A blood test, sometimes called Phlebotomy, can sometimes tell doctors what is making you feel unwell and gives them information about what is going on inside your body. Having a blood test does not take long – and our specialist nurses will make sure that it’s done as quickly as possible for you. Watch our helpful video, so that you know what to expect.
If your family doctor (also called a GP) asks you to have a blood test, you might come to the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People in Edinburgh. Your GP should give you a letter to bring with you, explaining exactly which tests are needed, or this might be sent directly to the hospital. Please remember to bring any letters you are given with you on the day of your test. You can ask your family doctor for a prescription for some special numbing cream – also called EMLA cream – to put on at home on the day of your appointment.
Booking a blood test
To book a blood test, call the Appointments Office on:
0300 7900 635 (Monday-Friday, 9am-4.30pm).
Coming for your blood test
Blood tests take place in the Outpatient Department. Check in at reception shortly before your appointment time and you will be met by one of the nursing team. Please remember to bring any letters from your family doctor (GP) with you. Tests results are usually sent back to your family doctor (or whoever requested the tests) and can take around one week.
If you are already staying in the hospital, your blood test might happen on your ward. You can ask your nurse to explain what will happen or ask for a member of the Play Team to come and talk to you about it first, so that you know what to expect.
Feeling worried or scared?
Lots of children feel worried or scared before coming to hospital and lots of children feel scared of needles. Everyone you will meet at the hospital is very friendly and will help you to feel calm and relaxed. You can bring a favourite toy from home, or something to play with during the test. Play specialists work at the hospital and can help children understand what is going to happen and answer any questions about what to expect. If your child is feeling nervous or is scared of needles, you can contact the Play Team by calling 0131 312 0364.
Find out more about the Play Team
Where does your blood test go?
Children often ask us what happens to their blood after a test sample is taken. This helpful video explains all about blood test samples, follows samples into the healthcare science labs next door to the RHCYP and shows children what happens to their sample during testing. Knowing what to expect can take away some of the anxiety about coming to hospital, helping children to feel more relaxed, understand what is happening – and why.
