Blood tests
We provide blood testing services for Mater Hospital patients as well as for the wider community. We provide a same day blood testing service for Mater Hospital outpatient clinic patients and an urgent appointment system for GPs.
Making your appointment
Blood tests must be ordered by your GP or hospital consultant. Once your test is ordered, you must make an appointment for your blood tests. You can do this online or over the phone.
Opening times for outpatients and GP patients
Mon to Thurs: 8.00am to 4.15pm (Last appointment at 4.10pm)
Fri: 8.00am to 4.15pm (Last appointment at 3.40pm)
Please note that there are no services on weekends or public holidays.
Book online
Book blood test ordered by a Mater Hospital consultant
Login to swiftqueue cancel/edit your appointment
Book by phone
To book your blood test appointment by phone, please call (01) 291 0181, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm. Calls are charged at normal local rate within the 01 area.
You can also call this number to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
Coming in for your appointment
GP patients should bring their GP request letter or fully completed request form to include GP name address when coming in for an appointment.
When you arrive, please take a ticket from the machine and have a seat. We will then call the number on your ticket so that we can register you.
Please note, all patients need to take a ticket, even though they have made an appointment. This is so that we know that you have arrived.
Once you are registered, the person doing the blood test (phlebotomist) will call you. We try to make sure that you are seen as close to your appointment time as possible, but sometimes there can be a delay. However, we ensure that patients are seen in the order of their appointment time.
Things to note
- If your doctor has asked you to fast for your blood test, don't eat or drink anything except water for 12 hours before the test.
- Blood tests are carried out by phlebotomists. Please tell the phlebotomist if you have had any previous problems with blood tests, for example, feeling faint.
- Tell the phlebotomist if you are taking any blood thinning medications. These include warfarin or aspirin. Your doctor or nurse may ask you to stop taking certain medication before your test.
What does a blood test involve?
The staff member carrying out the test (phlebotomist) will place a needle into one of the blood vessels in the inside of your elbow or the back of your hand. You will feel a sharp pinch as the needle goes in. This isn't usually too painful.
They take your blood sample, remove the needle and then apply a cotton wool pad to the site of the needle puncture.
Most blood tests only take a few minutes to complete.
If you don't like needles and injections, please tell the person who is taking the sample. They will try to make you feel more comfortable.
How do I get the results?
The results of your blood test will be sent to the doctor who ordered it. This could be your GP or a consultant at the hospital.