Blood Tests
What is a blood test?
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
Blood tests usually only take a few minutes to complete. A blood test usually involves the phlebotomist or nurse taking a blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm, the usual place for a sample to be taken 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.
The healthcare professional who arranges your blood test will let you know if there are any special instructions you need to follow before your test. Such as avoiding eating or drinking (apart from water) for 12 hours before your blood test (fasting blood test) or stopping taking certain medications.
You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS website Blood Tests
How do I book my blood test?
When you have been advised by your GP or hospital to have a blood test you can ring main reception to arrange this appointment.
We have blood clinics with our Phlebotomist Michelle on;
- Monday Afternoons 1.30pm – 3.50pm
- Wednesday Afternoons 1.30pm – 3.50pm
- Friday Afternoons 1.30pm – 3.50pm
If these times are not appropriate for you, for example you needs a morning fasting blood test, please discuss this with reception and they will try and arrange you the most appropriate appointment.
Hove Polyclinic - Phlebotomy Service
It may be more convenient for you to have your blood test done at Hove Polyclinic rather than at the surgery, you will need to be referred to them by your GP. Here is their current service information;
Phlebotomy - Blood tests (For persons over the age of 16)
Our staff are working hard to keep everybody safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. We are therefore using an appointment system, and are only accepting GP Referrals, to encourage social distancing.
Call us on 01273 265580 between 8am to 4pm to book an appointment.
You can also book an appointment online by sending an email to
SC-TR.phlebotomybrightonhove@nhs.net.
Please include your name, date of birth, and available hours for the next few weeks.
If you wish to cancel your appointment please make sure to do so either by phone, or by email, by telling us your name and the time and date of your appointment
Appointments will be available between 8.30 and 15.15 (Monday to Friday)
We accept GP BLOOD TESTS only - you will need to bring the paper form confirming the test.