Different tests have different timings when processed. Once the results are released, this then has to go to a clinician first to be viewed, analysed, interpreted and actioned.
If the test result is normal or no action, we may not contact you directly.
Please sign up to mobile text service as it may make it easier to let you know about your results. Please ensure you have provided us with an up to date phone number so, if needed, we can discuss your test results
We recommended speaking with the clinician who requested your test in order to gain the full context of the result.
Blood tests
Please allow up to 7 days for routine blood results. If you have not heard from us after those 7 days, please contact us. Some blood tests may take longer.
Urine tests
Please allow 5 working days for urine results.
Urine tests for infection need for the samples to reach the labs first, and take a few days for the labs to try and grow microbes (if any present). If microbes are grown, microbiology may tell us which specific antibiotic the bacteria in the urine was ‘sensitive’ to. Please note: presence of bacteria does not always need antibiotics. Clinical context is important.
Swabs and stools
Please allow 5 working days for swab results. Swab results for infection need the samples to reach the labs first, and take a few days for the labs to try and grow microbes (if any present).
If microbes are grown, microbiology may tell us which specific antibiotic the microbes in the swab was ‘sensitive’ to. Please note: presence of bacteria does not always need antibiotics. Clinical context is important.
Stool test
- Testing for infection – may take 1 week
- H. pylori stool antigen – may take 2 weeks
- Faecal Calprotectin – may take 1 – 2 weeks
X-rays
Please allow up to 14 days for routine x-ray results.
Once taken by the radiographer, the radiologist (specialist doctor in interpreting imaging) will examine the scan and provide us with a report. Urgent results may be faxed/emailed/rang into the surgery for action. Sometimes, the radiologist may request additional scans themselves.
CT
Please allow up to 3 weeks for CT results. Once taken by the radiographer, the radiologist (specialist doctor in interpreting imaging) will examine the scan and provide us with a report. Urgent results may be faxed/emailed/rang into the surgery for action. Sometimes, the radiologist may request additional scans themselves.
MRI & hospital letters
At general practice, we usually cannot request MRI. These and other tests requested by the hospital should be discussed with that specific team.
Hospital letters may not immediately arrive to us following discharge. If you are expecting to discuss the results with a doctor/nurse practitioner at Castle Surgery but have not heard from us, please get in touch.
Discussing test results
We have over 10,000 patients so the number of results/tests/letters/scans/emails can be overwhelming.
As such, we may not be able to contact everyone directly about their test results and recommend you contact us if we haven’t reached out to you in the listed time scales.
Getting your test results
Once a doctor has reviewed your test results, you can view them:
- by phoning us on 01639 622050 and we will tell you what the results are
- as a text message, if you have consented and it is applicable
- using the NHS Wales App (coming to Castle Surgery late 2024)
Questions about your results
If you want to talk to someone about your results, fill out a test results request form and someone will be in touch.
