There is currently a global shortage of blood tubes used for taking blood tests, which is having a significant impact on the services we deliver. 

Anyone who needs a blood test for urgent health problems will still get one. However, where it’s safe to do so, your clinician may ask you to come back for a test at a later date, or your appointment may be rescheduled.

If you are booked in for a blood test or are waiting for one, your GP practice is reviewing all requests to find out if it needs to be taken urgently, or if your test can wait until there are sufficient blood bottles available.

Given the nature of the shortage, they may not be able to give an exact date for when the test will be rescheduled, but please be assured that if your condition or symptoms require it, you will get a test. We apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.

NHS England advised phlebotomy clinics to cancel all non urgent blood test appointments up until 17th September 2021. This is being reviewed on a daily basis and we will provide further updates as the situation develops. Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.