Phlebotomy (Blood Testing Services)

Services Provided

If you are referred to the Hospital for an Out Patient Blood Test you will be directed to the Phlebotomy Service. Phlebotomy is a procedure performed by a trained member of staff, usually a phlebotomist. A tourniquet is placed around your arm, the area is cleaned and then a small needle is inserted into a vein. Blood is withdrawn into sample bottles and the needle is then removed. Pressure is applied at the site with a piece of cotton wool or gauze until the bleeding has stopped and then a small plaster is applied. Please tell the person taking the blood if you are allergic to sticking plaster.

Will it hurt?

Putting the needle into the arm involves a pin prick sensation but after that the rest of the procedure should be quite painless. Some people continue to feel some discomfort or pain and we are not sure why. It is probably because of nerves under the surface of the skin but this should settle quite quickly. If not you should go to see your GP or a member of hospital staff.

Will it bruise?

You may get a bruise or a small lump after having blood taken. This will usually settle by itself and fade away in time. Some conditions or patient groups may have an increased risk of bruising. These include:-

• Patient prescribed drugs such as Warfarin or Aspirin

• Conditions such as a bleeding disorder or low platelets (thrombocytopenia)

• When it is hard to get a vein, for example if the arm is swollen (oedema)

• Elderly patients

To help reduce this risk as much as possible, please tell the person taking the blood if you have any such conditions or if you have had a problem in the past after a blood test. Pressing firmly on the site until the bleeding has stopped should help to reduce any bruising. If possible keep the arm slightly raised and avoid too much movement of the arm, such as lifting or carrying heavy parcels, for an hour or so after the blood test.

Contact Information

Phone: 01 -2609200 (St. Vincent’s Private Hospital Switchboard ) or
Phone: 01 -2214590 (Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, St. Vincent’s
                                   University Hospital )

Postal address:

Phlebotomy Out-Patient Services
Nursing Division,
St. Vincent’s Private Hospital
Herbert Avenue ,
Merrion,
Dublin 4.

Opening Hours

The Phlebotomy Service which is located in the General Day Care area is open from  8.30 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 4.30pm Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays). Patients are advised to arrive by 12.30 pm to avail of the service by 1 pm and to arrive no later than 4 pm to avail of the service by 4.30 pm.

Appointment Procedures (Walk in Service)

This is a walk in service and no prior appointment is necessary. Patients must however bring a request form or referral letter from their referring doctor. The results of your blood test(s) which are analysed in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, SVUH be provided directly to your referring doctor.

Charges (2009)

Warfarin                             30 Euro

Standard                             60 Euro

Complex Haematology      80 Euro (applies to 5 or more vials)

Osteoporosis Profile:       150 Euro

Thrombophilia Screening 300 Euro (New Service)

External hospital referrals (Prices available on request)

Patient Information

For further clinical information please the  Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, St. Vincent’s University Hospital website.