Disruption to blood tube supply – patient information

1 September 2021

A supplier to the NHS has advised us and other hospital trusts of a global shortage of some equipment used for taking blood tests.

Working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS Supply Chain, the MHRA and colleagues from the devolved administrations, given the impact on other parts of the UK, NHS England and NHS Improvement is co-ordinating the NHS response in England, on a national basis.

Anyone who needs a test for urgent health problems, will still get one but where your GP or clinician recommends that it’s safe to do so, then you may be asked to come back for a test at a later date, or your appointment may be rescheduled.

Given the nature of the shortage, the NHS cannot give an exact date for when the test will be rescheduled, but please be assured that if your condition or symptoms require it, then you will get a test, and we will be re-booking your test when supplies become more easily available.

If your condition or symptoms change or get worse, please contact the NHS as you would normally.

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