Children’s Phlebotomy at Bedford Hospital – New patient appointment booking system
Blood tests are by appointment only at:
Children’s Outpatients Department, Cygnet Wing, Bedford Hospital, Kempston Road, Bedford, MK42 9D
Register with your email address and your child’s details, and cancel or rearrange appointments anytime. Please select Bedford Hospital Paediatric Department from the main menu.
Rapid Blood Tests
Blood test waiting times can vary from approx. 4-6 weeks. If your GP decides they would like the test doing sooner, they can either refer to the Children’s Assessment Unit (if they feel your child is unwell and requires immediate attention) or you can try calling the Outpatient department on 01234 730421, Mon-Fri, 9.00am-10.00am and 4.00pm-5.00pm for any availability. Please note this may still take up to 2 weeks.
Please note there is no walk-in service and if you arrive without an appointment you will not be seen.
You can book, cancel or rearrange an appointment by:
- Using our online service (available 24/7). Parents/carers will need to register online at myappointments.online/login using your child’s details
- Calling our automated telephone booking service (available 24/7): 01234 868006
When you attend for your appointment please ensure you have the blood request form from your GP showing your child’s name and NHS number.
Fasting blood tests
Please call 01234 730421 for fasting blood tests and request the first appointment. Children may only drink water after midnight the morning before their blood test and inform reception they are fasting.
Genetic blood tests
Please book an appointment before 15:00hrs if your child is having a genetic blood test as the samples need to be couriered to an external lab to be tested. Please ensure you have the genetic blood test form with you.
Results
We are unable to give out blood results. Please contact the person that requested the blood tests e.g. GP or the named Consultants secretary.
Needle phobia
If your child is really scared of needles please advise the member of staff you speak to when booking your child’s appointment. This will enable the team to speak to the play specialist team to arrange for them to assist and also arrange a longer appointment slot. We will do all we can to make this experience a positive one for you and your child.
We would suggest that you ask your GP to prescribe local numbing cream prior to the test or purchase from your local chemist. Place it on the inner elbow as indicated above. Do not rub it in. Secure this with the plasters provided or Clingfilm (Clingfilm does not pull when you take it off)! If your child is under the age of 2, place cream on the back of both hands as well. This needs to be applied ONE HOUR before the appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I book using my own details?
Please use your child’s name and date of birth on the online system and when booking via phone.
I have more than one child who needs a blood test. Can I use the same email to register?
Yes you can, just add a child or multiple children.
What if patients are unable to book blood tests online themselves?
In circumstances where a patient is unable to book the blood test online themselves, they can be helped by their family members or carers to set up an account. Alternatively, please call Children’s Outpatients on 01234 730421, Mon-Fri, 9.00am-10.00am and 4.00pm-5.00pm and one of the team will be happy to help, particularly if you can’t book a rapid test (within 1-2 weeks), your child has additional needs, or those with special requests such as fasting, genetics and hormone tests.
What happens when we arrive for a blood test?
When a patient arrives, they will need to check in with the receptionist. The patient and parent/carer will be required to sit in the waiting room until they are called for by the phlebotomist.
What if I’m late for an appointment?
If a patient is more than 10 minutes late for their appointment, they will have the choice of either waiting until the next available slot that day, if there is one available, or rebooking for another day.
Please make sure your child is well hydrated before the blood test; this will help the phlebotomists when taking the sample.