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.
Drive-through Phlebotomy Service Addenbrookes
A New "drive-through" phlebotomy service will be based a Newmarket Road Park and Ride Site Cambridge. Please note that the current walk in phlebotomy service at the Nuffield Private Hospital will no longer be available.
When is the service available to use?
Between 9.30am and 4.30pm (excluding bank holidays) and is located at: Newmarket Road Park and Ride, Cambridge, CB5 8AA
Which patients CAN use this service?
- ADULTS (aged 16 or over)
- The patient can either be a driver or passenger
- INR (international Normalised Ratio) patients will be required to provide their request slip.
- Patients must bring a blood test request form (T-Quest) with them.
Which patients CANNOT use this service?
- Any persons under the age of 16 years
- Any persons with significant needs requiring additional support (i.e needle phobic)
- Any persons attending in a soft top vehicle.
- Any vehicle exceeding 2 metres in height.
There is no facility for walk in patients.