During your consultation with the doctor or nurse they may suggest that you have a blood test, urine test or X-ray.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can be done either at the surgery or at Furness General Hospital. If you would like to come for your blood test at the surgery you will need an appointment that can be booked at our reception desk.
The receptionist will ask you if the test is fasting and if it is she will do her best to book you an appointment for early in the morning so you do not have to fast for to long. Please give your blood test form if you have one to the receptionist who will keep it safe until your appointment.
If the test is fasting you will need to have nothing to eat or drink except plenty of water (to keep you hydrated) for 12 hours before your appointment.
If you would like to go to Furness General Hospital for your blood test you will need to go at a certain time – which has bee allocated to our practice:
- For Fasting Tests - 9.00am to 10.00am – Friday morning ONLY
- Routine Tests – 12noon to 4.30pm Monday to Friday
Stool Tests
If you are asked to do a stool test you will be given a container and a form with a plastic bag attached. Please ensure your name in on the container before you use it and place the sample in the plastic bag attached to the form. The stool specimen can be taken directly to the Path Lab at Furness General Hospital or it can be left at the surgery before 2.00pm Monday to Friday and we will send it to the Hospital.
Urine Tests
If you are asked to do a urine test you will be given a container and a form with a plastic bag attached. Please ensure your name in on the container before you use it (please make sure the specimen container is dry on the outside before you put it in the plastic bag attached to the form as the Lab sometimes think the container has leaked and they will not do the test.) The urine specimen can be taken directly to the Path Lab at Furness General Hospital or it can be left at the surgery before 2.00pm Monday to Friday and we will send it to the Hospital. If you are asked to get a urine sample from a baby or young child it is possible to purchase urine collection nappies from the Pharmacy. These are called Newcastle urine collection pads.
X-rays
If the doctor recommends that you have an X-ray or a scan – they will advise you if you can go directly to the X-ray department and will give you the form to take.
Some procedures are by appointment only, the doctor will send the form to the hospital and you will receive an appointment in the post.