NCL ICB has issued updated guidance to clarify the phlebotomy appointment booking process.

The previous established process should continue for now and is outlined below. This process ensures that blood test requests are managed efficiently and aligns with the use of tQuest and SwiftQueue systems.

Note: The ICE process for requesting blood test requests at Whittington Hospital (WH) remains unchanged. Continue with the existing paperless process for requesting as outlined.

Practices are reminded to:

• Submit test requests via tQuest in the EMIS portal, selecting the appropriate provider and pressing "Finish" to complete the request. Unless "FINISH" is used, the request will not be submitted. This does not apply to requests submitted to WH, which continue to via ICE.
• All patients with tQuest requests should be provided with a printed blood test form (UCLH, RFH, North Middlesex), apart from those being submitted to WH via ICE who should continue with paperless requesting.
• Patient booking details should then be issued through SMS or email using tools such as Accurx or iPlato - as well as giving the patient the form.
• Ensure patients have clear instructions on how to book their appointment via SwiftQueue or by phone, if needed.

For detailed guidance and support, refer to NCL ICB phlebotomy resources on the Phlebotomy topic page. Please ensure all staff are familiar with the clarified process to provide seamless care for patients and avoid any delays to tests being processed.