Understanding your test results
We encourage you to access your results online if possible. If you look online, you will be able to see the results and the comments from the doctor who has checked your results (all results are seen by a doctor).
Please be guided by the comment that the doctor has made. The doctor will have reviewed the result and applied their medical knowledge and their knowledge of you to tell you what is OK and what may need further tests or treatment. The doctor will take into account a number of things such as:
- What is an acceptable abnormality. It is rare that tests are completely normal and we do not want you to be worried unnecessarily. Whilst numbers are exact things, in terms of test results, numbers outside the “normal range” are not always important.
- What is normal for you individually taking into account your previous results and the effects of any treatment you are taking or medical conditions you may have.
- How your result may be affected by any illness at the time of the result
If your doctor has said your test results are normal, satisfactory or stable, you can be reassured. If have further questions and have an appointment planned, please discuss this at this appointment.
If your doctor wants you to book an appointment or have treatment, they will ask this on the comments on the results. Please follow these instructions. If the doctor wants you to have any tests or treatment urgently, they will tell you this. All other requests aren’t urgent and should be the next available routine appointment.
Hopefully this had been helpful. If you have further queries please discuss these with your GP or Nurse routinely.