Phlebotomy (blood tests)

Blood tests by appointment only - book online or tel: 0300 131 5560

Our phlebotomists (a specialist in taking blood samples) carry out blood tests by pre-booked appointment only. You can book online anytime or call – tel: 0300 131 5560 (open Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 4.30-pm).

You can book your blood test to be at one of our three locations, Bexhill Community Diagnostic Centre, Conquest Hospital or Eastbourne DGH. Your blood test will be carried out by our trained phlebotomists and usually takes only a few minutes.

Accordion

Frequently asked questions.

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

It is really important that you bring your blood test request form with you to your appointment, as we cannot take blood without this form.

You are advised to wear loose clothing to allow 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.

Maintaining hydration – Increasing your intake of plain water in the hours prior to your appointment can improve the process of taking blood especially for patients who know they can be difficult to bleed.


Genetics blood

Genetics blood for genetic testing can only be taken before 12pm, Monday to Thursday as samples are sent away to the South East Genetics Laboratory and not processed on site. Please ensure you only book an appointment for genetic tests during these times.


Private blood tests

We do not offer private blood testing. If you require a private blood test please contact our private healthcare division who will be able to assist you:

01424 757400

When you are given your blood test request form, it contains information we need to ensure you have the correct tests carried out on your sample of blood. We cannot add tests or change information on this form.

It also contains information for you to be aware of when booking your blood test appointment. Some tests have time or day restrictions. Others require fasting or special handling, so please ensure you book your appointment in the right location and at the correct time and on the right day.

It is important you bring this form with you, when you have your blood test. We cannot take blood without it.

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.

Bexhill Community Diagnostic Centre

Please report to reception.

Monday to Saturday – excluding public and bank holidays

Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm

Saturday 9am to 4.30pm

Appointments – all appointments must be pre-booked

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

0300 131 5560

Conquest Hospital Phlebotomy Clinic

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 online or by calling the Phlebotomy reception:

0300 131 5560

Eastbourne Phlebotomy Clinic

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 online or by calling the Phlebotomy reception:

0300 131 5560