A blood test (phlebotomy) 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 childs 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.

Please only book an appointments for a blood test if you have been advised one is needed by the surgery, special blood test forms will need to be collected from the surgery and taken with you to your appointment. 

Appointments can be booked directly via the booking line on 01743 492510 (Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm) or alternatively you can book these online 

https://www.sath.nhs.uk/wards-services/az-services/pathology/phlebotomy/book-a-blood-test/