When your doctor or nurse arranges for a test to be taken you will be told how and when you can obtain the result.
The type of test done will dictate how long your result takes to come back to us. The person who takes the test can normally advise you how long your test result will take to come back. If you have been referred to a hospital consultant, the hospital will inform you of the outcome.
For any tests that the surgery has arranged for you, we will review the results – routinely within48-72 hours of them being received and we will contact you if further action is required.
If your test result is normal – the surgery will not contact you – this is because of the large volume of tests we undertake each week.
Please note that we will only contact you to tell you about your test results for one of the following reasons:
- The test needs to be repeated again for some reason
- You need to start or change treatment as a result of the test result
- There is a problem with the result that we need to talk to you about so you need to see the doctor.
You can also access your test results via SystmOnline or the NHS App. Please note you have to be registered for detailed coded access to see test results. Patients are unable to see their test results via askmyGP.
Patients who are using the services of Addenbrooke’s or the Rosie hospitals for treatment and care, including blood and other routine tests, are able to sign up to MyChart. This secure online platform will keep you up-to-date with your test results, appointments and so on. If the hospital has organised your tests or investigations, you must contact them about test results.
How long will my results take?
- blood tests – 5 working days unless otherwise advised
- x-ray – 2-3 weeks
- urine test – 5 working days
- biopsy – 8 weeks
- smear test – 8 weeks (these results are sent directly to the patient).
Updated: 8.8.22