Blood tests (phlebotomy)
Book your blood test
Book your blood test online using the Swiftqueue online booking system.
Our blood tests appointments are provided by our pathology provider, Synnovis.
More about how to book online
To book your blood test, go to the Swiftqueue website.
You will be able to see a range of appointment slots. Choose a date and time that suits you.
Next, you will be prompted to register with Swiftqueue, or log in to your existing account, to confirm your booking.
You can view, reschedule, and cancel your appointments online.
This video explains more about how to book. You can also read the Swiftqueue online booking patient user guide.
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Can't book online?
We understand that not everyone is able to use online booking or has access to the internet. We make sure our service is flexible and accommodating by offering other ways to book a blood test:
Same-day appointments
You can visit the clinic and we will book the next available appointment for you.
However, if the test you need is not urgent, we cannot always guarantee a same-day appointment.
Future appointments
Visit the clinic and book a future appointment. A member of the team can help you to book, or you can use one of our booking kiosks.
Future appointments can be helpful if:
- your test is routine (not urgent)
- you want an early timeslot because you need to stop eating or drinking (called fasting) before the test.
Booking for others (including children under 16)
Family members, friends and carers can book blood test appointments for you by creating their own Swiftqueue account and adding you to it. Watch the video in the More about how to book online section for more information.
Locations
King’s College Hospital – adults
We see patients aged 16 and over.
We mainly see patients who have been referred for a blood test by a department at King’s College Hospital. We can also see patients referred by their GP.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5.45pm.
Closed on bank (public) holidays.
Address
Blood tests clinic, Ground floor, Golden Jubilee Wing, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS
King’s College Hospital – children under 16
Blood tests for children under 16 are carried out in the Children’s Outpatients department.
Parents and carers can booking appointments on behalf of patients under 16.
This step-by-step video guide explains how to make a booking for yourself or for someone else.
For malaria tests, go to Children’s Outpatients immediately – no appointment needed. Out of opening hours go straight to the Children’s Emergency Department.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm for patients referred by a GP.
Closed on bank (public) holidays.
Address
Children’s Outpatients, Third floor, Hambleden Wing, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS
Tessa Jowell Health Centre – adults
We see patients aged 16 and over.
Most people we see are referred to us by their GP.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 3.45pm.
Closed on bank (public) holidays.
Address
Tessa Jowell Health Centre, 72H East Dulwich Grove, London, SE22 8EY
Specialised tests
Malaria
Come to King’s College Hospital for a blood test as soon as possible – no appointment needed. Go to the adult or child blood test clinic during their opening hours. Outside of opening hours go straight to the Emergency Department.
Glucose tolerance test (GTT)
Phone the Programmed Investigation Unit (PIU).
Preparing for your blood test
Before your test, read and follow any instructions from your doctor or on your blood request form.
Fasting
If you are having a test for lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, gut hormones, or fasting blood sugar (glucose tolerance test), you must fast completely for 12 hours before the test. Fasting means have nothing to eat and only water to drink.
Drug monitoring
You may need to have a blood test before taking certain medicines, such as anti-convulsants. Please check with your doctor before you stop taking medication.
Digoxin levels
If your digoxin levels are being tested, there needs to be at least 6 hours between taking your medicine and having the blood test.
Contact Details
- Patient queries phone number: 020 3299 3692
- Phlebotomy management email: [email protected]
- Tessa Jowell Health Centre: 020 8194 7600
Booking a blood test
For full details see the ‘General information’ tab.
Tests that must be performed at King’s College Hospital
Certain tests must be carried out at King’s College Hospital:
- Malaria screen – tell patients to go straight to a blood testing clinic (adult or child), or the Emergency Department instead if out of hours.
- Renin/aldosterone, thrombophilia screen, gut hormones, calcitonin or cryoglobulin – tell patients to book a blood test using Swiftqueue.
- Endocrine blood tests – some of are performed by referring to the Programmed Investigation Unit (PIU) only. Please contact Endocrinology or the Programmed Investigation Unit to confirm.
What is required before referring a patient
Please give all patients a completed blood request form.
Tell them about any fasting or other requirements. For example:
- the gut hormone tests require 12 hour fasting
- digoxin tests should be performed at least six hours post dose.
Other Queries
For blood test results, contact Synnovis Customer Services on 020 4513 7300.
For general queries and requirements for specific blood tests, contact the Pathology Duty Doctor on 07890 259833.