Phlebotomy (blood tests)

Including instructions regarding blood tests

Our Phlebotomists carry out blood tests by appointment only. We see patients at Conquest Hospital, Eastbourne DGH and the Bexhill Community Diagnostic Centre.

Blood tests are carried out by Phlebotomists who are trained to NVQ level 3 standards and have undergone a period of assessment in these practices. Having a blood test usually takes up to seven minutes on average.

Please note

Please pre-book your appointment before attending, using the contact details below.

If your blood test requires you to fast you will be informed by your GP and therefore advised to make an appointment early in the morning.

It is imperative that all patients have their blood request form with them, as bloods will not be taken without this form.

All patients are advised to wear loose clothing to enable the phlebotomist access to both arms if required.

If any previous issues have occurred, such as feeling faint whilst having blood taken, please advise your phlebotomist beforehand.

Conquest Hospital Phlebotomy Clinic

Conquest Hospital
At Conquest Hospital the Phlebotomy Suite is situated on Level 4, in the Pathology area.

Monday to Friday – excluding public and bank holidays

8am to 4.30pm

Appointments – all appointments must be pre-booked

This is not a walk-in service, please pre-book your appointment by calling the Phlebotomy reception:

0300 131 5560

Eastbourne Phlebotomy Clinic

Eastbourne DGH
At Eastbourne DGH the Phlebotomy Suite is situated in the main Outpatients Department on Level 2.

Monday to Friday – excluding public and bank holidays

8.30am to 4.30pm

Appointments – all appointments must be pre-booked

This is not a walk-in service, please pre-book your appointment by calling the Phlebotomy reception:

0300 131 5560

Bexhill Community Diagnostic Centre

Bexhill Community Diagnostic Centre
Please report to reception.

Monday to Friday – excluding public and bank holidays

9am to 4.30pm

Appointments – all appointments must be pre-booked

This is not a walk-in service, please pre-book your appointment by calling the Phlebotomy reception:

0300 131 5560

Accordion

Fasting glucose
  • Non- Diabetic patients – 14 hours prior to test
  • Diabetic patients (Insulin) – 10 hours prior to test.

The patient must have nothing to eat and only drink plain water (unflavoured).

Fasting Lipids
  • Non-Diabetic patients – 14 hours prior to test
  • Diabetic patients (Tablets) – 14 hours prior to test
  • Diabetic patients (Insulin) – 10 hours prior to test

The patient must have nothing to eat and only drink plain water (unflavoured).

Homocysteine
  • Fasting for 12 hours – all patients.

The patient must have nothing to eat and only drink plain water (unflavoured).

Monday to Thursday only.

Glucose tolerance test (by appointment only)

All patients must have nothing to eat and only drink plain water (unflavoured), for a period of 12 Hours.

A blood test will be taken, and a glucose drink consumed.

The patient then remains inactive in the waiting room, fasting for a further two hours. A second blood test is taken, then the test is complete.