Request a Blood Test
Worried about symptoms? You can request a blood test to check what’s going on. Blood tests are also done for routine checkups or when you’re unwell. To request a test, answer the questions below.
Once you send your request in, one of our clinicians will check your responses to determine whether blood tests are suitable at this stage and, if so, which tests are most appropriate for you. They’ll then reach out by phone or text to let you know that you’re free to book a blood test appointment with the practice’s healthcare assistants or with the local phlebotomy service.
If we need more information before approving you for blood tests, we may invite you for a quick telephone consultation.
This form is not intended for requests related to routine or recall blood tests. You can request routine or recall bloods here.
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
It’s important to follow the instructions you’re given as it may affect the result of the test, which means it may need to be delayed or carried out again. If you are not given any specific instructions before your test, then it means you’re free to eat and drink normally. If you’re not sure, call us to speak to one of our care advisors.
If you feel anxious around needles, it may make you feel more comfortable to let us know before your upcoming blood test, or to tell the healthcare professional carrying out the test on the day. They can answer any specific questions you have and make preparations to help you cope with the procedure. We want to make sure we do everything we can to make it easier for you.
A blood test usually takes 10 minutes. A healthcare professional will take a small amount of blood, usually from the inside of your elbow. Blood samples from children are often taken from the back of the hand. Their skin may be numbed with a special spray or cream before the sample is taken.
Before taking the sample, the healthcare professional may clean the area of skin with an antiseptic wipe. They may also put a soft strap (tourniquet) around your arm. This helps to make taking blood easier.
You’ll feel a scratch as the needle goes in, which may be a bit uncomfortable for a few seconds. Your blood will then be collected in a small tube and sent to a lab for testing.
Some people may get some bruising or swelling over the next few days, but this is harmless and should go away quickly. Because only a small amount of blood is taken during the test, you can resume normal activities right away after leaving the clinic.
If you’re worried about needles, or you have a history of feeling lightheaded during and after blood tests, tell the healthcare professional carrying out your test so that they’re aware and can help you feel more comfortable. You can also bring someone with you to the blood test to support you.
Clinical information taken from nhs.uk and nhsinform.scot.
After the blood sample has been taken from you, you can relax—we’ll do the rest of the work!
Your blood will be put into a bottle and labelled with your name and details. It will then be sent to a laboratory, where it will be examined under a microscope or tested with chemicals, depending on what’s being checked.
The results are sent electronically back to our practice. One of our clinicians will interpret the results and assess whether they’re normal or whether they may require further action. Some test results may be ready the same day or a few days later, although others may not be available for a few weeks.
Sometimes you may be asked to repeat a blood test, or invited to book a routine appointment with a clinician to discuss your results in greater detail. However, we’ll ensure that you’re kept informed at every step of the process and provided with accurate information about your health as soon as it is available.
