How to book a blood test
Visit https://www.swiftqueue.co.uk/search.php
If booking outside of your area, please ensure you take a paper request form.
BSPS appointment booking: 03006 134117
Email:
We do not facilitate a walk in service.
Fainting
Please let your Phlebotomist know if you have a history of fainting or if you feel unwell, so they can provide the best care for you. If you have fainted or felt dizzy during or following your blood test, when you are well enough to leave, we advise you to rest and have something to eat and drink.
This leaflet outlines how to prepare and what to expect at your blood test appointment. If you have any further questions, please speak to the Phlebotomist who takes your blood or see contact details at the back of this leaflet.
Bruising
Bruising or haematoma is the most common complication of the blood test procedure and should subside after a few days. Applying firm pressure to the site will minimise bruising from occurring. Resting, elevating and applying ice to the site can help reduce bruising.
How should I prepare for my blood test?
The healthcare professional who arranges your blood test will tell you whether there are any specific instructions you need to follow before your test.
For example, depending on the type of blood test, you may be asked to:
- Avoid eating or drinking anything, apart from water (fasting) for up to 12 hours.
- Stop taking certain medication.
It’s important to follow the instructions you’re given, as it may affect the result of the test, leading to delay or the need for blood to be taken again.
What should I bring to my blood test?
Please bring your blood request form with you, if you have one. Please note, for GP requests and requests from other Hospitals you must bring a printed copy of your blood form. Requests from Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals Foundation Trust may be digital.
What will happen during my blood test?
Most blood tests only take a few minutes to complete and are carried out by a Phlebotomist (a specialist in taking blood samples).
The usual place for a sample to be taken from is the inside of the elbow where the veins are relatively close to the surface.
A tight band (tourniquet) is put around your upper arm. This squeezes the arm temporarily, slowing down the flow of blood and causing the vein to swell, making it easier for a sample to be taken.
Before taking the sample, the phlebotomist will clean the area of skin with an antiseptic wipe.
A sterile needle attached to a holder is inserted into the vein to draw out a sample of your blood, multiple tubes can be taken. You may feel a slight pricking or scratching sensation as the needle goes in, but it shouldn’t be painful. If you don’t like needles and blood, tell the person who is taking the sample so they can make you more comfortable.
When the sample has been taken, the tourniquet will be released, and the needle will be removed. Pressure is applied to the skin for a few minutes using gauze. The gauze is secured to your arm using micropore.
Blood Test Results
After the blood sample has been taken, it will be put into a bottle and labelled with your name and details. It will then be sent to a laboratory where the specified tests will be carried out. The results are sent back to the Consultant or to your GP, results are not available from Phlebotomy. Depending on the tests, some test results will be ready the same day or a few days later, and some may not be available for a few weeks.
Anxiety and needle phobia
Please let your Phlebotomist know if you are anxious about having your blood test or have had a previous bad experience. This will help us to provide the best care for you and make you as comfortable as possible. Some of the following simple steps may help ease anxiety:
- Bringing headphones and listening to music or a podcast as distraction.
- Topical numbing cream can be purchased over-the-counter at your local pharmacy if you are concerned about pain. This can be applied to the inside bends of both arms, one hour before your blood test.
- Bringing a friend or relative to your appointment for support.
Paediatric Blood Tests
We have a short video about coming to hospital for a blood test designed for younger patients.
Downloadable Versions
