How to obtain NHS test results, reports and scan images

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

A laboratory result, an ultrasound report and the underlying images are different records. First establish who ordered the test and which organisation holds what you need. The NHS App displays only part of your information; a missing result does not prove the test was lost or that everything is normal.

Check results available through your GP

In England, the NHS App ↗ shows GP-ordered test results. Some hospital results are available through a Patients Know Best integration, while some trusts use their own patient portal. Private, maternity and hospital-ordered results do not all appear in one place.

For a GP-ordered test, contact the surgery first. Ask whether the result has arrived, whether a clinician has reviewed it and whether you need a discussion. Older results, particularly those before October 2023, may not appear automatically; ask about access to historical records. The NHS explains obtaining results through your practice ↗.

Request a usable copy

Viewing a result on screen is not the same as having a downloadable document. The NHS page checked on 7 October 2026 says test results cannot be downloaded from the NHS App; ask the surgery for a copy. Request a digital version or printout. When sending information to another clinician, make sure your name, test date, units, reference ranges and any report are included.

Before future tests, ask when to expect results, who will explain them and whom to contact if nothing arrives. These questions appear in the NHS patient appointment checklist ↗. Do not assume that no telephone call always means “everything is fine”.

Ask the hospital trust for its records and images

For a hospital-ordered test, find Health records, Accessing your information or Subject access request on the trust's official website. Specify what you need: a radiology report, discharge summary, clinic letter or copy of imaging. Include the hospital, approximate date, test type and body area to help staff locate the record.

For a second opinion, ask the receiving clinician whether they need the actual images, for example in DICOM format, and how to transfer them securely. A report PDF or screenshot of one image may not serve the same purpose. Guy's and St Thomas' publishes its records-request procedure ↗ as an example; follow the process of the organisation that holds your information.

When to make a subject access request

A SAR requests a copy of personal information from the organisation holding it. You do not need a solicitor. Specify the period, documents, identifying information and preferred format. A representative must demonstrate your permission or their authority. See the ICO's SAR guide ↗.

The usual response period is one month, but identification checks, clarification or a complex request may affect the timescale. A SAR is normally free, with exceptions for excessive requests and further copies. The ICO explains the conditions ↗. This is not an urgent clinical-assessment route or a promise of immediate access to your complete history.

If information is missing or unclear

Keep the request date and confirmation. Discuss GP-record errors with the practice and hospital-record errors with the trust. Ask the clinician who ordered the test to explain its medical significance and next steps; the app does not replace that conversation. Obtain medical help separately if your condition worsens while records are being prepared. The practical route described is for England; SAR rights apply across the UK. Checked on 7 October 2026.