Test Results

When you attend for a test of any kind you will be told how long you should expect to wait for the results. Please bear this in mind and only call the surgery after sufficient time has elapsed.

Our reception staff are not qualified to comment on results therefore it is your responsibility to check them and make any necessary follow-up appointment with the doctor.

Please note that we do have a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection. In this respect we will only give out results to the person they relate to unless that person has given prior permission for their release or if they are not capable of understanding them.

Fasting Blood Tests

If you have been referred for a fasting blood test, please read the following information carefully as there is some important information you need to know :

(N.B If you have been referred for a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT), please refer to the GTT patient information for this test, as there are special instructions for this test.)

Fasting blood tests are generally for glucose or cholesterol/lipids/triglyceride testing:

• Please DO NOT eat or drink anything, other than water, from 10 pm the previous evening.  You should only have water to drink on the morning of the test.  You are advised to bring a juice drink and a biscuit/snack to eat after your test.
• Please follow your doctor’s advice with regard to taking any prescribed medication on the morning of the test.

You can attend the Walk-In Blood Test Service at QEII hospital at following times:

• Monday-Thursday 08:00 – 17:30
• Friday 08:00 – 17:00
• Saturday 09 – 12:00
• Children over 5 years need to book an appointment for fasting blood test. The contact number is 01707 328 656

Results are usually ready approximately 5 working days after you have had your test. Please contact surgery on 01707 294 354

Gucose Tolerance Test Information

What is a glucose tolerance test?

A glucose tolerance test is a test for diabetes.  Diabetes is a disease in which the body cannot control the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood properly.  In some people diabetes develops very quickly over a period of days or weeks.  These people have high blood glucose levels and are diagnosed without them having to have a glucose tolerance test.

Many people with diabetes develop symptoms very slowly.  Blood glucose levels are not usually very high in these patients and to make a diagnosis it may be necessary to carry out a glucose tolerance test.  It is important to diagnose all forms of diabetes to prevent possible complications.  If the glucose tolerance test shows diabetes, the treatment usually consists of alterations to the diet.  Treatment with tablets may also be needed.

What does the test involve?

It is important that you fast from midnight before the test.  This means nothing to eat or drink before the test except water and any medicines you have been prescribed.

The test involves the collection of two small blood samples.  The first sample is fasting blood to measure your baseline blood glucose.  Next you will then be given a glucose drink containing a known amount of glucose.  You will then be asked to wait for two hours.  It is important during this time that you rest and do not eat or smoke.  You may drink water.  At two hours a second blood sample will be collected.  This second sample allows to measure how well your body has coped with the glucose load.  You can then leave.

Lab Details & Opening times

To book an appointment at QEII hospital please call 01707 328 656. Their Phlebotomy service opening times are:

Monday - Thursday 08:00  17:30

Friday 08:00 - 17:00m

Saturday: 09:00 - 12:00

When will I know the result of my test?

Your results will be sent to Spring House by the laboratory in two to three days working days.  You either phone the surgery for the result or discuss it at your next appointment, whichever your doctor has suggested.