PHLEBOTOMY (BLOOD TEST) SERVICE UPDATE
We are now able to offer appointments for blood tests at Charlton Medical Centre as an alternative to patients needing to attend the hospital. This is a temporary service but has been very popular with patients thus far. Please contact reception selecting option 2 between the hours of 10.00am and 1.00pm
Blood tests for children will still need to be done at the hospital. For more information on how to book appointments for children's blood tests, please click HERE
Information about 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.