The procedure for
having a blood specimen taken is called Phlebotomy and the staff who
are trained to take blood samples are called Phlebotomists.
The Out Patient phlebotomy clinic (blood room) mentioned below is
solely for the use of Hospital Consultant Out Patients and is not
intended for General Practice Patients.
The Pathology Phlebotomists also take blood samples from
patients on the Hospital wards.
GPs have their own arrangements within their surgeries for taking
blood samples from patients.
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Blood tests
We use blood tests to help diagnose your illness and monitor your
treatment. We understand that some people find them unpleasant, and we
try to treat you with care and consideration.
Blood tests are usually taken by Phlebotomists who are skilled in taking
blood samples. Approximately 45% of all blood samples that we process
are taken in GP surgeries and 25% in the outpatients department of Good
Hope Hospital.
How to find the Out
Patient Phlebotomy Department ?
The phlebotomy department (blood room) is in the new Treatment Centre
building on the ground floor.
What to do when you
arrive ?
You should take a number, press the
buzzer, take a seat and then wait until your number is called.
We try to see everyone as quickly as
possible, but delays can occur.
If there is a long waiting time (12 numbers in front of yours) you may
want to visit other departments such as x-ray or pharmacy.
Alternatively, there is a coffee shop and newsagents on the ground floor
– but please note that you must not eat or drink if you have been
asked to fast for your test.
Usually the queue is shortest before 9:30am and on Friday afternoons.
The last patient is seen at 5pm so you need to arrive at least 15
minutes before then.
• we can only perform a blood test if you bring your request forms.
Please check the forms to ensure that your details are correct.
• if you miss your turn you will need to take another number and wait
for your turn again.
Having blood taken
Please tell us:-
• if you have had any problems
with blood tests such as feeling faint.
• if you take medication that thins your blood such as warfarin or
aspirin please tell the phlebotomist.
When you enter the blood room, a
member of staff will check your forms and will ask you your date of
birth as a safety check. One blood test request may require several
different small bottles of blood, but these can be taken from a single
skin puncture. After the blood has been taken, we cover the puncture
with a dressing.
Apply pressure to this for at least three minutes to reduce the risk of
bruising, and keep the dressing on for one hour. Avoid heavy lifting
with that arm for several hours. A small bruise may occur after your
test due to blood leaking from the punctured vein and collecting under
the skin. This is normal and will go down after a few days in the way
any other bruise does.
When we are open
Monday to Friday - 9am to
5pm. Closed weekends & bank holidays.
Most blood tests results will be sent to the requesting doctor in 7-10
days. Your doctor can obtain urgent results from the laboratory. Results
are not returned to the blood room and can only be obtained from your
doctor.
The phlebotomist is trained to take your blood but not to discuss your
blood tests or medical condition
Special
circumstances
Fasting blood tests:
If your doctor asks you to fast before your blood test please do not eat
or drink anything except for water on the day of the test.
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