Quick answers
These answers are for people concerned that a GP surgery failed to act on abnormal test results. They are general information only, not legal advice on any individual case.
Can a GP be negligent for not acting on test results?
A claim may be possible where abnormal or worrying test results were received by the GP surgery but not reviewed, communicated, repeated, referred or acted on appropriately, causing avoidable harm.
What kinds of results can be involved?
These claims can involve blood tests, urine tests, stool tests, imaging reports, histology, microbiology, hospital letters, discharge summaries or other investigations sent back to primary care.
Why communication matters
The NHS explains that patients may be able to view test results online and that a GP, nurse or specialist should talk to patients about results and explain what happens next where needed. Failures in communication or follow-up can be important.
What might go wrong in practice?
Problems can include results filed without review, abnormal results marked as normal, no follow-up appointment, no urgent referral, failure to repeat testing, administrative errors or unclear responsibility between hospital and GP.
What evidence helps?
Useful evidence includes the test request, result date, abnormal values, GP records, electronic audit trail if available, messages or letters, referral records, hospital records and the timeline of symptoms and harm.
What must still be proved?
It must usually be shown that the result should have been acted on, that reasonable action would probably have changed what happened, and that the patient suffered avoidable harm as a result.
Sources used
This page is informed by NHS public guidance on blood test results and viewing test results online. See NHS: Blood tests and View your test results.