A phlebotomy paperless blood requesting process has been introduced for GP practices, to create a more positive and environmentally friendly experience, while ensuring safety and continuity of care.

GP practices who request under the following sites (list below), will initiate and complete blood test requests electronically in tQuest via EMIS. However, at the print screen stage they either close or print as a PDF. It is essential that requests are completed using the finish function, as only finished requests are sent to laboratory and phlebotomy systems. 

Once submitted, practices should share the SwiftQueue booking details with patients, (SMS or email), allowing them to book a convenient appointment. The patient provides the phlebotomy clinic with their name and date of birth.

Sites affected:

• Royal Free
• Barnet
• Chase Farm
• Edgware
• The Laurels
• Forest Road Primary Care Centre
• Wood Green CDC  
• Finchley Memorial Hospital 

Printed & PDF blood request forms will remain an important part of the pathway, especially for those less digitally versed. The forms contain helpful patient information, including telephone booking guidance, clinic addresses and opening times. 

Non-blood tests such as urine or swabs must still be printed. 

Please note the process is unchanged for UCLH and the Whittington Hospital. UCLH will still require printed forms and the Whittington Hospital paperless process via ICE is unchanged.

The North Middlesex University Hospital site is expected to transition fully to paperless within the next two months. A further update will be provided in due course. It is hoped UCLH will follow.