Blood Tests – Health Care Assistant

Can be booked online using patient access (to register for online services follow this link: Register for Patient Access Online Services)

 

Your doctor must have organised the test first, either by giving you the forms, or by the Doctor arranging the forms with the blood nurse (this includes regular tests for such things as cholesterol, thyroid, lithium, Rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes).

Do you have a needle phobia or worried about having a blood test? Speak to our Patient Services Team who can provide advice regarding additional support during your visit here at the practice.

Please note: Warfarin / INR tests cannot be done on Fridays.

Information about Blood Taking

Sometimes a bruise develops where the needle was inserted. The bruise can look dramatic, but it is harmless and will disperse with time (up to 3 weeks if the bruise is large).

To reduce the possible bruising, press over the site with cotton wool for at least ten minutes with your arm straight.

Some people can feel faint during or soon after a blood test. If you feel faint, please tell the health care assistant who will help immediately and lie you down to prevent fainting.

If your doctor has asked for a fasting blood test, please have nothing to eat or drink from Midnight until your blood test has been done, except sips of water and medication, if necessary.

How to book:

• Your doctor must have organised the test first, either by giving you the forms, or by the GP arranging the test directly with the health care assistants (this includes regular tests for such things as cholesterol, thyroid, lithium, Rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes).
• Contact the practice on: 01993 702911.

Alternatively you can:

• Request an appointment with a Nurse or Healthcare Assistant using this form. 
• Or book online via Patient Access with EMIS – you will need a username and password for this service, to use please Register for Online Services using this form.

For further information regarding blood tests please visit the NHS Page on Blood Tests.

Guidance on bloods and other monitoring on behalf of secondary care

We primarily do blood tests arranged by the GP for them to manage your condition within primary care. We sometimes take blood on a non-urgent basis for an NHS hospital clinic test under some circumstances and you must bring the actual blood test request card or stickers with you (as the phlebotomist will be unable to do it without this). We do not take blood for other health care providers or perform private blood tests.

For further details please see the Guidance on Bloods and Other Monitoring on Behalf of Secondary Care page.