Summerfield Healthcare tackling blood testing shortages

September 02 2021   |   News

A current shortage of blood test tubes is having a serious impact on the ability of the NHS to provide blood testing across the country. It’s a worrying situation, but it’s important for us to reassure people that they can still obtain a blood test with Summerfield Healthcare as we are fully stocked up on blood test vials.

The NHS has been forced to temporarily suspend some blood testing due to supply chain problems in delivery of tubes and doctors have been told to stagger some tests, sparking fears that patient care will suffer as a result.

A worsening situation

The shortages are expected to worsen and last throughout this month, but it’s anticipated that the overall supply of vials is likely to remain challenging for a significant period beyond this.

All this means the NHS has deferred blood testing in certain cases with a guidance for doctors to delay tests if clinically safe. This will affect those people needing a blood test in relation to conditions including:

• Pre-diabetes
• Allergies
• Fertility
• Certain blood disorders 
• Vitamin D, unless under very exceptional circumstances

Adequate supply

Summerfield Healthcare’s blood testing service is operating normally through these difficult times for the NHS and is continuing to offer tests for people in all categories affected by the suspension of testing.

We believe people should have access to quality healthcare when they need it and even if your blood test is not deemed to be ‘clinically urgent’ we think it’s important for you to get your regular blood test.

We have obtained enough vials to continue with same-day appointments for blood tests, including Vitamin D testing, which has reduced in cost to £69 due to the shortages.

Blood tests take only a few minutes and are carried out by our fully qualified and experienced medical staff at our clinics in Shrewsbury and Wolverhampton. For more information and to book an appointment, check out our services at https://www.summerfieldhealthcare.co.uk/blood-tests/