Blood Tests
A blood test is when a sample of blood is taken for testing in a laboratory. Blood tests have a wide range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test. For example, a blood test can be used to:
- assess your general state of health
- confirm the presence of a bacterial or viral infection
- see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning
A blood test usually involves the phlebotomist taking a blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm. and the usual place for a sample is the inside of the elbow or wrist, where the veins are relatively close to the surface. Blood samples from children are most commonly taken from the back of the hand. The child's hand will be anaesthetised (numbed) with a special cream before the sample is taken.
You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Choices website.
Booking your appointment at the practice
We undertake phlebotomy here at the surgery for patients aged 12 and over, by appointment only. Your booking can be made easily online via the NHS app, or by ringing the practice.
If you are booking a blood test for a child under 12 years of age, please use the link below to book the phlebotomy appointment.
Booking your appointment at the hospital
If you prefer to book you appointment at the hospital, please book via their booking portal on using the following webpage: https://itx.ekhuft.nhs.uk/patheks
Upon completion of the booking process, patients will receive a text message and email with the date and time of their chosen appointment. If patients need to change or amend their appointment they can click the link in their confirmatory text message or email and cancel the appointment and rebook for a more convenient time
This service is for routine blood tests only. Patients requiring a glucose tolerance test are still asked to check the phlebotomy pages of the Trust website and follow the booking guidance there.