Important update
Blood and stool tests
The Doctor or Nurse will give you a form for blood tests with boxes ticked against the tests required.
Please contact the Surgery in one week for the results and ensure that each one has been returned. If the test results require any discussion then you will be advised to make an appointment.
In any event please make an appointment if you have any questions about your results or if your symptoms are not settling.
X-ray, Ultrasound and MRI
Please contact Surgery after a minimum of 10 days for X-ray results and allow at least 2 weeks for Ultrasound, CT scan or MRI results.
Please note that if you were referred by any other professional for the above tests, your GP Surgery will not get these results directly and will have to wait for a letter from the relevant Consultant/Professional.
Test Results
You are welcome to call after 10.00am to enquire about your test results as our staff will have more time to help you at this time.
You will be told how long you should expect to wait for the results at the time of your test so please bear this in mind before calling. It is then your responsibility to check them and make any necessary follow-up appointment with the doctor.
Please note that we do have a strict policy regarding confidentiality and data protection. In this respect we will only give out results to the person they relate to unless that person has given prior permission for their release or if they are not capable of understanding them.
Blood Tests
Where can I have my blood test taken?
There are many options for where you can have your blood test taken. You can have your blood test at the Marlowe Park Medical Centre (patients only) on Monday and Thursday morning 8.30am to 11.30am by appointment only.
Walk-in Clinics
You can visit the Rochester Healthy Living Centre on Delce Road Monday to Friday 8.30am to 11.30am and Medway Hospital 7.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday no appointment necessary
There are many other providers for blood test in the area if none of these suit you. Please contact reception at the surgery to find out more.
Please note: Children age 2 to 16 years need to make an appointment at the hospital 01634 833774
Children without an appointment will be turned away
What is Fasting?
Some blood tests may require you to fast, which is nothing to eat or drink except water in preparation for your blood test. Your GP will advise you how long he would like you to fast for your test. Fasting (if necessary) is very important to avoid abnormal test results.
Fasting Lipids/Glucose: If fasting is required, 10 hours is required for glucose & 12 hours for lipids
Please drink plenty of water
What happens once my blood test has been taken?
Once your blood test has been taken, you may resume to eat and drink as normal. Your blood test will be sent to Medway Hospital pathology lab to be tested.
The results should be ready and sent back to your GP within 3 to 5 working days.
Please note: It is the patients' responsibility to call the surgery to find out the results of their blood test with the exception of those tests that have any abnormality.
What if I have an abnormal test result?
If your blood test is abnormal, you will be contacted by the GP or reception staff, who will advise you what to do next.
Will I have to repeat my blood test?
Usually, a blood test is only asked to be repeated for the reasons below:
- unsuitable sample - personal details on the form or blood sample bottle is incorrect
- error in the pathology lab
- abnormal test - which you may need to repeat straight away or in a few months. This will be advised by your GP.
Occasionally, if your glucose level result has proven to be high, we will ask you if you fasted for the test correctly before any further action.
If you have fasted correctly, a further test may be performed called a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) which is a more in depth way of testing you glucose level. This test is done at Medway Maritime Hospital or the Rochester Healthy Living Centre by appointment. This test is expected to last for 2 hours. For more information, please contact the surgery.
X-Rays
X-rays are normally done at Medway Maritime Hospital.
All X-rays (except spine) can be done by visiting the hospital walk-in centre Monday to Friday 8.30am to 12.00pm and 2.00pm to 4.00pm X-rays are possible on the weekends but must be by appointment only. Please note: you will need to see your GP to obtain a referral for an X-ray to present this to hospital staff.
Ultrasound scans, MRI and CT are by appointment only.
Other Services
Minor Surgery
Minor Surgery is any surgical procedure that does not involve anaesthesia or respiratory assistance.
The Marlowe Park Medical Centre does not offer minor surgery but can refer patients if necessary.
Semen Test
Please see Reception for advice on where to take semen sample for analysis.