PHLEBOTOMY

Phlebotomy, the act of drawing blood, is essentially used to analyze and diagnose a patient’s condition. It includes profoundly developed, thoroughly tested techniques and needles that guarantee the security and solace of the patient and the uprightness of the gathered samples.

 

For your convenience, Yourhealthfirst offers a ‘walk-in’ service. However, patients are advised to book an appointment as patients of our clinic are given priority. Waiting times during clinical hours can reach up to 45 minutes or more if appointment is not booked.

If you must fast before your blood test, please ensure you have fasted for 12 hours prior to your test. You may sip small amounts of water and take any necessary medications.

We guarantee all sample containers are:

  • Properly capped and securely fastened
  • Clearly labelled with the patient’s name and time of collection
  • Inside a sealed plastic bag
  • Accompanied by a fully completed request form

BLOOD CENTRIFUGATE

Centrifugation

A centrifuge role in blood testing is to separate whole blood into its various components. Each component of blood has a specific use in the body and therefore, a different test may be required for each component. Blood can be centrifuged in a tube.
Blood is separated in blood tubes by its various components:
• Red Blood Cells (RBC), erythrocytes, carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
• White blood cells (WBC), or leucocytes, aid the immune system in fighting infections. There are five types of WBC: lymphocytes,
monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophils (granulocytes).
• Plasma is a yellowish component in which the blood is normally suspended.
• Plasma contains proteins, glucose, clotting factors, hormones, and carbon dioxide

USEFUL INFORMATION FOR EACH TEST

Light Blue Top – Sodium Citrate, either 3.2% or 3.8% Citrate. Citrate is an anticoagulant it binds Calcium which is needed for coagulation. Result is RBC and Plasma. This tube goes to Coagulation for Prothrombin time and other coagulation tests.
•   Additive: Sodium Citrate (3.2% or 3.8%) (Citrate is an anticoagulant so the blood will not clot prior to testing).
•   Most common tests: to determine coagulation disorders

Red Top

  • Additive: activator and silicone coated interior
    •    Most common tests: routine chemistry, serology, immunochemistry and TDM testing.

Green / Light Green Top
•    Additive: Sodium herparin, lithium heparin
•    Most common tests: for plasma determinations in chemistry

Purple / Lavender Top
•    Additive: EDTA K2, EDTA K3
•    Most common tests: hemoglobin, complete blood count

Pink Top
•    Additive: EDTA K2
•    Most common tests: blood hematology and blood banking

Grey Top
•    Additive: Potassium oxalyate and sodium fluoride. Sodium fluoride/ Na2 EDTA
•    Most common tests: Glucose levels, blood alcohol levels, lactate, bicarbonate

Yellow Top
•    Additive: Acid citrate dextrose (ACD) solution A or ACD solutions B
•    Most common tests: Blood banking, DNA testing

Royal Blue Top
•    Additive: Sodium heparin
•    Most common tests: Blood heavy metals

Please bring your Pathology Service Request Form

Please be aware that all blood tests at this venue must be completed by 5pm and we advise to book an appointment.

Our prices

Blood draw from £35 (include centrifugal)

Opening hours

Monday to Friday -10am to 7pm

Saturday -12am to 4pm

Sunday -Only by appointment

Out of hours -Only by appointment

Get an appointment

By phone: T:0207 351 7424
M:07818 474 041

By email: info@yourhealthfirst.uk

Or fill in the form on our Appointments page