In order to assess your condition or reach a diagnosis, you may be asked to undergo further tests or investigations. These will normally be carried out by a Practice Nurse or Health Care Assistant here at the practice, or at a local hospital.

Blood Tests

A blood test usually involves the phlebotomist taking a sample from a blood vessel in your arm. The usual place for a sample to be taken from is the inside of the elbow, where the veins are relatively close to the surface.

We are able to take blood samples from children over the age of 6. These are commonly taken from the back of the hand which will be numbed with a special cream before the sample is taken.

If you have any concerns at all, please talk to one of the reception team who will do their best to help, for example by booking you a longer appointment.

It's really important to remember to drink plenty of water before your blood test, whether it's a fasting or non-fasting blood test. This makes it easier for the nurses to take a sample from your veins. 

Please note that blood tests can only be taken if authorised by a clinician. Please do not book a blood test without consulting your GP.

Urine & Stool Samples

If you are asked to provide a urine or stool sample, please collect the appropriate container from reception. These need to be with us no later than 4pm for collection. We are unable to store overnight. Unless advised by a clinicain.

We are unable to accept samples in other containers. We are also unable to accept samples unless they have been requested by a clinician.

X-rays & Scans

Appointments for ultrasounds X-rays and other scans will normally take place at the Royal United Hospital in Bath. They will contact you directly with an appointment.

Results are transmitted electronically from the pathology laboratory at the Royal United Hospital back to the requesting GP who will then review them.

Your GP will be able to advise you when the results are likely to be available. These can now be viewed on the NHS APP.

Approximate waiting times are listed below but are not guaranteed:

If you have had your X-ray or scan at the RUH and wish to chase the results, please use the following numbers:

• CT scans: 01225 825989
• MRI scans: 01225 824072
• Ultrasounds: 01225 825529
• X-ray: 01225 824358

Once your results have been viewed by the requesting doctor, they will give instructions to the reception team if any action is required. Please note that the receptionist may be unable to relay your specific results; they may simply ask you to make an appointment for you to discuss the result with the doctor. The doctor will have advised the receptionist the degree of urgency required.

The GP’s will not contact patients with ‘normal’ results. It is the responsibility of the patient or their carer to telephone the surgery for the test results. Please call us on our general enquiries line on 01225 703236 after 4pm.

Finally, please note that the practice has a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection and we will only release test results to the person to whom they relate unless that person has given prior permission for the release of this data or if they are not capable of understanding the results.