Stand Alone Tests Policy
Please read the important information about how we deal with stand alone tests (including blood tests) and the results.
What have you selected?
You have selected a “test only” package. This means you have requested a test, such as a blood test, without seeing one of our clinicians. In most cases this is because you are waiting for this test already and are looking to get it done more quickly. But on some occasions this may be because you have asked for it yourself.
Can I order any test?
No. Some tests will require medical referral either via your NHS provider or one of our clinicians – this is because certain test results may create diagnostic uncertainty or identify risk to you the patient and as such we believe in having clear clinical ownership of the result.
How long do results take?
Most blood tests are available within 1-2 working days. Stool and urine samples usually take longer. You will be advised at the time of booking of likely timescales.
You will be provided with a written copy of your results.
What happens to the results?
In some cases the lab we use is a NHS lab and these results will be available through the normal NHS systems. In other cases the results are only available through us and will be issued to you directly. You may wish to share these with your NHS provider.
Will these results be available to my GP or NHS Provider?
All our lab partners are fully accredited and regulated.
Are these results accurate?
All results are reviewed by a qualified medical practitioner on receipt.
If a result is potentially life threatening or needs emergency intervention then appropriate action will be taken by our clinic – you will be contacted and told what action needs to be taken and if you cannot be contacted we may contact your registered GP or other services so they can institute appropriate action. This would be only in extreme circumstances and would be undertaken to protect you the patient.
If the result is abnormal, we can advise you of the most appropriate person for you to discuss these with.
If you choose to have this discussion with a clinician at TCH then there will be additional charges for this consultation. You would be advised of these in advance with no obligation to proceed. We will not offer clinical advice outwith a consultation setting nor are our reception team qualified to do so.
What happens with abnormal results?
In most cases your NHS Provider will be happy to use the result as part of your healthcare. For example, if you were waiting for a test via the NHS and chose to use us then that result would be returned to you and you can share this with your NHS provider and they would continue on with your care as planned.
In the case of you having selected the test yourself as you have selected private healthcare then your GP is under no obligation to action the result if they do not feel the test was necessary as part of standard NHS care. In these rare cases we can direct you to the appropriate person in our clinic to see (charges apply as above) but otherwise we would not necessarily take further action unless the result was deemed dangerous to you or your health.
Does my NHS Provider have to action the result?
Please either contact us contact us via our website, email us on enquiries@taysidecompletehealth.com or by phone on 01382549088, selecting option 1 and someone will get back to you.