A blood test is a collection of experiments on a sample of your blood which are analysed in a laboratory. We use them to look for cancerous cells and substances indicative of cancer, or to see how certain body organs are functioning, such as the kidney or liver.

Blood tests are simple procedures. Your consultant or a nurse will insert a needle into one of your veins, usually in your arm or elbow, and a small amount of blood is extracted into a small bottle. The contents are then sent off to be analysed and the results sent back to your consultant.

Your consultant may suggest a blood test to diagnose a cancer, monitor how your cancer is responding to treatment, or check whether a cancer has come back. It could also be part of a general health check.

We’re open and continuing to diagnose and treat without delay. Additional measures are in place throughout our centres to ensure your safety during your visit.

Blood tests can be used to help diagnose many different types of cancers, and your consultant may recommend a blood test if you have:

• Changes in your urological health – such as pain during urination, loss of bladder control and blood in your urine
• Changes in bleeding – including bleeding gums or nosebleeds
• Changes in bowel habits – such as blood in your stools, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pains
• A new lump or visible changes to your skin
• A general feeling of poor health – including loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, vomiting or weight loss

You’ll usually need no preparation for a blood test for cancer, but in some instances your consultant may ask you to fast before your appointment. Your consultant will discuss this with you when your test is booked.

You’ll either lie or sit down for your test. Your consultant or a nurse will place a tight band around your arm above the area your sample will be taken from. They’ll clean your skin with an antiseptic wipe and insert a small needle attached to a syringe into your vein – you may need to clench your fist to make it easier for them to find a vein. Then they’ll draw out the blood samples.

You may feel a slight scratch as the needle goes in but it shouldn’t be too painful. If you’re afraid of needles or feel unwell at the sight of blood, please let us know beforehand. Very occasionally people may feel faint or dizzy during the test or just after. If this happens inform the consultant or nurse.

The overall procedure should only last a few minutes and a dressing will be applied to the area to help prevent any further bleeding or bruising afterwards.

You may be able to get your blood results on the same day as your test. However, in some cases you’ll have to wait a little longer. We will let you know your results as fast as we can so you can have peace of mind or start planning the next steps of your care as soon as possible.