Blood Tests
If you need a blood test you can either have the test here or take your request form to the DGH.
The practice is able to offer around 50 appointments a week for this service and we tend to be booked up a couple of weeks in advance, so if your need is more urgent you may be better to attend the Phlebotomoty Clinic at the hospital.
Its a good idea to check your form to make sure the blood test you are having is not a fasting (starving) one. This is nothing be be alarmed about, it just means you should have nothing to eat or drink for 14 hours before the test. You should continue to take your regular medication with water, in fact drinking lots of water is good before a blood test as it ensures you are fully hydrated and are less likely to have to repeat the test.
If you need a fasting blood test we will always try to book you in as early as possible so that you are able to eat breakfast at a later but reasonable time. PLEASE NOTE: If you are going to the DGH for your fasting test you need to ring ahead to make an appointment; the telephone number is 417400 for the switchboard, then ask for phlebotomy. This is their system to ensure your wait is minimal.
The DGH operate a walk in and wait service for all other blood tests and they are open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
In summary:
Check you blood form or discuss with your GP or Nurse to see if the test is fasting
Allow for advance notice when booking your appointment at the surgery
Phone the DGH if you need a fasting appointment otherwise you can just walk in
Always drink plenty of water before having your blood test
REMEMBER to contact the surgery around 3 days later for your results
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
You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Choices website.