Test 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 child’s hand will be anaesthetised (numbed) with a special cream before the sample is taken.   For some children, it may be more appropriate for the doctor to arrange the test  within a hospital based clinic.

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

To book a blood test at your nearest blood testing centre please visit: https://www.swiftqueue.co.uk/search.php?site=UK

If you have been requested to take a specimen please ensure these are dropped to the phlebotomy before 10am as there is no collection by the courier after 10am. Please have your specimen clearly marked with your name and date of birth.

Any specimen delivered after 10am will be discarded and you will be required to take another specimen.

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 a 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.

A Fit test is a requirement for bowel screening to detect early signs of bowel cancer. The test detects small amounts of blood in faeces which is an abnormality which could develop further into cancer over time. Positive Fit test results will mean further investigations will be required.

Please watch the video below showing you how to collect your stool sample: