Blood Test Instructions

You have been given a computerised blood test form by the team at Dolphin House. It shows your details and a barcode. The barcode tells the phlebotomist who you are and the required blood tests.

Please go for this test as soon as possible or when specifically requested to, if we have told you to have it at a certain time.

We sometimes find that patients do not go for their blood tests and this may result in your health being endangered. Blood tests are always done for a purpose and are only requested by us for specific reasons to aid your medical treatment. Depending on your
presentation, we may request blood tests to help exclude sinister causes of your symptoms such as a cancer and to exclude certain diagnosis such as diabetes or thyroid problems. We also use blood tests to assess your risk of developing heart problems in the future or to monitor treatment you are currently taking. Many medications need regular monitoring and unfortunately just because you have been on a drug for a long time does not exclude you running into difficulties with that drug in the future, hence the need to monitor regularly. If there are any issues with you getting the blood test taken please let the surgery know.

You can have your blood taken at:

Bowling Road Health Clinic:

Monday: 1.30pm – 3.45pm
Wednesday: 8.30am – 11.45am
Friday: 8.30am –11.45am
(Warfarin any time)

Hertford County Hospital:

Monday – Friday 8.00am – 3.45pm
No Saturday Clinic

QEII:

Monday – Thursday 8am – 5.30pm
Friday 8am – 5. 00pm
Saturday 9am – 12.00pm

Lister:

Monday – Friday 8am – 5.30pm
Saturday – 8.45am – 12.45pm

If your test is a fasting test (e.g. lipids-cholesterol, blood sugar) you must not eat or drink anything for 12 hours, (do not fast over 14 hours) before the blood test. Only water is allowed but you should take your usual medication.

Please call the surgery on 01920 468777 Ext 3 between 2pm & 4pm for your results.

Please note that results may not be available for at least 5 working days.