ve reviewed them, the consultant writes to you or to us.
If you haven’t heard anything 4 weeks after your hospital test, call the consultant’s secretary at the hospital. They’ll know exactly where your results are in the system.
Still got a question?
If you’re unsure about your test result or what to do next, get in touch.