Phlebotomy is the process of withdrawing blood from a vein, the process is known as venepuncture. A person who performs phlebotomy is called a phlebotomist.
The key duties of a phlebotomist include:
- Ensuring correct identification of the patient
- Interpreting the tests requested on the request form
- Preparing the patient
- Accurately explaining the procedure of blood collection
- Minimising the risk of infection
- Drawing blood into the correct blood tubes in the correct order
- Instructing patients on post-puncture care
- Labelling sample tubes with correct patient details
- Ensuring samples are delivered to the laboratory in a timely manner.
Department location and working hours
The Phlebotomy Outpatients department is on the ground floor in the Pathology Department, which is located in Area 2 at the end of the main corridor, next to East Park Drive entrance.
Operating hours: Monday-Friday, 08:30 to 16:30
Access and parking
Parking is available in the main hospital carparks, as well as a limited number of spaces available outside the department, accessed via the East Park Drive entrance. These include disabled access and short-stay spaces.
Booking a blood test:
Online
The quickest and most efficient way to book a blood test is via the Sangix Online portal:
https://bvhbloodtests.sangix.co.uk/sangix/public/login
Or scan this QR code with your smart phone:
By Telephone
If you do not have access to the internet, or have difficulties using the online system, blood tests may also be booked by phone by calling 01253 956705 between 9-11.00 am Monday-Friday.
Pathology Reception general enquiries: 01253 956847 (Mon-Fri 9 – 5.00)
Patient information
Please note that bloods cannot be taken without a fully completed request card (CyberLab form). This will be provided by your clinician and is necessary so that the phlebotomist knows the correct type and number of sample tubes to be taken.
NOTE: Blood samples for chromosomes are sent away to St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester for testing. These samples MUST NOT be taken on a Friday as they would not arrive until Monday and would be too old for testing.
Quality assurance
Phlebotomists receive thorough in-house training which includes the following:
- In-depth venepuncture training
- Trust mandatory training, including Infection Control, Information Governance, Consent and Data Protection, Safeguarding
- Hand hygiene training
All our phlebotomists are competency-assessed each year.