Aviemore Medical Practice - About medical tests and how to get your results

Test Results

tests_and_results Our receptionists can advise you if your results have been marked by the doctors as "normal". If you need to speak to a doctor about your test results, we now offer a system whereby result requests are accepted throughout the working day. A doctor will call you back as soon as possible to discuss your results. Feedback so far indicates that patients appreciate this flexible approach.

Results requests are passed to the doctor on call who will return the phone call as soon as possible if they are not immediately available to speak. In the event of a normal result (which has been marked as such by a doctor), receptionists can relay this over the phone. Some results, whilst not necessarily abnormal, still require the patient to speak with a doctor. An example of this is a cholesterol result where the significance of the actual result depends on each individual's circumstances.

We usually ask that you allow at least 5 days before making enquiries, although some tests may take longer to be available. Your GP will provide guidance whenever possible.

Blood Tests

blood_tests_4 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 child's hand will be anaesthetised (numbed) with a special cream before the sample is taken.

You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Choices website.

X-Ray

doctor examining an x-ray 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 a 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.

Test Results

Blood Tests

X-Ray

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