Booking a blood test appointment in our Hub
Appointments are available on weekdays and every Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. The easiest way to book your blood test online is by completing a self-referral form.
If you are unable to book online please call 02081947355, lines are open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Patient information
When you come for your blood test, please ensure you bring your blood test request form with you and wear clothing that provides easy access to your arm.
Blood tests for children
Children under 2 years of age will not be accommodated in the hub and must instead be referred from their GP Practice to the Paediatric clinic in the hospital.
If your child is 2 years of age or older and has been referred to the hub for a blood test, please review the information provided below:
What you need to do on the day of the appointment:
- Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with parental responsibility. If a parent cannot attend, and the child is accompanied by another caregiver, written consent from the parent is required.
- Blood test request forms must be completed by the requesting doctor and brought to the appointment. Without the blood form, the test cannot be conducted.
- Your General Practitioner (GP) will prescribe anaesthetic cream for your child when it is determined that a blood test is necessary. The cream should be applied to the inside or bend of the elbow at least 45 minutes before the appointment.
- Before arriving for the appointment, please ensure that the children are warm and adequately hydrated.
For fasting blood tests, the patient must abstain from consuming anything except water for a minimum of 8 to 10 hours before the test. When scheduling the appointment with the phlebotomy service, please request an early morning slot between 9 am and 10 am. Later appointments are not recommended, particularly for young children.
Use of anaesthetic cream (EMLA 5%):
To reduce the pain associated with blood tests, it is advisable for children to have an application of local anaesthetic cream to the site from which blood is to be taken. Please read the instructions below: Apply the EMLA cream 45 minutes before the appointment time
- Apply the EMLA cream, in a blob to the inside surfaces of both elbows (inside the fold of the arm), over the vein if possible. Use half a tube for each arm. DO NOT RUB IN.
- Cover the areas with the film dressing if provided or loosely wrap with clingfilm.
- Leave the cream on for 45 minutes to allow it to take effect.
Please note these application instructions may differ from the product information leaflet enclosed.
EMLA cream should not be applied if:
- Your child has known allergies to local anaesthetic.
- Your child’s skin is broken.
Possible side effects of the cream:
Redness, localised swelling, itchiness and rarely, blisters.
Information for people who are transgender
If your affirmed gender differs from your biological sex, please ensure that staff are informed when attending your blood test. This information is crucial as it may impact the interpretation of your results or the treatment provided to you. If you have any concerns regarding this matter, please discuss them with the doctor or clinician who has requested the blood test.
Results
Results will be sent to your home GP practice and should be accessible from your surgery within a week. If you have any questions, please feel free to inquire when you call to schedule an appointment or upon your arrival for the appointment.