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.
ALL blood test sessions at the Cavendish Hospital, Cottage Hospital or Fairfield Surestart are by appointment only. You can book on line or by calling the surgery on 01298 23019.
If you are not currently resgistered for on line services please call into the surgery and ask for your PIN number. Please note that to register for online services we need 2 forms of identification:1. ID with a photograph (Driving Licence or Passport) and 2. proof of your registered address (less than 3 months old i.e bank statement/utitlity bill).
Please check the blood test form to see whether or not a "fasting" test is required. If so, you should have nothing to eat, and only water to drink, from midnight the night before your blood test.