Forest Surgery

Tests can only be arranged if clinically indicated. If you wish to have a test that is not indicated you can do so at a private hospital or clinic (please enquire at reception for details)

Please enquire at reception for details of where to go for tests. For routine blood tests in particular you can obtain up-to-date information from the Primary Care Trust website (see useful contacts)

If you have been referred for a test and are awaiting a date, please enquire with the place where you were due to have the test.

Enquiring About Test Results

Routine blood and urine test results can take up to two weeks to arrive. Cervical smears and some special tests take six weeks. The receptionist will report your result in one of the following ways:

“normal” or “acceptable” implies that the result is either completely normal or that it contains minor abnormalities which require no further action.
“improved” implies that it is still abnormal, but significantly better than previously, and will be qualified with advice on whether further action is required
“Please repeat” implies that at least some of the tests need to be repeated. This may be either because of an abnormal result that needs monitoring, or because of a technical lab error. You do not need to see the doctor in this case
“See doctor/nurse” implies that a consultation is advised, and will be qualified with an urgency rating, e.g. “see doctor within two weeks”. It does not necessarily mean that anything is seriously wrong.

It is inadvisable, and against our policy to reveal the actual test result value to patients. Its interpretation is of more relevance.

If a test has been requested by a body other than the Forest Surgery, please contact the former for results, and not the surgery.

Arranging Tests

Enquiring About Test Results