Phlebotomy

Thank you for your patience while we launch Epic

If you plan to have a blood test appointment, please be aware that your visit to our clinics might take a little longer than usual.

You might also notice that regular blood test results take a bit more time to come through.

This is because we upgraded our patient electronic health record system across our hospitals and community services on 5 October.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

What we do

Please note, our routine blood test service is no longer walk-in. Routine blood test appointments can now be made via the Swiftqueue online booking system. Find out more information about Swiftqueue.

We see patients at King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill, and at the Tessa Jowell Health Centre in East Dulwich.

We carry out a wide range of tests including testing for lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, gut hormones, fasting blood sugar, malaria and drug monitoring.

King’s College Hospital, Golden Jubilee Wing
Mainly for adult patients referred by King’s College Hospital but also open to adult GP patients.

Our opening hours are Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5.45pm.
We are closed on bank (public) holidays.

Tessa Jowell Health Centre
We provide an adult blood test service at:

Tessa Jowell Health Centre
72H East Dulwich Grove
London
SE22 8EY

Most people we see have been referred to us by their GP.

Our opening hours are Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 3.45pm.
We are closed on bank (public) holidays.

Blood tests for children under 16
Blood tests for children referred by the hospital or by GPs can only be carried out in the Paediatric (Children’s) Phlebotomy Department in the Hambleden Wing at King’s College Hospital.

The Paediatric Phlebotomy Department is no longer a walk-in service. Parents and carers can make routine blood test appointments for children via the Swiftqueue online booking system (more information here).

Our opening hours for GP patients are Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm. We are closed on bank (public) holidays.

Children referred for malaria tests must go to the Paediatric Phlebotomy Department at King’s immediately (no appointment needed). Out of normal clinic hours, please go straight to the Paediatrics Emergency Department for a malaria test.

Specialised tests

• Malaria screen – come to King’s Phlebotomy Department for a blood test as soon as possible (no appointment needed). Out of normal clinic hours, please go straight to King’s Emergency Department for a malaria test.
• Renin/aldosterone, thrombophilia screen, gut hormones, calcitonin or cryoglobulin – make a blood test appointment at King’s Phlebotomy Department via the Swiftqueue online booking system (more information here). Once carried out, these tests will be processed straight away.
• Glucose tolerance test (GTT) – come to King’s Programmed Investigation Unit (PIU). This is not part of the walk-in service; you need to make an appointment by calling the Programmed Investigations Unit.

Preparing for your appointment

Preparing for your blood tests

Before having your test, please ensure you read and follow any instructions given by your doctor or on your blood request form.

• Fasting blood tests – if you are having a test for lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, gut hormones or fasting blood sugar you must fast completely – have nothing to eat or drink other than water – for 12 hours before the test
• Drug monitoring – you may need to have a blood test before taking certain medications, such as anti-convulsants. Please check with your doctor before you stop taking medication
• Digoxin levels – if you are having your digoxin levels tested, you will need to have a minimum of 6 hours between the time you took your medication and the time the blood test is carried out
• Glucose tolerance test (GTT) – you need to fast for 12 hours before this test. Please see information above on where this test is performed.

Location

Adult Phlebotomy Department, Ground floor, Golden Jubilee Wing, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS

Paediatric Phlebotomy Department, Third floor, Hambleden Wing, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS

Contact Details

• Main Reception (for patient queries): +44 (0)20 3299 3692
• Phlebotomy Adult Manager: [email protected]
• Planned Investigations Unit: +44 (0)20 3299 3034
• Tessa Jowell Health Centre: +44 (0)20 8194 7600