Samples & Specimens

For infection control purposes please do not bring in any sample unless you have been requested to do so by GP, Nurse or Admin staff

Urine samples:

There are two sample bottles accepted by the laboratories depending upon what testing we need them to do. When the GP, Nurse or Admin staff speak to you they will advise which bottle you need to provide. Unfortunately if the sample is in the wrong bottle, the labs will reject it so please do not use a bottle you have at home unless the top of the bottle matches the colour we ask for. We have a large supply of empty bottles in Reception on both 1st and 2nd floor so please collect the correct pot from us if this helps.

When bringing your urine sample into Surgery please can we ask that:-

• you drop the sample to us before 12.00 hrs Monday – Friday as this is the time our collections go to the lab.
• you clearly write your name and date of birth on the sample bottle
• you complete fully the blank white form that may been given to you with the empty sample pot

All specimens for processing at the hospital laboratory are collected daily (excluding weekends) from the Surgery.

• Please ensure that specimens for testing are handed into reception before 12 noon and that the container is clearly marked with the patient’s name and date of birth.

Please call after 14:00 to enquire about your test results as our reception staff will have more time to deal with your request between these times.

Note that the practice has a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection and we will only release test results to the person to whom they relate unless that person has given prior permission for the release of this data or they are not capable of understanding the results.

When you take your test you will be told how long it will be before the results are returned to the practice.

It is your responsibility to check your results and to make an appointment to discuss them with your doctor if your are advised to do so.

Enquiries about tests ordered by the hospital should be directed to the hospital and not the practice.