Tests & Results

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 childs 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 at NHS A-Z.

Phlebotomy is done in-house through the week.

To book your appointment please contact the practice on the 0151 691 1112 or submit a PATCHS request.

Most results from blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, ultrasounds and other investigations are usually available within about 7 days of the test being taken.

All results are reviewed by a doctor, who will add a note and decide if any further action is needed.

The quickest and easiest way to view your results is through the NHS App or NHS website  NHS log in using your NHS login. You’ll be able to see your results as soon as they have been checked and filed by the doctor.

If you prefer to phone the surgery for your results, please wait at least 7 days after your test and call after 2:00 pm on 0151 691 1112, when our phone lines are quieter. This helps keep the morning lines free for patients who are unwell and need appointments.

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.

We are now pleased to be able to offer our anti-coagulation patients in-house testing that will involve a short appointment with our health care assisstant where he will perform a quick finger prick sample. The results are available immediately and in most cases you will leave the surgery with a plan for your warfarin doses.

In some circumstances, for example if your INR is very high or low, we will need to ask a doctor to review the plan for the doses and you will receive a call from the practice later in the day to confirm this.