Please telephone 01834 860237  Option 5 - after 2 pm for test results as results are often not back until mid-day.

Please note that we do have a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection. In this respect, we will only give out results to the person they relate to unless that person has given prior permission for their release or if they are not capable of understanding them.

Providing Specimens

All specimens must be provided in a suitable container, which are available from reception, and marked clearly with name, date of birth, date sample provided and reason for the specimen. 

Failure to do so may mean that the test will need to be repeated - please note that when bringing in a sample to the surgery, only samples in the correct container can be accepted. These are available from reception. 

We are frequently seeing inappropriate containers (jam jars, shower gel bottles) being used, which contain residue of the previous contents, and are not sterile.  This contaminates the specimen, rendering it unsuitable for testing, which subsequently delays any treatment that may be required.

URINE SAMPLES

Often sample bottles are left at reception unlabelled, and we have no idea who the sample relates to and there is no clinical information at all. We simply cannot process such samples. If you have contacted the surgery and you are asked to provide a sample, please ensure that it is provided in an appropriate bottle with the details filled out and that you give as much information as possible to the receptionist so this can be entered into your notes. The receptionists have a checklist to ensure the clinician has all the relevant information. 

PATHOLOGY SAMPLES 

When we have requested pathology samples (urine/stools/swabs etc) it is important to get these samples to the laboratory and processed as soon as possible. Samples are collected by 11am Monday to Friday. 

Please do not place samples in the prescription box outside, you need to hand them to a receptionist.