How Long it takes to get the Results from a Private Blood Test
Although the process of obtaining a blood test is simple, you may have concerns about how long it will take if it is not affiliated with your doctor’s surgery. On average, an NHS blood test performed at a GP surgery takes approximately 5 to 7 days to come back and for the result to be communicated to you.
Obtaining the results of a private blood test should be an easier and far more efficient process compared to standard NHS blood testing. Once the blood has been drawn, it is sent the pathology laboratory as soon as possible. In some instances, it may be the case that you have to arrange the delivery to the laboratory. If this is applicable to you, it is advised that you send the samples by Guaranteed Next Day delivery rather than by first class post to ensure that the samples arrive quickly and safely to their destination. The majority of test results, once received by the laboratory, are processed within 24 hours. However, some tests, especially more complex, multi-parameter tests, may take slightly longer for results to be returned to you.
To obtain the results, you will either be called by a medical professional or you may enquire at the centre where the test was performed for additional information concerning their standard procedures over blood test results. In some instances, you may just be provided with the laboratory report where any abnormal values are asterisked and this can be then further investigated by a healthcare professional. It should be explained to you what exactly the results mean and any further actions you may be required to take to resolve the issues identified. Any results that you receive are handled in strict confidence in accordance to the Data Protection Act. No information will be shared with any third party individual, such as a GP or other medical profession, unless you give your prior consent for the clinic to do so.