Sometimes your doctor will request some tests to investigate your symptoms. Many of these tests can be done in the Surgery. Below are some of the commonly requested tests.

 

Blood Tests

 

Blood tests are taken in the Surgery by the Health Care Assistants and are sent to the laboratory at The Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital where they are processed. The turn around time for blood tests is usually a few days, but more unusual tests can take longer. When the results come back to the doctors, they are looked at and commented on.

 

Please allow 7 days after your blood test before calling for the results. When calling for results please call after 10:30am as the phone lines are quieter.

 

X-Rays & Scans

 

X-Rays and scans are performed at Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital. The images are then looked at by a specialist doctor who writes a report, which is sent to your doctor. Your doctor will then have to look at the reports and decide upon a plan.

 

Please allow 14 days after your X-Ray, or scan before calling for the results. When calling for results please call after 10:30am as the phone lines are quieter.

 

Swabs, Stool (Poo) & Urine (Wee) Tests

 

Swabs (for example to from a wound) and Urine samples are sent to the microbiology lab at the hospital where a technician looks at them under a microscope and then incubates them to see if any bugs grow. They then write a report which they send to us.

 

Please allow around a week after your test before calling for the results.When calling for results please call after 10:30am as the phone lines are quieter.

 

Semen Analysis

 

Semen samples need to be produced following strict guidelines supplied with the test kit and delivered to the laboratory in a timely fashion. The specialists then process the sample, by looking under a microscope and send the results in the internal post to us.

 

Please allow 2-3 weeks before calling for the results.

 

Spirometry

 

Spirometry is a test performed by our nurses to look at your lungs and lung function. You may be given the results at the time, but may be asked to see the doctor who requested the test for follow-up.

 

Smear Tests

 

Smear Tests are performed by our nurses. The samples are sent off to the lab and are looked at under a microscope. The screening service should write to you with your results within two weeks and will send us a copy. If you have not heard from them within a few weeks, please contact reception.

 

If you are worried about a smear, or have symptoms between smear tests such as bleeding, discharge, or pain, please see one of the doctors.