Blood Tests

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I have a fasting test, what do I need to do? 

If your doctor has requested a Fasting test, this means for 10 to 12-hours before the blood test and until after the blood has been collected you should not: 

• Eat any type of food,
• Drink anything other than plain, unflavoured water (this includes tea, coffee with or without milk or sugar),
• Chew chewing gum (even sugar-free),
• Eat mints, cough drops, cough linctus or throat lozenges,
• Smoke. 

This is to produce the most accurate results for your consultant, if you do any of the following above during the 10 to 12-hour time frame then the test will be unable to be performed.

How long will the results take? 

The samples will be transported to the pathology laboratories (unless a private or external organisation request) from all clinics on the same day.

The results will be completed and attached to your medical records within 3-5 working days generally.

How do I get my results? 

Once the results are made available to us by the laboratories, your GP will review the results. Once reviewed, you will be able to access your results online via the NHS App.

I am allergic to Micropore tape or adhesive plasters

Your Phlebotomist will need to know if you’re allergic to any form of micropore tape and any adhesive plasters before the procedure so they can find a suitable replacement.

If you are unsure, then we will use our Transpore tape and if you feel any itchiness, dryness, or warmth in the area the tape is, you can remove the tape (and gauze) by soaking it in water first (to dissolve the adhesive) and replace it with a hypoallergenic plaster.

How can I make the whole process easier? 

Before queuing for entry, you can drink plenty of fluids (water is ideal, as tea and coffee will dehydrate you) unless a fasting test has been requested. Please have any paper request forms you have been given ready to hand over and remove any coats or jumpers to allow easier and faster access to your arm to begin the procedure.

How will they find my veins? 

After the tourniquet has been tightened on your arm, you will notice the Phlebotomist will gently ‘prod or poke’ around your arm, or hand, for a few moments. This is to feel for any veins which might be trying to present themselves. This happens because the tourniquet is restricting (not completely stopping) blood flow which will cause the veins to grow. Once they’re confident they’ve found a vein, the Phlebotomist will begin the procedure and insert the needle into the chosen location.

Will it bruise? 

Bruising or a small lump (Haematoma) may develop after collecting a blood sample, but this doesn’t always happen. Bruising is harmless and will disappear with time and doesn’t require treatment.

Some patients are more likely to bruise than others., e.g., if you’re taking anti-coagulant medication (Warfarin, Rivaroxaban, Aspirin, etc.) which will slow down your bloods ability to clot. 
T

o help minimise bruising it is important to inform the staff member prior to the procedure and to press down on the area the blood was taken from until the bleeding stops. If possible, try not to lift heavy bags or lean on the arm used (i.e., Zimmer frame or crutches) for at least 5 minutes after the test.

Phlebotomy process for children under the age of 16

We cannot bleed anybody under the age of 16. Patients under the age of 16 will need to collect their blood test form from the practice and attend Evelina Children’s Hospital.

What will happen?

The process starts once you have spoken to a trained Phlebotomist, or medical professional trained in venepuncture.

Once they’ve collected the relevant information from you (i.e., name, date of birth), they will then proceed to place and tighten a latex-free tourniquet around your arm (just above the elbow), insert a needle into your vein in your arm or back of the hand (if no other location is appropriate). 

The Phlebotomist quickly withdraws enough blood needed to perform all requested tests and then they will remove the needle, quickly followed up with applying pressure to a piece of gauze over the site to stop bleeding. 

Once this is done, they will then put on a plaster (please inform the staff member if you’re allergic to sticking plasters) and the blood samples will be placed into one or more tubes to be sent to the lab for testing.

How many attempts can they have?

It is NHS policy that all staff are only allowed to have  2 attempts at collecting a blood sample per staff member, per patient.

However, if your veins are proving particularly difficult to collect a blood sample from then (with the patient’s permission) that patient may be passed onto another Phlebotomist for them to attempt venepuncture if another colleague is available. This is not always possible, in which case the patient can rebook another blood test at the practice or take their blood test form and arrange an appointment at Guy’s, St Thomas’s or Gracefield Gardens for them to attempt venepuncture. 

Complication	How are our staff trained to counter this?	What you can do
Pain	Avoiding veins in sensitive areas. Ensuring skin cleansing agent is dry before puncturing skin (only required for certain tests).	Pain is a common side effect; you can request for blood to be taken from a non-dominant side.
Bruising	Avoiding pushing the needle too deep. Releasing the tourniquet once blood flow is achieved. Applying pressure after needle has been removed for up to one minute.	Continue pressure on-site after leaving the clinic. Inform staff if you are taking any anti-coagulants, steroids, or aspirin prior to procedure.
Fainting	Checking previous history and being alert to the signs and symptoms.	Notify the staff if you are prone to fainting or are needle phobic.
Infection	Ensuring staff hands are sanitised before and after procedure. Using disposable, latex-free gloves during procedure, and discarding after each patient.	Keep area clean and dry after Phlebotomy appointment.
Nerve Damage	Avoiding sensitive areas.	Pain can last up to a few days to a few months. Inform staff of previous occurrences (including location of injury).

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to avoid these complications (i.e., nerves are nearly impossible to find as they’re so small), but the listed methods help us reduce the likelihood of encountering these complications.