What are urine tests?

We may ask for a urine sample to help us diagnose or rule out certain health conditions. 

Urine contains waste products that are filtered out of the body. If the sample contains anything unusual, it may indicate an underlying health problem. Commonly we may ask for a urine sample to test for urinary tract infections (UTI).

What do I do if I think I have a UTI/need a urine test? 

If you think you have a UTI or need a urine test, contact us first and we will provide you with a sample bottle. Once you have collected your sample, please provide us your sample before 12:30pm, as our samples get sent off by 1pm. Otherwise, your sample will remain in our sample box overnight which may affect your results.

How do I collect the sample?

For information and advice on how to collect the sample, please visit the NHS website. To collect the sample, we will provide you with a sample bottle. Please ensure you have provided us a decent amount of sample so we can send it off for tests. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after sample collection. 

What are stool tests?

We may ask you for a stool sample to help us diagnose or rule out a particular health condition. Poo contains bacteria and other substances that are in the digestive system. By testing the levels of these substances and bacteria in your poo, it's possible to work out what's happening in your digestive system.

Commonly we may ask for a stool test to help diagnose gastroenteritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

How do I collect the sample?

For information and advice on how to collect the sample please see the NHS website.To collect the sample, we will provide you with a sample bottle. Please ensure you have provided us a decent amount of sample so we can send it off for tests. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after sample collection. 

We will contact you by telephone, or by letter, only if a result is abnormal and you require treatment or further investigations. You will not be contacted if your result is normal. If you wish to enquire about the results of your tests please call us in the afternoon. The administrative staff will give results to you or you may be asked to speak to the nurse or doctor. Adults' results will not be given to anyone other than the patient, except in exceptional circumstances. 

Results are normally available:

• after 3 - 5 days for urine test results
• after 5 - 7 days for fecal test results