Do you usually get notified about blood test results after having them on the NHS?

[frumpychic]

I had blood tests done in December last year. I didn't get sent a letter in the post telling me what the results were. I had to submit a subject access request through my local NHS trust's website for them to send me the results. I submitted the SAR in early February and they sent me an email today with a PDF file showing the blood test results. They have had the results since early December, but didn't tell me until I submitted the subject access request. The same thing happened when I previously had blood tests in 2023.

The results were mostly normal (just one thing was slightly high but nothing to worry about apparently), but I am not convinced they would have told me even if they weren't. I'm wondering if this is the norm now where you have to chase them up for them to tell you the results. It was quite stressful as I was worried that they had lost the vials with my blood in or the results had gone missing.

Don't know what the norm is, but in recent years I've only been contacted about blood results when there was something worrying. I have regular checks for a condition and get the results via the app Patient Access.

You should be able to access any test results through the NHS app

I have the NHS app and Patient Access app (have had both for ages), but neither of them show me any of my test results.

Mine show on NHS app. Your surgery will hopefully catch up soon. In the past I used to ring and ask them and they would tell me on the phone.

That's bonkers. I use the app (under GP record), but before the app I just for the receptionist to print them off. They are your results, you shouldn't have to do an access request.

Ours are on the app. They may be under gp test or hospital depending who ordered them.

I worked at a surgery and patients were told to call in a week for the results (or check NHS app), this is where it’s your own surgery has requested the blood test. Tests done elsewhere aren’t as straightforward, you need to speak to whoever arranged the test (consultant’s secretary for example).

Ask your surgery to allow you to access them on the app, I had to grant permission via the surgery - can't remember how it works but have full access to my recorded via system online and the NHS app

When I worked in the NHS we only notified patients if there was something abnormal but we did tell them that. We always told them in the appt that, if they didn't hear from us, it was because there were no concerns

We have an online system where we can see them and I'm pretty sure I've rung up and asked the receptionist before as well.

Were they done at GP surgery or hospital?
Our GP surgery usually tells us what day to ring the dedicated results line to get the results. Although if there's a problem we get as text asking us to make an appointment.

I've been checking my app every 30mins or so.... Blood test this morning and usually there by now. Ought to leave it until tomorrow I think!

Crazy you've had to issist. Pre the app our surgery wouldn't print them off just tell you if they were normal or not.

We're told they only contact up if theres a problem.

Yes on the NHS app and patient knows best, also usually a text and an email to say they are there.

The surgery only contacts me if there's a concern, but they show up on the app very promptly.

That's nuts
I've no idea why you had to submit a SAR to access your own medical records
I would ask the surgery for their policy
Coincidentally I had blood tests yesterday( hba1c and cholesterol)
I expect them to be available on the Airmid app tomorrow.
I usually receive a text to tell me if they're normal/ abnormal too
My records on the app go back to my first immunisations in 1965!

Also surely you can phone the surgery for your results? I don't understand why you needed a SAR.

DH had a blood test at the surgery yeterday morning and got an email (from Addenbrookes hospital) in the afternoon to say his results were available, on the MyChart app.

We now get ours on MyChart. I wouldn't rely on a GP surgery to contact me if there was an issue, I've known people end up in hospital when they weren't contacted by their GP surgery.

I also like to know the actual results. For example, I might choose a vitamin/mineral supplement if I am close to the bottom of a range for something or see a trend in the wrong direction. Also the NHS reference ranges aren't always the same as other countries'. For example, the NHS thyroid ranges used to leave some people with issues untreated. No idea if that's still the same. Whilst you might not be a doctor, no one will take more interest in your health than you do.

I usually have to phone the results line for test results although sometimes they will message on the online askmygp system. They did this when I was low in B12 and folate as they wanted me to have a B12 injection and to take B12 and folic acid tablets

I haven’t had a blood test in ages but DH’s have shown on the app (even before a GP looked at them). He then got a text message to advise of a result asking if he wanted to up medication. If all is well, there’s no contact.
Previously I was contacted by the surgery asking me to book a GP appointment when something needed reviewing. Otherwise, could call in the afternoon or, I think, make a request via e-consult.

I had bloods a couple of weeks ago via my GP and got a phone call last week to ask me to go in to discuss. The earliest appt isn't until end of March so I'm assuming it's not urgent!

Had them as I have peri symptoms and have done for two years.

In the NHS hospital dept I work in though we would only contact a patient if there was something abnormal in the results.

I can look on the NHS app I have now but at one time I always had to call or go in and ask.

I work at a GP surgery. We only call patients if something comes back as abnormal. Results are available on the app as soon as the doctor has processed them. If you call we can tell you if they are 'normal' or 'abnormal' etc over the phone but not figures as receptionists aren't clinically trained. If you come in with photo ID we would print them out for you.
Perhaps you haven't got full online access? If you call the surgery that can be updated instantly. If you have got full access you can definately see them on the app.
When you gave in the SARS form did you explain to the receptionist what it was for? She would have known SARS wasn't needed for getting results.

I was hoping mine would appear but guessing it's a bit late now 😂. Will look tomorrow...

I also get them in the NHS. I think I had to ask my GP to run that on or make sure my accounts were linked or something, but now they show up there.