Blood Tests

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

You can find out more about blood tests, their purpose and the way they are performed on the NHS Choices website.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR FASTING BLOOD TESTS

• No food or drink for

12 hours prior to the test for Cholesterol

10 hours prior to the test for sugar

• Please drink plenty of water as it can be beneficial.
• Take your regular medication as normal.
• Please remember that food includes sweets & chewing gum.

X-Ray

An X-ray is a widely used diagnostic test to examine the inside of the body. X-rays are a very effective way of detecting problems with bones, such as fractures. They can also often identify problems with soft tissue, such as pneumonia or breast cancer.

If you have a X-ray, you will be asked to lie on a table or stand against a surface so that the part of your body being X-rayed is between the X-ray tube and the photographic plate.

An X-ray is usually carried out by a radiographer, a healthcare professional who specialises in using imaging technology, such as X-rays and ultrasound scanners.

You can find out more about x-ray tests, how they are performed, their function and the risks by visiting the NHS Choices website.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Imaging Department

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital Opening Times

For Chest X-rays only you can attend without an appointment

Monday to Friday 9am - 12am or 2pm - 4pm

Lines open:

Monday 9am – 5:00pm

Tuesday 8:15am – 4:30pm

Wednesday 8:30am – 4:30pm

Thursday 8:15am – 4:30pm

Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm

Telephone X-ray 0300 422 5577

Please wait 24 hours after GP referral before calling