Blood test results FAQ:

Why have I been asked to book a routine appointment?

The clinician who has read your results has assessed your results together with your medical history and they have decided that you would benefit from a review. This would ideally be with the clinician who requested your tests as they best placed to follow up your care.

When should I expect to have my appointment?

The majority of follow-ups can wait up to 4 weeks to discuss and is appropriate to be discussed then. The clinician when assessing your results will have decided that the next routine appointment would be suitable. If a patient ever has a blood test which needs medical attention sooner than this, the clinician will arrange an appointment sooner than the next routine appointment.

Why have I been asked to have a repeat test?

If a doctor asks you to have a repeat test it is usually because:

  • The result was borderline or equivocal – so the clinician wants another sample to monitor the situation or to re-check
  • The result is abnormal – and the clinician is unable to interpret the result without further tests so has asked you to come in for more test.

Please do not worry if the clinician has asked you for a repeat test, if there is a serious problem then the clinician will speak or request to see you directly.