Blood Tests

Where to get an Blood Test in Newcastle

There are a number of places to get an NHS Blood Test in Newcastle. Here are a few options for local Phlebotomy.

There are multiple places to get blood tests in the Newcastle upon Tyne area, including hospitals and laboratories:

• Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
• Offers a variety of blood tests, including allergy, blood type, cancer, cholesterol, diabetes, hormone, liver and kidney, sexual health, and thyroid tests. The hospital's laboratories use modern technology and are accredited for quality and cost-effectiveness. Appointments typically last 30–60 minutes.
• Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
• Offers analytical laboratory services at several locations, including North Tyneside, Wansbeck, and Hexham general hospitals, and The Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital.
• Newcastle Laboratories
• Hosts the Newcastle Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service (OHS), which offers occupational health, physiotherapy, counseling, and clinical psychology services. OHS also provides private services to small and medium-sized companies.
  

What is a Blood Test?

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

How to prepare for a Blood Test

Before your blood test, the GP or Nurse who requested the test will provide any necessary instructions. Depending on the specific test, you might need to fast (refrain from eating or drinking anything except water), or temporarily stop taking certain medications. For fasting blood tests, we generally recommend not consuming anything except water after 10pm the night before.

How does a Blood Test work?

The process of obtaining a blood sample is straightforward. The phlebotomist will first verify your personal details, including your name, date of birth, and address. Then, a tight band, or tourniquet, will be placed around your upper arm to slow the blood flow and cause the vein to fill with blood, making it easier to draw a sample. The phlebotomist will select an appropriate vein (usually on the inside of the elbow) and insert the needle. You might feel a slight prick, but it shouldn't be painful. If you're uncomfortable with needles, let the phlebotomist know so they can help ease your anxiety. If you feel faint at any point, inform the phlebotomist immediately.

Once the sample is collected, the needle will be safely discarded. You'll be asked to press a cotton-wool pad against the small puncture site for a few minutes to stop any bleeding and prevent bruising. Afterwards, a small plaster will be applied to keep the area clean and ward off infection.

How long do Blood Test results take?

Test results typically take between 5 to 7 days to come back, although some may take longer. Your GP or Nurse will let you know if a follow-up appointment is necessary when they request the test.

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