Testing my nerves
Question
I'm on the combined pill but my Mum doesn't know. I'm having a blood test tomorrow and I'm worried the results will reveal that I'm on the pill and the doctors will tell my Mum. Will they be able to tell I'm on the pill from my blood test results?
Answer
When blood tests are done, doctors will be looking for specific things, such as iron levels. It is these kind of things that will be recorded in your results. So, whatever your test is for is what the doctors will be taking note of. If you aren't sure what your blood is being tested for, speak to your doctor (GP).
Doctors, nurses and other health workers have a duty not to give out information about you without your consent, except in exceptional circumstances.
People of any age are entitled to confidentiality of their medical records, which means your doctor cannot give anyone, including your parents, details of your blood tests without your permission. If you are under 16, doctors and other workers still have to keep what is said private.
If you are still concerned, you could always phone the hospital or service you are using to ask them about patient confidentiality.
If you want to discuss your situation in more depth, you can visit or call Brook on 0800 0185 023.
Updated: 24/03/2006
Question answered by YouthNet in association with Brook
