Blood tests

A blood test may be done to check your general health, find out why you’re having certain symptoms, or find out if you’re likely to get conditions.

A healthcare professional such as a GP, nurse or specialist usually needs to refer you for a blood test.

Before a blood test, the GP, nurse or specialist should tell you if you need to do anything to prepare for it, like not eating.

During a blood test, a needle is used to take a small amount of your blood, usually from your arm.

You should get blood test results in a few days, but it can take a few weeks. You can discuss your results with the GP, nurse or specialist.

A blood test involves a having small amount of blood taken and sent for testing.