Booking a Blood Draw

This information is correct as at January 2008

It may be possible for parents to have the blood draw taken at their doctors surgery. However, some of the tests require the blood to be centrifuged (spun); most G.P.surgeries do not have this equipment. The test kit instructions will say whether the blood needs centrifuging but if in doubt, contact the laboratory direct to confirm.

The pathology laboratory at the local hospital may be able to do the blood draw. This would be useful as they will have the facilities to centrifuge the blood, if necessary.

PHLEBOTOMY COLLECTION SERVICE – GENOVA DIAGNOSTICS

Biolab Medical Unit
The Stone House
9 Weymouth Street
London
W1W 6DB
Tel: 020 7636 5959

Biolab is the recommended collection point for children.

 Please note: Genova Diagnostics Test Kits must be taken along to the appointment. Please ensure all paper work within the kit is completed including payment details.

The laboratory is open from 9.00am to 5:30pm every weekday (excluding public holidays), last sample collection time is 4.45pm Monday to Thursday, and up to 2pm on Fridays. Please call for an appointment beforehand, but patients can be seen at short notice if required. Please note for all patients under the age of 16, Biolab require a signed consent form from a Medical Doctor assuming the care of the patient.

 Congestion Charging

For patients planning to drive to Biolab, you should be aware that Weymouth Street is within the Congestion Charging zone. The fee is £8 per car per day and should be paid before 10pm on the day of travel. Contact Transport for London (tel: 0845-9001234, www.cclondon.com) to make payments.

Transport

The nearest underground train stations to Biolab are: Regents Park on the Bakerloo Line and Oxford Circus on the Central Line, Bakerloo Line and the Victoria Line.

The Breakspear Hospital in Hemel Hempstead are willing to do blood draws and centrifuge if required.
Fee approx £25.00.
http://www.breakspearmedical.com

Some Bupa hospitals are also offering blood draws.
To find the nearest one to you click on this link.
http://www.bupahospitals.co.uk/asp/searches/hospital/findhospital.asp

All NHS hospitals and some BUPA hospitals, require a letter of authorisation from the patients GP for the nurse to take the blood.

The Breakspear does not require this authorisation.

Always check first with the Clinic taking the blood BEFORE you turn up for the blood draw or you may be turned away, which is so frustrating and disappointing for parents.