Blood Tests

A blood test is when a sample of blood is taken for testing in a laboratory. Blood tests have a wide range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test. For example, a blood test can be used to:

  • assess your general state of health
  • confirm the presence of a bacterial or viral infection
  • see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning

A blood test usually involves the phlebotomist taking a blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm. and the usual place for a sample is the inside of the elbow or wrist, where the veins are relatively close to the surface. Blood samples from children are most commonly taken from the back of the hand. The child’s hand will be anaesthetised (numbed) with a special cream before the sample is taken.

You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Choices website.

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Surgery Information

Do not book a GP appointment if you think you might have coronavirus. Instead stay at home and self-isolate avoiding close contact with other members of your household.

Use the 111 coronavirus service to see if you need medical help.
If you do speak to one of our Doctors you must inform them of all symptoms you are experiencing.

PATIENTS GIVEN APPOINTMENTS AT OUR RED HUB IN PENRITH:

During the current COVID-19 outbreak, patients experiencing certain symptoms (breathing issues and / or fever) and who have been telephone assessed by a GP to need a face-to-face examination will be called to our local ‘Red Hub’.

Click here www.northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk/redhubs to find out more about where to go, what it will look and feel like and what to do when you arrive.
There is also a short film and animation to explain why it looks different for children.

Further information available here