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.
You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Choices website.
Booking a blood test
Blood testing is no longer carried out at the surgery. The nearest clinic location is Southend Victoria Shopping Centre. Any appointments must be booked and there are no walk-ins.
- Victoria Shopping Centre, Unit G27-G28 Southend, SS2 5SP. Monday - Friday 8am - 3pm
Parking is available in the multi-storey carpark at Victoria Shopping Centre, which is around a five-minute walk from the clinic.
Patients can book as normal via www.swiftqueue.co.uk or by telephone 01702 746065
Please be aware the patient is responsible for contacting the surgery to obtain results. However, please supply a mobile number, in case the surgery need to contact you urgently.