Blood tests may be required for new (acute) problems, and if so will be authorised by the nurse you see. If a fasting test is required (check with the clinician or reception) you will need to fast for 8-10 hours beforehand.  However, you may drink water during this period. 

Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease – you will also need a urine test for microalbuminuria – please collect a sample pot from reception.

To inquire about results of blood tests, urine tests, X-rays or other investigations, please telephone the Medical Centre on 01604 611600 after 13:30; we may ask you to call back if you call before this time.. 

Please note that on occasion results are returned to us in stages (especially urine & stool samples) and should you be informed that a result is negative it may be followed up by a positive result a few days later.  Should this be the case, then the Practice will contact you.

Please allow five working days after the test before phoning.

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.