Test page template

An ideal template including headings and what information to add in which sections.

[H1] [Insert Test Name]

Writing tip: Use the most common name patients will recognise. Avoid technical terminology in the main title unless patients commonly use it. Consider SEO – what terms do patients search for?

Example: ​“Kidney stone risk panel” not ​“Renal calculi metabolic evaluation” Example: ​“Full Blood Count (FBC)” not ​“Complete Blood Picture”

[Standfirst – Short Description]

Writing tips:

  • Write 30–50 words (2–3 sentences) explaining what the test measures and why
  • Start with ​“This test measures…” or ​“This test checks…”
  • Use simple, everyday language
  • Include key search terms naturally (for SEO/​discoverability)
  • This will be used for cross-linking and meta descriptions
  • Avoid medical jargon in this opening description

Example: ​“This test measures chemicals in your urine that can lead to kidney stones. It helps your doctor understand why you had a kidney stone and how to prevent another one.”

Also known as:

Writing tip: List all common alternative names, including medical terms patients might see on forms or hear from healthcare professionals. Separate with commas.

Example: ​“Urine Calcium, Urine Oxalate, Urine Uric Acid (Urate), Urine Citric Acid (Citrate), Urine Creatinine, Renal Stone Risk Panel”

Formal name:

Writing tip: Include the official medical/​laboratory name of the test

Last reviewed: [Date]

SNOMED codes: [Code(s) and preferred term(s)]

Writing tip: Include relevant SNOMED CT codes. Check with clinical reviewer for correct codes. This supports NHS app integration.

[H2] Who needs this test

Writing tips:

  • Explain who would typically have this test
  • Use bullet points if there are multiple scenarios
  • Start with ​“This test may be used if you’ve had…” or similar patient-focused language
  • Explain when this test is/​isn’t routine, if relevant
  • Target: 100–150 words

Structure:

  • Brief introductory sentence
  • Bulleted list of specific situations/​conditions
  • Any important clarification about when this test is/​isn’t used

[H2] Preparing for your test

Writing tips:

  • Explain what sample is needed (blood, urine, etc.)
  • Give clear, practical instructions
  • Explain if any special preparation is needed (or explicitly state ​“no special preparation”)
  • Include timing information if relevant
  • Use bold for key information patients must not miss
  • Target: 50–100 words

Structure:

  • What sample is required and how it’s collected
  • Any special preparation needed (or state ​“No special preparation is needed”)
  • Any timing considerations
  • Link to detailed collection instructions if needed

[H2] Understanding your results

Writing tip: Start with a reassuring sentence that explains the doctor will help interpret results personally

Example: ​“Your doctor will explain your results and what they mean for you.”

This is your most substantial section (400–800 words). Prioritize clarity and usefulness.

[H3] What the test measures

Writing tips:

  • Explain what substances/​markers the test looks for
  • Use bullet points if multiple substances are measured
  • Keep each point brief and clear
  • Explain the significance in simple terms
  • Target: 100–200 words

For Multi-Component Tests (like FBC):

If your test measures many related components:

  • Group related measurements together
  • Use a brief overview sentence for each group
  • Use bullet points to list specific measurements within each group
  • Avoid overwhelming detail at this stage

Example structure:

Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. The test measures:

  • how many red blood cells you have
  • how much haemoglobin (oxygen-carrying protein) is in your blood
  • the size and shape of your red blood cells

[H3] What your results mean

Writing tips:

  • Break down different result scenarios using H4 subheadings
  • Use patterns like ​“If your [substance/​marker] is high/​low/​abnormal”
  • Explain what each result means in practical terms
  • Avoid alarming language while being honest
  • Include both temporary and ongoing causes where relevant

[H4] If your [substance/​marker] is [high/​low/​abnormal]

Writing tips:

  • Explain what this result indicates in plain language
  • Mention both temporary and ongoing causes
  • Briefly note what treatment/​action might follow
  • Use plain language: ​“You’re more likely to…” rather than ​“increased probability of…”

For temporary changes, use language like:

  • “This can happen with…”
  • “Usually resolves when…”
  • “Often temporary”

For ongoing changes, use language like:

  • “May indicate…”
  • “Needs investigation”
  • “Requires monitoring”

Repeat this H4 subheading structure for each key result type

Explaining Result Patterns (When Relevant)

Use this approach if:

  • Multiple abnormal results together point to specific conditions
  • Patterns are meaningful and not too complex
  • Patients would benefit from understanding the pattern*

Don’t use if:

  • Patterns are too complex or confusing
  • Most patients will only have one abnormal result
  • Pattern interpretation requires significant clinical judgment*

Example: The size of your red blood cells (MCV) helps identify the cause:

  • Small cells (low MCV): usually suggests iron deficiency, long-standing inflammation, or thalassaemia
  • Large cells (high MCV): usually suggests vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, liver disease, or underactive thyroid

[H3] Reference ranges

Writing tips:

  • Explain what reference ranges are
  • Note that these may vary by laboratory
  • Include demographic variations if clinically significant
  • Remind readers to discuss their specific results with their doctor
  • Keep this section brief – detailed ranges are in the NHS app

Including Demographic Variations

Check if normal ranges vary by:

  • Age (especially for children vs adults)
  • Sex/​gender
  • Ethnicity
  • Pregnancy status
  • Other relevant factors

If variations exist and are clinically significant:

  • State this clearly within the relevant result section
  • Reassure readers that their doctor will account for this
  • Use inclusive language

Example: ​“Important: The ​‘normal’ level of neutrophils varies between ethnic groups. Your doctor will take this into account when interpreting your results.”

