Blood Testing 
Blood test clinics are run every morning by our Healthcare Assistants, who also help with minor operations and ECGs (heart recordings). When a doctor, practice Sister or the North Devon District Hospital requests a blood test, a form is produced to tell the Health Care Assistant which samples are required.
We have blood clinics from 07.30-17.00 most days and also offer anti-coagulant appointments throughout the day. Appointments for these need to be booked through Sister’s receptionist on 01271 314236, the main surgery line on 01271 329004 or you can book online for your blood tests using the Appointments Online system.
If you take warfarin you will need to have regular blood tests to ensure that you are receiving the correct dose. We offer regular clinics where we can calculate the new dose of warfarin immediately after your blood test.
Please remember to check in for your blood test on arrival at the surgery, as you would for any other appointment.
What are blood tests for?
A blood test is when a sample of blood is taken for testing in a laboratory. Blood tests have a wide range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test. For example, a blood test can be used 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
A blood test usually involves the phlebotomist taking a blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm. and the usual place for a sample is the inside of the elbow or wrist, where the veins are relatively close to the surface. Blood samples from children are most commonly taken from the back of the hand. The child's hand will be anaesthetised (numbed) with a special cream before the sample is taken.