Test results

Priory Medical Centre cares for the equivalent of 14,000 patients, and we process a very high number of test results every day.

To ensure all patients receive safe and timely care, we follow a consistent results system:

👉 We will contact you if your result is abnormal or needs action

If your result is normal, you will not routinely be contacted.

We understand some patients prefer reassurance, and we aim to make it as easy as possible for you to access your results directly.

How to Check Your Results

The easiest and quickest way to view your results is via the NHS App:

👉 View your test results on the NHS App

If a GP or nurse at Priory Medical Centre has requested your test:

• Your result will appear on the NHS App
• This will be after a clinician has reviewed it and added a comment

When Should I Contact the Surgery?

You are welcome to contact us if:

• You have been asked to do so by a clinician, or
• It has been more than 2 weeks and:
  • You cannot access the NHS App, or
  • You have ongoing concerns

👉 If you have not heard from us after 2 weeks, this usually means your result is normal or does not require action

Understanding Your Results

When reviewing results, our clinicians may add comments such as:

• Normal – no action
• Acceptable – no action
• Repeat test needed
• Abnormal – no action

Important

It is very common for results on the NHS App to appear slightly above or below the “normal range”.

This can understandably be worrying, but:

• Results are always reviewed by a GP or highly trained nurse
• They are interpreted in the context of:
  • Your medical history
  • Previous results
  • Your overall health

👉 This means a result that appears “abnormal” on the app may still be completely appropriate for you

If Your Result Needs Follow-Up

If your result requires follow-up, please be reassured:

• A clinician has already reviewed the result and assessed how urgent it is
• You will be offered an appointment within a safe and appropriate timeframe

We understand it can feel worrying to wait, but:

• If an appointment is offered 7 days or more in advance, this usually means the result is not urgent or harmful
• For example, waiting a few weeks to discuss cholesterol results is clinically appropriate and safe

👉 We have robust systems in place to ensure all results are followed up safely and in a timely way

You do not need to contact the surgery to:

• Let us know you have seen your result
• Request an earlier appointment
• Check if the timing is safe

If anything needed urgent attention, we would contact you sooner.

Why We Encourage You Not to Worry About App Results Alone

We completely understand that seeing results outside the normal range can be concerning.

However:

• The NHS App shows raw numbers, not clinical interpretation
• Results cannot be understood in isolation
• Interpretation requires medical training and full clinical context

👉 Please be reassured that every result is carefully reviewed, and we will contact you if needed

Hospital / Specialist Test Results

We can only provide results for tests requested by Priory Medical Centre.

If your test was arranged by:

• A hospital doctor
• A consultant
• A specialist clinic

👉 Please contact the hospital or clinic directly

This is because:

• The clinician who orders a test is responsible for reviewing and explaining it

👉 GMC Guidance – Investigations and follow-up responsibilities

Key Points

• ✅ We will contact you if results need action
• ✅ Use the NHS App for quick access to results
• ✅ No contact after 2 weeks usually means no action is needed
• ❗ Results on the app may look abnormal but still be normal for you
• ❗ Follow-up timing reflects clinical urgency
• ❗ Hospital tests must be followed up with the hospital

Final Message

We understand that waiting for results or seeing unexpected values can feel worrying.

Please be reassured:

• Every result is reviewed by a trained clinician
• Follow-up is arranged based on clinical need
• If anything requires urgent action, we will contact you promptly

Our aim is to provide safe, efficient, and high-quality care for all patients, while helping you access your information easily.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Log in – NHS App Online (service.nhs.uk)