·         Please follow the instructions given during the appointment for how to book or carry out the investigation.

·         Please check the NHS app for your results:

o   Blood, urine and sputum results will be viewable after 7 to 10 days

o   Ultrasound, x-ray and other radiology results may take longer

o   DEXA scans can take around 6-8 months

·         All results will have been viewed by a GP before appearing on the NHS app. The GP may have attached a note to the results (e.g. ‘normal result’ or a brief explanation with advice). Your GP may also text you with advice following your results. Please read this carefully.

·         Not all abnormal results require a follow up appointment (please follow any instructions attached to the results).

Please contact us:

·         If you have concerns or ongoing unexpected symptoms, even if your results are normal.

·         If you are unable to use the NHS app to see your results, please submit an admin online consult via our website, or call reception after 2pm.

It is possible for test results to go missing due to human or computer errors along the pathway of the test being undertaken to the result being reviewed. We do not currently have the technology in the NHS to check that all individual test requests come back to us. Therefore, it is your responsibility to check your results online, including checking that every result is back where multiple tests have been requested, and to ensure that any necessary follow-up appointments are in place.  

Depending who has requested for you to have the blood test will depend on where you need to have the test and how you can book it:

If requested by a member of the practice team:

You can have this test at either the Harpenden Memorial Hospital (Red House) or one of the West Herts Hospital Sites (St Albans City Hospital, Hemel Hempstead General Hospital or Watford General Hospital). Wherever you have your blood test you will need to take the printed blood test form to your appointment. To book these please see below.

Harpenden Memorial Hospital: These appointments are booked by the Elms Medical Practice. Please either call reception or complete an admin online consult where you can then be sent a booking link. Please note there is no walk in service and you will be turned away if you do not have an appointment.

West Herts Hospitals: These appointments can be booked via the hospital online or by phone. Please click the link to book or for the phone number  https://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/bloodtests This page also has directions to the phlebotomy clinic at all sites.

If requested by a specialist: You will need to have the requested test taken at the hospital where you are seeing the specialist. This is because the result will need to be transported to their laboratory so that they receive the results, as it is their responsibility to interpret the results.

If you are asked to have a blood test at the Arndale House Blood Test Facility at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital then please click on this link to get further information.

https://www.bedfordshirehospitals.nhs.uk/our-services/blood-tests/