How Long Do NHS Blood Test Results Take?

Most NHS blood test results come back within a few days, but some take longer. Here is what affects the wait, how to see your results and when to get in touch.

Updated · 4 min read

Illustration of a phone showing test results with an hourglass and a laboratory flask

Most NHS blood test results are ready within a few days, and usually within a few weeks at most. More complex tests take longer. You may be able to see your results in the NHS App, but some GP surgeries only contact you if the results need to be discussed. If you have heard nothing after a few weeks, contact the GP surgery or specialist who asked for the test.

Typical waiting times

The NHS website says you may get your blood test results after a few days, and usually within a few weeks.

The NHS App help page on test results adds that results are reviewed by a healthcare professional and are usually available within a few days, while more complex tests may take a few weeks.

What makes some results slower

  • The type of test. Common tests, such as a full blood count, are processed quickly. Some specialist tests are sent to other laboratories or run in batches.
  • Time for review. A doctor or nurse needs to look at your results before they are released or acted on.
  • Weekends and bank holidays. These can add a few days.
  • Where the test was requested. Hospital results are often sent to the hospital team first, not your GP.

If your test was urgent, the team will usually act on the result faster and contact you if something needs attention.

How you will find out

From your GP surgery

The GP, nurse or specialist should talk to you about your results and explain what happens next. However, the NHS website notes that some GP surgeries do not contact you unless they need to discuss the results.

When you have your test, ask: "How will I find out the results, and when should I contact you if I have not heard?" Surgeries differ, so this saves worry later.

In the NHS App

You can see test results in the NHS App, or by logging in to your NHS account on the NHS website, if you are 16 or over and registered with a GP surgery. In the app:

  1. Select Test results.
  2. Choose GP-ordered test results or Hospital-ordered test results, if both are shown.
  3. Read the notice about sensitive information and select Continue.

You can see results from tests at your GP surgery, and hospital results that have been sent to your surgery. Some hospital-ordered results may be available through a service called Patients Know Best, and some hospitals have their own apps.

You will not see private test results or most maternity tests in the app.

Seeing a result before anyone has spoken to you

Your healthcare professional should hold back a result from the app if they need to discuss it with you first. But the NHS App help page says you may still see results that nobody has talked to you about yet.

If you see a result marked as outside the normal range, try not to panic. Normal ranges are a guide, and a result slightly outside them is often not a concern on its own. Your doctor looks at your results alongside your symptoms, medicines and history. Contact your GP surgery if you are worried or do not understand a result.

If you would rather not see results before speaking to someone, you can ask your surgery to hide certain results or turn off access.

Older results

Test results from before late 2023 may not show automatically in the NHS App. You can ask your GP surgery to make them available. The NHS website says this can take a few weeks if approved.

You also cannot download test results from the app. Ask your GP surgery if you need a copy.

When to chase your results

Contact the GP surgery or specialist who requested the test if:

  • you have heard nothing after a few weeks
  • you were told to expect a call that has not come
  • you cannot see a result you were told would be in the app
  • your symptoms are getting worse while you wait

If you feel unwell while waiting, do not wait for the result. Use 111, contact your GP surgery or, in an emergency, call 999.

Understanding what your result means

Blood test results can be complicated. A result might mean:

  • Normal: no further action is needed for that test
  • Satisfactory or no action: your GP has reviewed it and does not need to see you
  • Contact the surgery: your GP wants to discuss the result or repeat the test

You may need more tests depending on why you had the blood test. Ask a healthcare professional to explain anything you are unsure about. If you need a blood test in future, our guide on booking an NHS blood test explains how it works.

Waiting-time questions

Why can I see some results but not others?

Results appear as each test is completed and reviewed, so a set of tests can come through at different times.

Can I phone for my results?

Yes. Many surgeries give results over the phone, often after a certain time of day. Check your surgery's website for its process.

Will the hospital send results to my GP?

Usually, but not always straight away. The hospital team may contact you directly instead.

Sources

Checked on 14 October 2026:

This guide explains the general rules for staff in England using 2026/27 figures. It is not financial advice. Your employer, payslip or NHS Pensions statement has the final word on your own pay.

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