A GP wants people to know that they should always check their results after a blood test or scan, instead of assuming that no news is good news. The advice was shared by Dr Shireen, a GP and Medical Educator, who often posts informational videos on her popular social media accounts.
She recently told Instagram viewers about the importance of getting test results. Dr Shireen questioned: "If you have a blood test or a scan done at your GP surgery and you don't hear from your GP with the results, should you assume that that is normal and no news is good news?"
She replied to her question, sharing: "The short answer is no." The GP continued: "Usually, if we notice an abnormal blood test or an abnormal scan, we will mark that as abnormal and ask reception to book in either a routine or an urgent appointment.
"If there's something very significant, almost like an emergency kind of result on the blood test, then we will just call you straight away as soon as we see it, with no appointment booked. However, we book hundreds of blood tests and scans a week."
She said: "It's impossible for us to get those results and action them all straight away because otherwise we will have no time to see patients and do all of the other admin that we have to do.
"So if you haven't heard from your GP, it could be that the result is actually still in an inbox and hasn't yet been seen. So don't assume that it's normal and go on holiday or whatever without checking."
Dr Shireen highlighted the various ways patients could access their results. These include checking your results using the NHS app, emailing your GP surgery, or sending an e-consult to request the results.
Some people can also call their GP to request the results, reports the Mirror. Dr Shireen explained that some GP practices enable receptionists to share normal results, though this won't be applicable for all.
If you can't confirm your results with the reception team, you'll need a telephone appointment to discuss the results with your GP, even when the results are normal.
Dr Shireen urged viewers to follow up with their GP surgery after every test. She concluded: "The bottom line is, if you've had a test and you haven't heard back, don't just assume that the test was normal. It's always, always worth checking."
According to the NHS website, you must be aged 16 or over and registered with a GP surgery to view your test results online. You can view your GP health record using the NHS app or by logging into your account on the NHS website.
With blood tests, you'll usually receive your results within a few weeks. The NHS says: "If you do not hear anything after a few weeks, contact the GP surgery or specialist."
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