Blood test procedure

What happens at a blood test?

At the St Mary’s Hospital, we use a blood test to diagnose and treat a number of conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid problems, signs of kidney damage, or prostate cancer or ovarian cancer.

The blood test service at our hospital works on a first come, first served basis. We aim to see all our patients as soon as possible – but our clinics can be very busy and delays can occur.

After your blood test you may have a small bruise. This is normal and will go down after a few days in the way any other bruise does.

Who will take my blood test?

Your blood sample will be taken by a Phlebotomist who is specially trained to perform your test. The Phlebotomist will not discuss your blood results or your medical condition.

If you have questions about your blood test or need help understanding blood test results, please speak to your doctor or consultant, or nursing staff at the clinic.

After your blood test

Most blood tests results will be sent to the requesting doctor or clinician 7-10 days after your blood test. Your doctor can obtain urgent results from the laboratory.