Blood test appointments, requested by GPs, should now be booked online for the following hospitals: Hertford County Hospital, Lister Hospital and New QEII. This is to help maximise the number of tests we can offer to patients, minimise queues and continue to maintain social distancing in waiting areas.
Our current walk-in service will remain in place for those attending outpatient appointments.
You should book your appointment using the links below (please note we are accepting bookings from 24 May onwards):
If the patient is under 10 years old, please book using the following link:
- Lister Hospital (Children)
- There are limited appointments for children under 10 available at Hertford County Hospital and New QEII Hospital. Please call the Phlebotomy team below to book.
Please note: In order to book your appointment, you will need your:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Postcode
- Mobile phone number
- NHS number – you can easily find out your NHS number here on the NHS website
Attending your appointment:
When you arrive for your appointment, please go to the phlebotomy reception area at the hospital and provide your name and your appointment time.
Please arrive promptly and ideally no earlier than five minutes beforehand to help ensure social distancing.
Frequently asked questions
What if I am unable to book online?
If you are unable to book online, please call the phlebotomy team on 01438 284044 Monday-Friday between 8-4pm. The team will be happy to book your appointment for you. To complete the booking, the team will need to know the hospital where you would like to have the blood test, your NHS number, name, address, date of birth and mobile phone number.
How do I cancel an appointment?
If you need to cancel your appointment, please click on the cancellation link in your text message.
Can someone book on my behalf?
Yes. You will need to know the patient’s NHS number, name, address and date of birth.
How will I know if I have booked an appointment?
You will receive a confirmation text message with details of the appointment you have booked shortly after you completed the booking form. A reminder text message will be sent 7am on the morning of your appointment.
Can I bring someone else with me to my appointment?
Due to limited spaces and social distancing measures, we ask that you attend alone wherever possible. If you cannot attend by yourself, please only bring one person with you.
I’m running late for my appointment, will it still be able to happen?
If you know you are going to be late, don’t worry, we will try to accommodate you as best we can. We will not turn you away if you arrive late, but you may have to wait longer.
I forgot when my appointment is booked for?
You should receive a text confirming when your appointment is and a reminder on the day of the appointment. However if you did not receive this, please call the phlebotomy team between on 01438 284044 Monday-Friday between 8-5pm.
Can I book a blood test if I am pregnant?
Yes. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact your community midwife.
What if I am already at the hospital for another appointment?
Walk-in appointments are available for those attending outpatient appointments
What if you do not have any slots within the timeframe my GP has requested them?
GPs will still be offering appointments at their surgery. Alternatively, you can try to book at one of the other hospital sites.
I do not know my NHS number, where can I find this?
There is guidance on the NHS website about how to find your NHS number.
Community-based sessions – appointment only
Appointments are needed to attend these phlebotomy sessions:
Baldock
Park Drive Health Centre (by appointment only via Baldock and Letchworth GP surgeries)
- Tuesday, 8.30am to 12noon
- Wednesday, 1.30pm to 4.30pm
- Thursday, 8.30am to 12noon
Hitchin
Bedford Road Health Centre (by appointment only and then through just the following Hitchin GP surgeries: Marshall House, Orford Lodge, Portmill and Regal Chambers)
- Tuesday , 8am to 4.30pm
Hoddesdon
Hoddesdon Health Centre (by appointment only)
- Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 2pm (excluding bank holidays)
Stevenage
Danestrete Clinic (by appointment only – appointments are made normally directly by nurses with patients attending anti-coagulation clinics)
- Mondays and Wednesdays only, 8.30am to 11.45am (excluding bank holidays)
Waltham Cross
Stanhope Road Health Centre (by appointment only, but through the health centre itself – 01992 818500)
- Monday to Friday , 8.30am to 12noon (excluding bank holidays)
Ware
Bowling Road Health Centre (by appointment only)
- Monday, 1.30pm to 3.45pm (excluding bank holidays)
- Wednesday, 8.30pm to 12noon
- Friday, 8.30am to 12noon (excluding bank holidays)
Fasting blood test requirements
- Fasting glucose – at least 8 hours fasting
- Glucose tolerance test (GTT) – 8-14 hrs fasting
- Fasting lipids and triglycerides – at least 12-14 hrs fasting
- NB: Fasting means no food or drink apart from water.
Stay hydrated
It is advisable to be well hydrated before a blood test. Please remember to drink water before getting your blood taken.
