Blood Tests
A blood test is when blood is taken from your body and tested in a lab. It’s a common test that doctors use for lots of things. For instance, they can use a blood test to:
- assess your general state of health
- confirm the presence of a bacterial or viral infection
- see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning
When you have a blood test, the person doing it, called a Phlebotomist, usually takes a small bit of blood from a vein in your arm. They often do this from the inside of your elbow or wrist because the veins are easy to see there; but for kids, they might take blood from the back of the hand. Before they do, they put special cream on the hand to make it numb, so it doesn’t hurt as much. Sometimes, if it’s better for the child, the doctor might do the test at a hospital instead.
You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Choices website.
X-Ray
An X-ray is a special test doctors use to see inside your body.
It’s really good for finding issues with bones, like if you’ve broken one. It can also spot problems with soft parts of the body, as well as pneumonia or breast cancer.
When you have an X-ray, you’ll lie on a table or stand against something while the machine takes pictures.
A person called a radiographer, who’s an expert in using machines like X-rays, usually does the X-ray or ultrasound.
You can find out more about x-ray tests, how they are performed, their function and the risks by visiting the NHS Choices website.
Booking a Blood Test
How do I book a blood test (for patients aged 16 years and over)
For adults aged 16 years and older. All patients must have and take with them a valid blood form.
The easiest way to book a blood test is online by clicking below;
Alternatively, you can ring the appointment line on 0808 196 4500. The appointment line is open Monday to Friday; 12pm – 3pm.
You can book a blood test at various locations in St Helens and Halton. These include;
Widnes Health Care & Resource Centre – Caldwell Road, Widnes, WA8 7GD
Millennium Urgent Treatment Centre – Corporation Street, St Helens, WA10 1HJ
Whiston Hospital – Outpatient Department, Yellow Zone, Warrington Road, Prescot, L35 5DR
St Helens Hospital – Outpatient Department, Orange Zone, St Marshalls Road, St Helens, WA9 3DA
How do I book a blood test for my child (for patients aged under 16)
For Children aged below the age of 16. All Children must have and take with them a valid blood form.
To book a blood test for children under the age of 16, please telephone the Paediatric Day Unit at Whiston Hospital on 0151 430 1702.
Please see leaflet below for more information.
Getting your test results
Our clinicians aim to review your results within 48 hours of them being returned to the practice, however, we will only contact patients if your test results show that you need treatment or further investigation.
PLEASE NOTE – We do not contact patients if their results are within normal range.
If you wish to know the results of your test and have not received contact from us, please wait at least 7 days before ringing us, and ring after 2pm.
Once a clinician has reviewed your test results, you can also view them using the following methods:
- in your NHS account (through the NHS website or NHS App)
- by using the online service
NHS App
Non-urgent advice: Timeframe for Test Results
X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds might take up to 2 weeks. Sometimes, samples like faeces and swabs can take up to 6 weeks.
The clinician will look at the results within 7 days of them returning to the practice.
If your test was done somewhere else like a clinic or hospital, you’ll need to call them for the results. We can’t action tests ordered by outside clinics or hospitals.
It is the patient’s responsibility to follow up on their test results.
Page last reviewed: 23 May 2025
Reviewed by: Adam Bolton