Phlebotomy Patient Information
Date issued: August 2024
Review date: August 2026
Ref: Ref: D-401/AH/Combined Labs/Phlebotomy Patient Information v4
PDF: Phlebotomy Patient Information v4.pdf [pdf] 184KB
Why am I having a Blood test?
There are a multitude of reasons why your doctor would have asked you to have a blood test, these could range from assistance in diagnosis, assessing medication levels for treatment, or to exclude certain conditions.
In most cases, the blood samples will be taken through a process called “Phlebotomy” or “Venepuncture” (i.e., taking blood from a vein).
The information in this leaflet will aim to answer some of the frequently asked questions.
Will they use a new needle?
The Phlebotomist will ALWAYS use a brand-new sterile needle to collect your blood. You’ll see them remove the sealed needle cover before taking your blood sample. After the sample has been collected, they will immediately dispose of the needle into a sharp objects bin.
I have a fasting test, what do I need to do?
If your doctor has requested a Fasting test, this means for 10 to 12-hours before the blood test and until after the blood has been collected you should NOT:
- Eat any type of food,
- Drink anything other than plain, unflavoured water (this includes tea, coffee with or without milk or sugar),
- Chew chewing gum (even sugar-free),
- Eat mints, cough drops, cough linctus or throat lozenges,
- Smoke.
This is to produce the most accurate results for your consultant, if you do any of the following above during the 10 to 12-hour time frame then the test will be unable to be performed.
How long will the results take?
The samples will be transported to the pathology laboratories (unless a private or external organisation request) from all clinics on the same day.
The results will be completed and attached to your medical records, usually within a couple of hours, depending on the tests requested. Physical paper requests usually take longer.
How do I get my results?
Once the results are made available by the laboratories, they will be accessible by your doctor via your patient’s records.
We cannot and will not give out results directly to the patients, as it is usually necessary for your clinician or doctor to interpret their significance in relation to your consultation with them.
I am allergic to Micropore tape or adhesive plasters
Your Phlebotomist will need to know if you’re allergic to any form of micropore tape and any adhesive plasters before the procedure so they can find a suitable replacement.
If you are unsure, then we will use our Transpore tape and if you feel any itchiness, dryness, or warmth in the area the tape is, you can remove the tape (and gauze) by soaking it in water first (to dissolve the adhesive) and replace it with a hypoallergenic plaster.
How can I make the whole process easier?
Before queuing for entry, you can drink plenty of fluids (water is ideal, as tea and coffee will dehydrate you) unless a fasting test has been requested. Please have any paper request forms you have been given ready to hand over and remove any coats or jumpers to allow easier and faster access to your arm to begin the procedure.
Why are there different bottles?
Some of the blood tests requested by your doctor may require your blood to be preserved in different ways for high-quality results.
Most samples are typically collected in both gold-top and purple-top tubes. Sometimes there may be more or less tubes involved with your procedure, but this all depends on the tests which have been requested.
How will they find my veins?
After the tourniquet has been tightened on your arm, you will notice the Phlebotomist will gently ‘prod or poke’ around your arm, or hand, for a few moments. This is to feel for any veins which might be trying to present themselves. This happens because the tourniquet is restricting (not completely stopping) blood flow which will cause the veins to grow. Once they’re confident they’ve found a vein, the Phlebotomist will begin the procedure and insert the needle into the chosen location.
Will it bruise?
Bruising or a small lump (Haematoma) may develop after collecting a blood sample, but this doesn’t always happen. Bruising is harmless and will disappear with time and doesn’t require treatment.
Some patients are more likely to bruise than others., e.g., if you’re taking anti-coagulant medication (Warfarin, Rivaroxaban, Aspirin, etc.) which will slow down your bloods ability to clot.
To help minimise bruising it is important to inform the staff member prior to the procedure and to press down on the area the blood was taken from until the bleeding stops. If possible, try not to lift heavy bags or lean on the arm used (i.e., Zimmer frame or crutches) for at least 5 minutes after the test.
Phlebotomy process for children under the age of 16
The Phlebotomy department cannot bleed anybody under the age of 16. The Children’s and Young Persons Outpatients Department (Wildgoose) on level 12 in zone E can bleed anyone under the age of 16, but it is by appointment only.
Please contact: Wildgoose ward (01752) 431653.
What will happen?
The process starts once you have spoken to a trained Phlebotomist, or medical professional trained in venepuncture.
Once they’ve collected the relevant information from you (i.e., name, date of birth), they will then proceed to place and tighten a latex-free tourniquet around your arm (just above the elbow), insert a needle into your vein in your arm or back of the hand (if no other location is appropriate).
The Phlebotomist quickly withdraws enough blood needed to perform all requested tests and then they will remove the needle, quickly followed up with applying pressure to a piece of gauze over the site to stop bleeding.
Once this is done, they will then put on a plaster (please inform the staff member if you’re allergic to sticking plasters) and the blood samples will be placed into one or more tubes to be sent to the lab for testing.
How many attempts can they have?
It is NHS policy that all staff are only allowed to have 2 attempts at collecting a blood sample per staff member, per patient.
However, if your veins are proving particularly difficult to collect a blood sample from then (with the patient’s permission) that patient may be passed onto another Phlebotomist for them to attempt venepuncture.
Possible complications
Complications of venepuncture (and methods to reduce their occurrence):
|
Complication |
How are our staff trained to counter this? |
What you can do. |
|---|---|---|
|
Pain |
Avoiding veins in sensitive areas. Ensuring skin cleansing agent is dry before puncturing skin (only required for certain tests). |
Pain is a common side effect; you can request for blood to be taken from a non-dominant side. |
|
Bruising |
Avoiding pushing the needle too deep. Releasing the tourniquet once blood flow is achieved. Applying pressure after needle has been removed for up to one minute. |
Continue pressure on-site after leaving the clinic. Inform staff if you are taking any anti-coagulants, steroids, or aspirin prior to procedure. |
|
Fainting |
Checking previous history and being alert to the signs and symptoms. |
Notify the staff if you are prone to fainting or are needle phobic. |
|
Infection |
Ensuring staff hands are sanitised before and after procedure. Using disposable, latex-free gloves during procedure, and discarding after each patient. |
Keep area clean and dry after Phlebotomy appointment. |
|
Nerve Damage |
Avoiding sensitive areas. |
Pain can last up to a few days to a few months. Inform staff of previous occurrences (including location of injury). |
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to avoid these complications (i.e., nerves are nearly impossible to find as they’re so small), but the listed methods help us reduce the likelihood of encountering these complications.
UHP Phlebotomy Locations and Opening Times
Both locations are drop-in, no need for an appointment
Derriford Hospital
- Main Outpatients Department, Level 6, Waiting Room 2
- Open Monday to Thursday: 8am until 5:20pm and Friday 8am to 4:50pm
Derriford is best for patients on public transport, and those attending other clinics or with same-day procedures. Minimal waiting times throughout the day.
Future Inn Hotel
- William Prance Road
- Monday to Friday 8am to 4:45pm.
Free parking available but this service is very busy from 12pm onwards, and they will close early to booking in new patients if there are long waiting times.
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