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At Canterbury Health Laboratories we perform laboratory testing on a range of different types of samples. The types of specimens we can collect at our blood test centres include: blood samples, urine and skin scrapings or swabs from, for example, your throat or ear.
The most commonly performed tests are done on a blood sample. A blood test is a laboratory analysis performed on a blood sample, which is usually bled from a vein in the arm using a needle.
Laboratory tests aid medical staff, including your GP, to make decisions about your health and well- being.
Your Doctor may order a laboratory test for a number of different reasons:
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To provide information to assist with a diagnosis |
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To confirm a diagnosis |
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To monitor treatment |
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To allow early diagnosis of an illness before symptoms arise |
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To ensure selected treatment for an illness is the most appropriate |
If you know you have difficult veins, or are a little scared of needles, then we can take care of you because our phlebotomists are highly experienced. They are used to bleeding a variety of people from all walks of life and very very sick hospitalised people every day. Our phlebotomists also have specific guidelines they follow to ensure a stress free blood collection for those with difficult veins and needle phobias. Just let them know your concern when you arrive.
Our aim is to ensure your child approach this and any further blood tests with confidence. Babies and young children can be a little more difficult to take blood off due to their smaller sized veins. To try and make this an easier experience for parents, we have two senior staff (assist) perform the collection and we can use either a ‘magic spray’ (Ethylene chloride spray) or a ‘magic cream’ (EMLA Cream) to numb the phlebotomy site. The EMLA cream can take an hour to work depending on the individual, so you may need to allow more time for the sample to be collected.
Canterbury Health Laboratories are currently running dedicated clinics for children requiring blood tests at the Hagley Ave centre. These are being held on Mondays and Thursdays between 1:00pm-2:30pm. Please call us to arrange an appointment and to discuss local anaesthesia options. A flyer is below with further information.
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Dedicated Paediatric Blood Test Clinic Information |
An appointment is not necessary unless you are getting a Glucose Tolerance Test, or H.pylori breath test.
Waiting times are rarely more than 10 minutes however please set aside enough time in case of delays.
Below is a list of tests requiring a longer period of time to be set aside by the patient:
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Test |
Requirement |
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Glucose tolerance test
(please see brochure below)
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• Appointment required
• Fasting blood test (No food from evening before)
• 2 hour stay in blood test centre |
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Glucose load test |
• No appointment required
• 1 hour stay in blood test centre |
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H. pylori/Urea test |
• Appointment required
• Fasting test. Please be prepared to answer questions about your medication
• 30 minute stay in blood test centre |
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Mantoux testing |
• No appointment required
• Will require a second visit 48 - 92 hrs later for reading. |
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Specific Testing Information |
Sometimes in order to get a blood or laboratory test done there are special requirements. Below are some information sheets, outlining what you may need to do to prepare for your test.
If you would like to talk to somebody about what is required for your test please contact your G.P., or give our blood test centre a call on: 0800 THE LAB.
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