Blood Tests

Patients may attend for blood tests at one of two places:

Our Health Centre on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays between 8.30 am and 11.00 am

OR

St. Margaret’s Hospital, Epping, Blood Test Out-patient Clinic any week day between 9.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m.

Cholesterol and Glucose Tests

Cholesterol and glucose tests are usually done fasted and you should have nothing to eat or drink but plain water for the 12 hours before the blood test. You do not need to book an appointment for blood tests.

Results

Results of blood tests are usually sent to us within 7-10 days from the time of the test (and often sooner). The results for x-rays and ultrasound investigations may take up to three weeks. The doctor or nurse who initially made the request will explain how to get the investigation done and how and when to get the result.

You may telephone the surgery for test results on Monday to Friday between 11am and 12 pm and 4pm to 5.45 pm (Wednesday only until 12pm).

As our receptionists are not medically qualified, they will only be able to inform you whether the result is normal. If you need clinical advice they will put you through to a nurse or doctor.

In practice this system works well and we make every effort to ensure that the process is trouble free. However, there are times (if the doctors and nurses are busy) when you may be asked to call back and we do ask for your patience and consideration if this is the case.

ECGs

We are able to perform ECG's at the surgery following consultation with a GP.

X-Ray

Take the request form to the St Margaret's Hospital reception desk at the following times:-

They will direct you to the X-ray department. For plain X-rays you will usually not need to book an appointment although if the department is busy they may ask you to come back at a mutually convenient time.