Results People are often asked to have lab tests, specimens, xrays or scans after seeing the doctor. Most results arrive in the computer system where we have software to help manage them. Sometimes tests are done to help find out what is causing your symptoms or problem, while other tests are done to screen for absence of disease. This includes cervical screening, mammograms, lipid tests.

The ideal next step is to see the doctor again to discuss the results and ask all the questions you might have. Sometimes this is important, but we realise there are quite a few things that may not need a followup visit.

Our lab request form has the following advice on it:
"Reporting of Results: Please call Anne Street Medical 445 3483, if you require any results or need to update your contact details. Your doctor or nurse will notify you of important results only."

Results that need action:
We will do our best to track you down and let you know about abnormal results. This will often need a further appointment to discuss the problem more fully and agree on what needs to be done. Please make sure you've left us your contact details.

Results that don't need action:
Normal screening test results may be notified by email, a phonecall, or by letter. We're about to try a txt message system for notifying normal results, and for appointment reminders.

At present we don't contact you about all test results that are normal as it occupies a significant amount of staff time, but if you are still curious, please call and ask to speak with a nurse for any results you want to know and for any explanation you might need. Its best not to ask the front desk receptionist for results and what they mean: this isn't private and they're not trained to interpret investigations.

See Lab tests Online for more information about lab tests and results.