A blood test is taking a sample of blood for testing in a laboratory. Blood tests have a wide range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test.
For example, a blood test can be used to:
assess your general state of health
confirm the presence of a bacterial or viral infection
see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys, are functioning
screen for certain genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis or spinal muscular atrophy
Read about some common types of blood test.
Most blood tests only take a few minutes to complete and are carried out at your GP surgery or local hospital.