Test Results
You may telephone for your own investigation results after 11am Monday to Friday.
General Information about Test Results
Please remember that the staff can only act in accordance with the Doctor’s instructions so may not be able to give you a result. This does not necessarily mean that there is a problem but simply that the Doctor needs to see you or talk to you to explain the whole situation.
Results can be given to someone other than the patient if previously arranged with Doctor.
The results of tests carried out during hospital visits are not normally sent to the practice.
Confidentiality
Results for patients over 16 years of age can only be given to the patient.
Blood Test Appointments
Book your Blood Test appointment online on the Princess Alexandra Hospital website.
Appointments for blood tests should be made online, rather than by email or telephone. The appointments system ensures that they can maximise the number of tests we can offer to patients and continue to maintain social distancing in waiting areas.
Appointments will be held at the outpatient departments at The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, St Margaret’s Hospital in Epping, and Herts and Essex Hospital in Bishop’s Stortford.
If you need help or have any questions about booking your blood test appointment call 01279 827 163.
Test Times
Below is an approximate guide to how long results can take to come through.
| Type of Test | Usual Time for Results |
|---|---|
| X-Ray | Up to 2 weeks |
| Smear | 2 weeks |
| Blood tests | 2 to 7 days, depending on the test |
| Urine | Within 7 days |
Radiology Department
NOTICE FOR GP PATIENTS REFERRED FOR CHEST X-RAYS
Please note that if the results of your Chest X-ray are inconclusive, you may be contacted by the Radiology department to arrange an appointment for a Computerised Tomography (CT) scan. In most circumstances a CT scan can provide more detailed information to aid your GP with any diagnosis or treatment required.
Laboratory Samples
All samples must be received by 10.30am weekdays to link with the hospital courier service. If necessary, you can put your specimen through the letterbox (front door) in a sealed clean container (available at Reception). Please ensure the bottle is clearly marked with your name.
Do you know what happens to your sample?
Watch these short animated videos (produced by the Institute of biomedical science) to see how samples taken at your GP surgery are sent to hospital laboratories to be analysed by biomedical science staff: