Phlebotomy Guide

Collection of Blood Samples

The following information is an extract from the RUH Pathology Phlebotomy Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and its aim is to provide basic information to assist staff who have already been trained or who have appropriate experience.

If you have any enquiries, please contact the Phlebotomy Team via the RUH switchboard for advice on 01225 428331.

Outpatient Phlebotomy (Blood Sample Collection)

Adult Phlebotomy

An Outpatient Phlebotomy service is provided in the Neurology Outpatient Department. Please ensure you bring a completed blood test form with you. Appointments are not normally required. Normal opening hours are:

Mon-Thu, 9.00am - 4.30pm (last patient 4.00pm)
Friday, 9.00am - 3.30pm (last patient 3.00pm)

Children's Phlebotomy

Clinicians are able to contact us to request bloods for Children 16 years and under. This is arranged by the health professional ordering the tests on the ICE system and then sending a referral, including patient details to the Children's Outpatient Department by email to ruh‑tr.childrensOPDnurses@nhs.net.

For queries please call the Childrens Outpatient nurses on 01225 824209. If you are a parent you will need to access this service by contacting your GP.

Planned closures:

The Blood Sample Collection Service is operating normal opening hours.

Consent for your blood test

By coming to the blood room, to have your blood test, you are agreeing to the phlebotomist bleeding you and then sending your sample to be tested here or at another laboratory. You also consent to processing and storing of your information.

It is important that you fully understand what the phlebotomist is going to do to you and what will then happen to your sample and request form. If you have queries or concerns then please feel free to discuss them with the phlebotomist or contact the laboratory.

The law on consent

See the Department of Health's Reference Guide to Consent for Examination or Treatment for a comprehensive summary of the law on consent.

Further information

Phlebotomy - A guide to having a blood test