Blood tests (phlebotomy)
What we do
Our phlebotomy services use blood tests to assess the general health of our patients, confirm the presence of a bacterial or viral infection, see how well organs are functioning, and screen for genetic conditions.
Our outpatient services are for patients referred to us by clinics at our hospitals and, at our Chelsea site only, patients referred to us by their GPs.
Our services
Children’s blood tests
For children’s blood tests (under 16 years old), you must call children’s services to book an appointment on 020 3315 2019. The children’s phlebotomy department located at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital on the 1st Floor, Lift Bank D and runs Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm.
Adult blood tests
We run a walk-in service at both hospital sites Mon–Fri, 8am–4:30pm (excluding bank holidays). The phlebotomy department is located on the Lower Ground Floor at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital and on the Ground Floor at West Middlesex University Hospital. Please note: GP referrals can only be accepted at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
Due to busy clinics in the morning, we advise patients to attend in the afternoons and toward the end of the week (Wed–Fri) when the waiting times are usually shorter. During busy periods we may stop issuing tickets at 4pm and ask you to return on another day.
Please be aware that we do not have access to blood test results. Hospital patients will need to contact their consultant, and GP patients need to contact their GP for results.
Attending your blood test
For all patients:
- Please wear clothing that gives easy access to your arm (eg short sleeves or sleeves that can be rolled up)
- Please attend alone unless you require a carer or translator
- On arrival, please collect a ticket and wait to be called
The majority of blood tests do not require any special requirements before attending. If your doctor has requested a specific test that requires you to do certain things before coming to the department (eg not to eat anything for a certain number of hours), the doctor will let you know what you need to do before attending your blood test.
We aim to see all patients with 30 minutes of their arrival time. Due to our busy outpatient clinics, we advise patients to attend from 8:30–10:30am or 2–4:30pm when the waiting times are usually shorter. During busy periods we may stop issuing tickets at 4pm and ask you to return on another day.
GP referrals (Chelsea and Westminster Hospital only)
Please ensure that you bring a paper copy of your blood test request form—we are unable to take or process your blood without this form. We are unable to print your request at the hospital.
To ensure samples are collected on the same day, we advise you to attend from 8–10:30am or 2–4:30pm, as these times tend to be quieter in the department.
We do not have access to your blood test results—you will need to contact your GP.
Contact information
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital
Children’s Phlebotomy Service
1st Floor, Lift Bank D
By appointment only Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm
T: 020 3315 2019
Adult Phlebotomy Service
Lower Ground Floor, Lift Bank C
Walk-in service Mon–Fri, 8am–4:30pm (excluding bank holidays)
T: 020 3315 3798
West Middlesex University Hospital
Adult Phlebotomy Service
East Wing, Ground Floor (next to Rumble’s Restaurant)
Walk-in service Mon–Fri, 8am–4:30pm (excluding bank holidays)
T: 020 8321 5310