Blood Test – FAQs
BRENT COMMUNITY BLOOD TEST (PHLEBOTOMY) SERVICE
PATIENT INFORMATION
Why do I need a blood test?
A blood sample or samples are taken for a number of reasons; usually to monitor treatment, to aid diagnosis or to exclude certain conditions. In most cases, samples are taken by a procedure known as phlebotomy or venepuncture, where a small amount of blood is taken from a vein. A blood test may be administered by a range of health service professionals, including doctors and nurses. A person whose main job it is to take blood is known as a phlebotomist.
Detailed information about the purpose and procedures for a wide range of blood tests can be found on the following public resource internet site: http://www.labtestsonline.org/
How will my blood be taken?
Before taking your blood, the phlebotomist will put a tourniquet around your arm just above the elbow, clean the area thoroughly and then insert a small needle into a vein, usually on your inner arm. They will withdraw the amount needed for the test(s) requested into one or more small, plastic tubes and then gently remove the needle. The phlebotomist will ask you to apply firm pressure to the swab placed over the site to stop the bleeding and help to prevent bruising. A small plaster will then be applied.
A new sterile needle will be used every time and the needle disposed of afterwards.
Will it Bruise?
Some patients are more prone to bruising than others, and this can be affected by certain conditions and medications such as Warfarin as this affects how quickly your blood clots. Please tell the person who is going to take your blood if you are taking anti-coagulants (blood thinning medication such as Warfarin) or if you have a tendency to bleed.
To help minimise any bruising and swelling after a blood test you are advised to:
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Apply moderate pressure with your finger over the swab, to the spot where the blood was taken, for at least 5 minutes |
To help minimise any bruising and swelling after a blood test you are advised to:
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Avoid bending the affected arm |
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Avoid lifting or carrying items with the affected arm for at least 1 hour afterwards |
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Remove the swab and/or plaster, if one was applied, after 1 hour |
Unfortunately, despite following the above advice, some degree of bruising may still occur.
How long will it take to get my results and how do I get them?
The blood samples are sent away for analysis by Pathology Services.
Results for standard blood tests are usually available within approximately 5 working days. Results for urgent blood tests are usually available within 24 hours. Your test results are confidential and are sent directly to your GP by Pathology.
Please follow your GP’s instructions for contacting the surgery to obtain your result(s).
I would prefer my blood test to be carried out by a female member of staff?
Please do not hesitate to tell the person at the time of booking your appointment that you would prefer to be seen by a female member of staff and they will make arrangements for you to be given a suitable appointment. If you are a walk-in patient, please tell the Receptionist or tell the person who is going to take your blood and they will do their best to arrange this. On rare occasions, where this is not possible, e.g. due to cover for unexpected staff absence, you will be offered an appointment with a female phlebotomist on another day, or directed to a local Walk-In clinic where there are female staff.
How do I arrange a private blood test?
The NHS Brent Community Phlebotomy Clinics are not able to provide blood tests for private non-NHS patient. The nearest private hospital that offers blood tests, by appointment, to private non NHS patients is the Clementine Churchill Hospital, which is located in Sudbury Hill, Harrow HA1 3RX. Patients will require a referral letter or a Blood Test Request Form. Please ring 0808 101 0365 for further details. |
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