Blood tests
Blood Tests
Please book your blood test appointment online using the button above. This will take you through to the third party provider, SwiftQueue online appointment booking system. By booking this way via SwiftQueue you can enjoy guaranteed appointments at a location convenient to you and much shorter waiting times.
Patients sometimes need to undergo blood tests to aid the diagnosis of illnesses. Blood tests are undertaken in our outpatient departments and wards by phlebotomists.
To access the outpatient services, patients need a blood test referral form from their Consultant or GP. Children aged below 10 years are seen by appointment only in our Paediatric Outpatients’ clinic.
Why do I need a blood test?
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.
- Check if you have an infection.
- See how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are working.
- Screen for certain genetic conditions.
How do I prepare for a 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 a certain medication.
- Your GP can prescribe numbing cream for your child if required; this will need to be applied prior to the appointment.
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?
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If your blood test has been requested by your GP surgery or from another hospital, you are required to bring a paper copy of your blood form to your appointment. If your blood test has been requested by a clinician at the Royal Surrey, you do not need a paper blood form as the doctor should have placed the request on our electronic patient record system which the Phlebotomist can access.
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If you have been fasting we recommend you bring a drink and snack to have after your blood test has been completed.
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Every effort is made to keep our blood test clinics running on time, however there may be delays at peak times and due to unforeseen circumstances. Please be prepared for the possibility of waiting a short time to be seen for your appointment.
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.
When taking blood samples from children, their skin may be numbed with a special spray or cream before the sample is taken.
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 needle attached to a special container is inserted into the vein to draw out a sample of your blood. 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. A plaster may be put on the area to keep it clean.
After the test
Only a small amount of blood is taken during the test so you shouldn't feel any significant after-effects. However, some people feel dizzy and faint during and after the test. If this has happened to you in the past, tell the person carrying out the test so they're aware and can help you feel more comfortable.
After the test, you may have a small bruise where the needle went in. Bruises can be painful, but are usually harmless and fade over the next few days.
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. Some test results will be ready the same day or a few days later, although others may not be available for a few weeks.
How can I tell you what I think of the Phlebotomy Service?
We value your feedback in relation to your experience when visiting phlebotomy. In each of our waiting areas you will find Friends and Family cards which, once completed, can be placed in the box provided.