Interventional Radiology

If you have received a blood form in the post, it is important to complete the blood test at least 1 day before your procedure date. This can be carried out at the Phlebotomy Department at Darent Valley Hospital.

If you have been asked to collect your blood form from the X-ray Department, Interventional Radiology staff may be able to take your blood test when you come to collect your form. However, during busy times you may be asked to have your blood test done in the Phlebotomy Department.

The Phlebotomy Department is located at Darent Valley Hospital, Outpatients Department, Level 2

Opening times: Monday to Friday 08:30 – 16:50

If you have had a blood test within 2 weeks of your procedure date please let Bonsai Ward know, as it may mean you may not need to have another blood test.

Interventional Radiology – 01322 428866

You will receive a phone call from a member of the nursing team, who will “pre-assess” you over the phone. This will include: confirming your appointment date and time; gaining a medical history; stopping medication (if appropriate); arranging for you to complete a blood test (if you have had a blood test within 2 weeks of your procedure please let the nurse know, as it may mean you may not need to have another blood test); and explaining when you will need to stop eating and drinking.

Please do not bring any valuables with you to your appointment as we do not have facilities to keep valuables secure. The Trust accepts no liability for the loss or damage of property, howsoever caused, which you may choose to continue to hold while in hospital. Unfortunately, space is limited on Bonsai ward and your friend/relative accompanying you will not be able to stay in the ward with you, children are not allowed in the Interventional Radiology Department.

When you arrive to the X-Ray department for your appointment please check in with X-Ray main reception. You will then be directed to Interventional Radiology, where the nursing team will greet you.

The nursing team will admit you to the ward; complete a checklist required for your procedure and insert a cannula (if required). A cannula is a small plastic tube that sits inside a vein in your arm and allows the team looking after you to give you medication that you may require during your stay with us. You will also be asked to change into a hospital gown. 

Unfortunately space is limited in Interventional Radiology and your friend/relative accompanying you will not be able to stay in the ward with you; children are not allowed in Interventional Radiology.

Samples taken during a procedure usually take 7 - 10 days for the results to come through and will be sent to your specialist consultant, who referred you for your procedure. Unfortunately, Radiology does not have access to results of the samples taken. Please follow up with the oncology team looking after you or your specialist consultant’s secretary.