Blood tests & laboratory information

Blood and laboratory tests are used for many reasons, such as to:

assess your general health
check for infection
help diagnose a health condition
check how well certain organs (such as your kidneys and liver) are working
screen for disease.

Your doctor uses the latest evidence to decide which tests you might need. They will discuss this with you. A programme called Choosing Wisely encourages everyone to think carefully about which tests and treatments to have. It helps guide decision-making by weighing up the benefits of the tests and treatment.

If you think you might need a test, discuss it with your GP.

The doctor who orders the test must interpret the test results. If the doctor thinks the test is unnecessary or could harm your health, or they don't feel comfortable interpreting the results, they have the right not to order the test for you. An open, honest and frank discussion between you and your GP is most likely to ease your concerns.

You can read more about why tests are performed at Labtests Online.

Requesting blood tests

In the community, a GP or other health professional usually requests tests. However if you are over 16 years old you may self-request certain tests. In this case, you have to pay.

You can read more about self-requested tests on the Canterbury SCL website. Check this page for the 2019/2020 price list.

If you decide to have a test done privately, you need to think carefully about what you're going to do with the results.

Some complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners such as homeopaths or naturopaths or allied health providers such as dietitians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and podiatrists can recommend or request a test. If you think you might need a test, discuss it with your GP.

Follow these links to read more about specific tests and blood tests for children.

Where to have a blood test

In Canterbury, laboratory testing is done by:

Canterbury SCL in the community – check the patient collection centre guide for details of locations and opening times.
Canterbury Health Laboratories at Christchurch Hospital – check the collection centres and find out more by clicking on the blood drops or downloading a pdf.

Samples can also be taken at your GP practice.

Costs

There should be no cost to you if your samples are taken or collected at the laboratories. There may be a cost if you get them taken at your GP's practice – ask at the practice.

Not everyone is eligible for government-funded laboratory testing, so there may be costs for the actual test. Ask at the collection centre about costs and payment options.

If you self-request a test or you need a test for work, insurance or travel purposes you will have to pay.