Guide to booking blood tests onlineAcute Assessment Unit
Important
- All tests must be booked in advance.
- If the test is ordered by your GP, bring the blood test form with you. This form will have barcode labels on the top.
- When you arrive, check in at outpatient reception where it says ‘Outpatient appointments’. Then go to ‘Blood tests’ by the entrance.
Online booking system
We use an online booking system for all blood tests.
If you have been asked to book a blood test at Kingston Hospital, you can book your test online (for ages 7 and above).
On-site blood form printing
- If you have been referred by your GP, please bring your printed form with you (with barcode), as we need this to take a blood sample from you
- If your referral was made by a consultant or a clinician from Kingston Hospital you don’t need to bring a request form, we will be able to print your request at the hospital
- To contact the Phlebotomy team please call 020 8934 3294 or email krft.
phlebotomy .@nhs.net - Find out more about blood, urine, and other lab tests at Lab Tests Online-UK
I have been asked to book a blood test at Kingston Hospital. Can I just turn up?
You will need to book an appointment to come in for a blood test which can be done via the link above or by phone.
How can I book a blood test?
To book a blood test appointment, you will need to complete a simple online form. You will be offered a range of dates for your blood test. The whole process should take no more than 5 minutes.
Our online booking system (Sangix) allows you to book a blood test using a PC, smartphone or tablet.
You also can book blood test appointment by calling 020 3870 5766.
What if I am unable to book blood tests online?
If you are not able to create an account, you can ask a family member or carer to help. If this is not possible, our staff may be able to assist. Alternatively, you can book a blood test appointment by calling 020 3870 5766.
How do I cancel a blood test appointment?
- If you book a blood test online, you can log into your online account and cancel from there.
- If you book by phone, you can call 020 3870 5766 and choose option 2 to alter or cancel a booking.
What should I bring with me?
If you have been referred by your GP, please bring your printed form with you (with barcode), as we need this to take a blood sample from you. If your referral was made by a consultant or a clinician from Kingston Hospital you don’t need to bring a request form, we will be able to print your request at the hospital
Where do I need to go when I arrive for my blood test?
The Blood Test Department is on the ground floor, just inside the Main Outpatient Entrance of the hospital. You must book an appointment before attending our clinic.
What is the check-in process?
Go to the Outpatient Department. When you arrive, you must check in. Do this at the main reception desk where it says ‘Outpatient appointments’.
Once you are checked in, go to ‘Blood tests’ next to the outpatient entrance
Who should I contact for further information?
For general enquires about an appointment, email krft.phlebotomy@nhs.net or call 020 8934 3294.
Please contact Shaha Riadh, Phlebotomy Service Manager, at s.
How do I book blood tests for children?
Children aged 7 or more can use this blood test service.
Blood tests for children under 7 years are done in the Paediatric Department.
More information about blood tests for children under 7 years
All children under the age of 16 attending the service should be accompanied by an adult. The paediatric team are available to help children up to the age of 18 who have additional needs and may require extra support to access a blood test.
If you are given a pathology form and told to book a blood test appointment for your child, please bring this form with you on the day of the appointment.
We do not have access to these forms on our systems and without this form we will be unable to do the blood test and another appointment will need to be booked. We are unable to accept photographs or emailed copies of the form.
What happens during a blood test?
When you arrive, check in at outpatients appointment reception and then take a seat in the blood test waiting area just inside the entrance.
It is helpful if you wear something with sleeves that can easily be pushed up over your elbows or with short sleeves.
When it is your turn, your name will appear on the screen in the blood test waiting area. It will tell you which room number to go to.
The person taking your blood will read the request forms and ask you to confirm your personal details. All our staff are fully trained and highly skilled in taking blood samples. You can discuss with them any concerns that you have about the procedure.
Once the samples have been taken and the needle is withdrawn, we will ask you to press on a pad to stop any bleeding. It is important that you press firmly as this helps to prevent bruising.
Before you leave, we will check that bleeding from the test site has stopped and apply a dressing.
We will send the results of your test to the person who requested the tests.
Fasting blood tests
If you need a fasting blood test, it may be for glucose or lipid/cholesterol testing.
For the 12 hours before your test:
- Have only plain water. Do not drink more than the amount of fluid you would normally have in that period
- Have no other food or drink (including any coffee or tea) otherwise the test results will be wrong.
- Take any prescribe medication with water only
For example, if you are due to have the test at 9am, you should fast from 9pm the evening before.
Your result will be affected if you do not follow these instructions. In which case, we may need repeat the test.
If you are diabetic on insulin or diabetes medications (apart from metformin only) you do not need to fast. However, please tell us when we take your blood.
Fasting for Lactose in Tolerance Test (LTT)
If you have been asked to have a lactose tolerance test, contact us to book an appointment on 020 8934 3294 or email krft.phlebtomy@nhs.net
The test will an hour to complete:
- We take blood sample first.
- Then we will give you a glass of water to drink. This has lactose dissolved in it.
- Then we take blood test again (30 minutes), and 60 minutes after the first test
Fasting for Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
For a glucose tolerance test, book online or via the telephone booking line.
For three days before your appointment, you should eat and drink normally and carry on with your usual physical activity.
For the 12 hours before your test:
- Have only plain water
- Have no other food or drink (including any coffee or tea) otherwise the test results will be wrong. This includes no sweet, chewing gum or mints.
- Do not smoke or vape for 12 hours before your test, until after the second blood test.
Appointments are usually in the morning so that you do not have to go too long during the day without food. For example, if you are due to have the test at 9am, you should fast from 9pm the evening before.
The test will take 2 hours:
- We take a blood sample first.
- We will then give you a sugary drink. Drink this within 10 minutes.
- You must then sit and rest for 2 hours. In these 2 hours, do not eat or drink anything except plain water, and do not smoke or vape.
- You can rest in the waiting room, your car or other quiet place. Do not walk far. We will tell you what time to come back for your second blood test.
- We will then take a second sample.
Adults or children with a learning disability or autism
The Learning Disability Liaison Service supports patients and/or their carers to prepare for a visit. This includes help to organise reasonable adjustments if these are needed. Telephone 020 8934 6895 or email krft.learningdisabilityteam@nhs.net