Blood tests
Booking your blood test appointment
You can book your Mater Hospital blood test appointment either online or over the phone.
Online
Online appointments for blood tests are managed through a system called Swiftqueue. Swiftqueue is used by a number of hospitals in Ireland. Click on the links below to book, change or cancel a blood test on Swiftqueue.
Book a blood test ordered by a GP
By phone
To book your blood test appointment by telephone please call (01) 291 0181. The line is open from Monday to Friday, from 10am to 2pm. Calls are charged at normal local rate within the 01 area. You can also call this number to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
Coming in for your appointment
Where should patients go?
Blood testing is located in the Whitty Wing, Level 1. The best entrance to use is the Whitty entrance on North Circular Road. When you come in, take the escalator or lift to Level 1. Walk down the main corridor ("Hospital Street") and you will see signs for "Phlebotomy (blood tests)" which is on the left hand side.
What to do when you get there:
When you arrive, please take a ticket from the machine and have a seat. We will then call the number on your ticket so that we can register you. Please note, all patients need to take a ticket, even though they have made an appointment. This is so that we know that you have arrived.
After you have registered, you will be asked to take a seat in the waiting area. The phlebotomist (person who carries out the blood test) will then call you in to do the test.
We try to make sure that you are seen as close to your appointment time as possible, but sometimes there can be a delay. However, we will ensure that patients are seen in the order of their appointment time.
Things to note
- If your doctor has asked you to fast (not eat or drink) for your blood test, do not eat or drink anything except water for 12 hours before the blood test.
- Blood tests are carried out by phlebotomists. Please tell the phlebotomist if you had any previous problems with blood tests, for example, feeling faint.
- Tell the phlebotomist if you are taking any blood thinning medications. These include warfarin or aspirin. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medication before your test.
What does a blood test involve?
The staff member carrying out the test (phlebotomist) will place a needle into one of the blood vessels in the inside of your elbow or the back of your hand. You will feel a pinch as the needle goes in. This isn't usually too painful.
They take your blood sample, remove the needle and then apply a cotton wool pad to the site of the needle puncture.
Most blood tests only take a few minutes to complete.
If you don't like needles and injections, please tell the phlebotomist. They will try to make you feel more comfortable.
Results of your blood test
The results of your blood test will be sent to the doctor who ordered it. This could be your GP or a consultant at the hospital.