A blood test involves taking a small sample of your blood for laboratory analysis. They are very common and help us:

• Check your general health.
• See if you have a bacterial or viral infection.
• Monitor how well organs like your liver and kidneys are working.

Preparing for Your Test

To help the clinician find a vein easily, please:

• Drink plenty of water before your appointment (staying hydrated makes veins easier to find).
• Wear loose clothing with sleeves that can be easily rolled up past the elbow.
• Follow special instructions: If you have been told to “fast” (not eat or drink) or stop certain medications, please follow this advice strictly. If you do not, we may have to reschedule your test.

During the Test

A phlebotomist (a specialist in taking blood) will usually take the sample from a vein on the inside of your elbow or wrist.

• Children: We usually take samples from the back of the hand. We will apply a numbing cream first so they do not feel any pain.
• Feeling faint: If you have felt faint during a blood test before, please tell the clinician before they start. They can arrange for you to lie down during the procedure.

Getting Your Results

Most blood test results return to the surgery within 48 hours, though some specialized tests may take longer.

Important: Please remember that it is your responsibility to contact the surgery for your results. A doctor will only contact you proactively if there is an urgent concern.

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

Sometimes your doctor or nurse may need to see what is happening inside your body. To do this, we may refer you to a local hospital or specialist center for an X-ray or a scan.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

There are three main types of imaging tests. Your doctor or nurse will let you know which one you need.

X-rays

An X-ray is a quick and safe test that takes pictures of the inside of your body.

• What it is used for: Checking bones for breaks or fractures, and looking at organs like your lungs.

• Who does it: A radiographer (a specialist trained in medical imaging).

• What happens: You will stand against a frame or lie on a table. You must keep still for a few seconds while the picture is taken.

Read full NHS guidance on X-rays

MRI Scans

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body.

• What it is used for: Examining your brain, spine, joints, heart, and internal organs.

• Who does it: A trained radiographer.

• What happens:

  1. You lie on a bed that slides inside a large tube-shaped scanner.

  2. The scanner makes loud tapping or thumping noises while working. You will be given earplugs or headphones to wear.

  3. You can talk to the radiographer through an intercom at any time.

  4. You must lie as still as possible during the scan.

• How long it takes: Between 15 and 90 minutes.

Important: MRI scanners use strong magnets. You must inform the hospital staff before your appointment if you have any metal in your body, such as a pacemaker or joint replacement.

Read full NHS guidance on MRI scans

Ultrasound Scans

An ultrasound scan uses sound waves (not radiation) to create images of the inside of your body.

• What it is used for: Checking an unborn baby during pregnancy, looking at organs like your liver or kidneys, and checking your heart.

• Who does it: A sonographer or radiographer.

• What happens:

  1. A cool gel is placed on your skin.

  2. A small handheld device (a probe) is moved over the area being examined.

  3. Images show on a screen in real time.

• How long it takes: Between 15 and 45 minutes.

How to Prepare for an Ultrasound

Depending on which part of your body is being scanned, you may be asked to:

• Drink water and not go to the toilet before your scan: This fills your bladder so the sonographer can see your pelvic area clearly.

• Avoid eating for several hours before your scan: This helps reduce air in your stomach so your organs can be seen clearly.

Any specific instructions will be clearly explained in your appointment letter.

Read full NHS guidance on ultrasound scans

Getting Your Results

After your test, the hospital will send a report to our practice.

• Results usually take 1 to 2 weeks to reach us.

• If your results require urgent action, we will contact you directly by phone or text.

• If you have not heard from us after 2 weeks, you can check your test results on the NHS App or contact the surgery.

Find out about tests, screening and other treatments.

Visit the NHS website here