A blood test is when a sample of blood is taken for testing in a laboratory. Blood tests have a wide range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test. For example, a blood test can be used to:

• assess your general state of health
• confirm the presence of a bacterial or viral infection
• see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning

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

Blood samples from children are most commonly taken from the back of the hand. Anyone under 16 who needs a blood test must book in with our phlebotomist.

Urine samples and stool samples are used to look for infection or blood. All samples are picked up from the surgery at approximately 11:30 and 15:00. If you are asked to bring a sample to the surgery please do so by 14:45. Please ensure that that top is screwed up tightly. Please do not detach the sample from the form or the plastic sample bag.

You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS website.

Results are available within 48 hours for most of the tests.

X-Ray

An X-ray is a widely used diagnostic test to examine the inside of the body. X-rays are a very effective way of detecting problems with bones, such as fractures. They can also often identify problems with soft tissue, such as pneumonia or breast cancer.

If you have a X-ray, you will be asked to lie on a table or stand against a surface so that the part of your body being X-rayed is between the X-ray tube and the photographic plate.

An X-ray is usually carried out by a radiographer, a healthcare professional who specialises in using imaging technology, such as X-rays and ultrasound scanners. A report will be sent to the surgery 2 weeks later. If you have got a fracture the radiographer will direct you to accident and emergency immediately.

You can find out more about x-ray tests, how they are performed, their function and the risks by visiting the NHS Website.