Blood Tests
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.
Children's blood tests are performed at the children's ward at Wycombe hospital. The appointments can be booked by calling
Some tests can be a FASTING blood test. For this test to be performed, you are required to fast overnight prior to the blood test. This means that you should not consume FOOD or DRINK( EXCEPT PLAIN WATER) for at least 12 hours before the blood test.
Please DO continue to take any prescribed medication with water only.
These tests are NOT possible to perform the blood test if you have not fasted.
Wycombe Hospital operates an appointment system for fasting patients Mon-Fri. For warfarin patients Mon- Thurs. Between 08:00 -11:00am. To make and appointment, please phone 01494 425 234 or follow the below link. You can also use this link to book at Amersham & Stoke Mandeville hospitals.
https://www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/blood-test-phlebotomy/
You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Choices website.