Blood tests (Phlebotomy)

All Children 0-11 Years

A Paediatric Phlebotomy service is available at Darent Valley Hospital for children aged under 12 years by appointment only. 

Appointment booking: 01322 428232 between 12.00-14.00

Clinics are all day Monday-Thursday, and Friday morning

Skin numbing cream is not provided. Children requiring anaesthetic cream (skin-numbing cream) may be prescribed by your GP and obtained from your local pharmacy in advance, or purchased from a pharmacist and booking staff will advise on the application of the cream. 

Children 12 and Over

If requested by GP please go to the Walk In Service at Gravesham Community Hospital (open from 9am-2pm) - this is a temporary arrangement until further notice.

If requested by Consultant, please book at DVH Outpatients Phlebotomy on 01322 425391 between 8.30am and 5pm. 

For adults and children 12 years and older.

• Location: The clinic is located in the Outpatients Department - Level 2, Junction 8 (Opposite Main Foyer).
• Opening hours: Please refer to the times below

Blood tests are carried out on patients who are referred to us via one of the methods below:

1. Patients who have been seen on the day for an Outpatient appointment and referred to have a blood test.
   These patients will be given a number and asked to sit and wait for their test.
   This service is open 08:30 - 16:50 Monday – Friday.
   If the patient is unable to wait we can book an appointment to return at a later date.
2. Patients who have been referred by their GP for a blood test. GP blood tests are currently being done at Gravesham Community Hospital.

The appointments times for these patients are as follows:

• Monday: 09:00–12:00 / 14:00-15:30
• Tuesday: 08:40–12:00 / 14:00–15:30
• Wednesday: 09:30–12:00 / 14:00–15:30
• Thursday: 09:30–12:00 / 14:00–15:30
• Friday: 08:40– 2:00 / 14:00–15:30

The appointments can be made by telephoning the Phlebotomy Reception on 01322 428312 between the hours of 08:30 – 17:00. Please be aware that this is a very busy service and it may take a while to get through.

You can also request an appointment via the online booking request form HERE.

If you are having a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) you will have an initial blood test, and then asked to drink a lemon flavoured drink, followed by a further blood test 2 hours later. You will require an appointment, as advised by your clinician.

If you are asked to fast for a test, you should not eat or drink anything (except water) for 12 hours before your test. You should take your medication as appropriate.

After a blood test, your results are checked by a consultant and you will not hear from us until your follow-up appointment (if you require a follow-up) or if treatment is required.