A supplier to the NHS has advised us of a global shortage of some blood bottles used for taking blood tests.

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

If you are already waiting for a test that has been booked, please do not contact your GP unless you believe that it was clinically urgent to have the test.  If it is not urgent, you will be asked to wait until there are adequate supplies of blood bottles.

Given the nature of the shortage, we 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.