[INSET TEXT] Important information

Writing tips:

  • Use for crucial context about interpreting results
  • Explain limitations of the test
  • Reassure readers where appropriate
  • Mention other factors doctors consider alongside these results
  • Keep to 3–5 sentences maximum
  • Use maximum 1–2 callouts per page

Place within or immediately after ​“Understanding your results” section

Example topics:

  • Test limitations (e.g., ​“can’t predict exactly when…”)
  • Other factors doctors consider
  • Individual variation in results
  • Some changes are temporary and resolve on their own
  • Timeline considerations

Example: ​“These results help your doctor understand your risk, but they can’t predict exactly if or when you might get another stone. Your doctor will look at your results alongside your medical history, the type of stone you had, your family history, and your diet and lifestyle.”

[H2] Questions to ask your doctor

Writing tips:

  • Provide 6–10 practical questions
  • Use bullet points
  • Frame questions simply and directly
  • Cover interpretation, implications, next steps, and lifestyle
  • Start questions with: What, How, Should, Do, When
  • These questions empower patients in consultations

Example questions:

  • Which of my results are outside the normal range?
  • What’s causing these high or low levels?
  • What changes should I make to my diet or lifestyle?
  • Do I need medication?
  • How often should I be tested again?
  • What are my chances of [condition/​recurrence]?
  • Should my family members be tested?

[H2] What happens next

Writing tips:

  • Explain common next steps after getting results
  • Use bullet points with bold subheadings for each category
  • Be specific and practical
  • Include typical timelines if relevant
  • Set clear expectations about monitoring/re-testing
  • Signpost back to NHS app and healthcare providers

Structure:

  • Opening sentence about discussing results with doctor
  • Common interventions (lifestyle changes, medications, monitoring)
  • Brief explanation of each intervention
  • Progress monitoring information
  • Expected timelines where relevant

Example opening: ​“Your doctor will discuss your results with you and agree on next steps together.”

[H3] Learn more about [prevention/​management]

Writing tips:

  • Provide links to relevant NHS resources
  • Keep this section brief – 1–2 sentences plus link
  • Frame as ​“for detailed guidance” rather than duplicating prevention information
  • Make the onward journey explicit – where do patients go from here?

Note: Link to NHS.uk pages rather than duplicating prevention/​treatment content. This is NHS.uk’s role, not LTO’s.

[H2] What can affect your results (Optional section)

Use this section if:

  • Common medications affect the test
  • Recent medical procedures affect results (e.g., transfusions)
  • Timing of sample collection matters
  • Diet or supplements interfere with results

Writing tips:

  • Keep it brief and practical
  • Focus on common factors patients can control or should know about
  • Use bullet points
  • Reassure that their doctor will consider these factors

Example: Your results may be affected by:

  • recent blood transfusions
  • certain medications (your doctor will know which ones)
  • the time of day the sample was taken
  • whether you were fasting

[H2] Other tests you might need

Writing tips:

  • List related tests with brief explanations
  • Use bullet points with bold test names
  • Keep each description to 1 sentence
  • Explain why each test might be needed

Example format:

  • [Test name]: [one sentence explaining what it checks and why it might be needed]

[H2] About [condition name]

Writing tips:

  • Provide 50–75 words MAXIMUM
  • Explain the condition in everyday language
  • Link to NHS.uk for comprehensive information
  • DO NOT duplicate information available on NHS.uk
  • This goes at the END for interested readers
  • Make the onward journey to NHS clear

Structure:

  • 1–2 sentences explaining what the condition is
  • 1 sentence about symptoms or impact
  • Link to NHS.uk: ​“More information about [condition]”

Example: ​“Kidney stones are hard lumps that form in your urine when it becomes too concentrated and minerals crystallise and clump together. They can cause severe pain if they move into the tubes leading to your bladder. Usually stones pass on their own, but sometimes medical treatment is needed if they’re too large.”

[External link]
 More information about [condition]: [NHS: Condition page URL]

[H2] Related tests

Writing tip: Link to relevant test pages on LabTestsOnline UK. Use bullet points or navigation tiles.

[Related content navigation tiles] (use 3–6 maximum)

  • [Test Name 1]
  • [Test Name 2]
  • [Test Name 3]

[H2] Related links

Writing tip: Link to relevant NHS.uk condition pages and clinical guidance (e.g., NICE guidelines). Use bullet points.

[Action links – external]

  • [NHS: Condition Name]
  • [NICE guideline: Title]