Cancellation of non essential blood tests

NHS England have asked all hospitals and GP practices to stop all non-essential blood tests with immediate effect. This is due to a problem with the supply chain producing the bottles. They are working to resolve this issue.

Which blood tests will we be continuing with?

Those requested specifically by clinicians as deemed clinically urgent (eg acutely unwell patients, pre-chemotherapy etc), DMARD monitoring (monitoring of potentially toxic medications eg methotrexate), INRs for warfarin,

Should I call the surgery about this?

Please do not call us. We are facing unprecedented demand at the moment and are working extremely hard to keep up with this. If you really do feel you have an urgent enquiry about this please send us a e-consult. Select the ‘admin option’ and title your enquiry ‘blood test enquiry’. Write a brief explanation and it will be reviewed by one of our health care assistants.

How will I know when to re-book my test?

Please keep an eye on our website and we will announce when we are able to resume normal phlebotomy.  We are being told ‘we will have more information in September’ at the moment so we really do not know how long to expect this to go on for.