Reading a blood test request
What to check on a request before you take blood.
Check the request
Confirm the patient’s identifying details, who requested the tests and how to contact them, the tests required, and any instructions such as fasting or a set collection time. Check the details against the patient before you start.
Common abbreviations
FBC: full blood count. U&E: urea and electrolytes. LFT: liver function tests. TFT: thyroid function tests. CRP: C-reactive protein. ESR: erythrocyte sedimentation rate. HbA1c: glycated haemoglobin. G&S: group and save. XM: cross-match.
Matching tests to tubes
Several tests can often be run from one tube. The laboratory handbook says which tube each test needs and the minimum volume.
Things to watch for
Urgent requests that need prompt transport, fasting or timed tests, blood cultures, and samples that need special handling such as being kept cold or out of the light. If anything is unclear, ask the requester or the laboratory before you start. Do not guess.
General information only. Your receiving laboratory's handbook and your employer's procedures take precedence.
More reference
Blood tube colours and additives
What the common blood tube additives are for, and why the cap colour is only a guide.
Order of draw: quick reference
A short summary of the order of draw and why it matters.
Reference ranges
Why we do not publish reference ranges, and why collection technique matters for them.
Lola Dispatch is invitation-only
Lola Dispatch offers mobile blood draw jobs to approved phlebotomists. We add phlebotomists by invitation.
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