Community Blood Test Centres

  • Locations, opening hours and test availability
  • Appointment requirements
  • Paediatric services

    • Locations, opening hours and test availability:

    Location Opening hours Test availability
    Canterbury Health Laboratories
    Hagley Ave
    Christchurch
    Ph. 364 0300 Extension 89220    		 7.30am - 5pm
    Monday - Friday    		 All testing available.  Mantoux tests available from 8am - 4pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday only.
    Burwood Hospital
    Mairehau Rd
    Christchurch
    Ph. 383 6853    		 8.30am - 3pm
    Monday - Friday    		 All tests except Homocysteine, Mantoux, and H. pylori breath tests available.
    The Princess Margaret Hospital
    Cashmere Rd
    Christchurch
    Ph. 337 8601    		 8am - 5pm
    Monday - Friday    		 All tests except Homocysteine, Mantoux, and H. pylori breath tests available.
    Ashburton Hospital
    Elizabeth St
    Ashburton
    Ph. 307 8456    		 7.30am - 5pm
    Monday - Friday    		 All testing available.  

    Appointment requirements:

    For most tests, an appointment is not required and the blood test taken at any time during the centres opening hours.  Waiting times at the centres are rarely more than 10 minutes, but plenty of time should be allowed for appointments in case of delays.

    The following tests require an appointment and/or a longer stay in the blood test centre:

    Test Requirement
    Glucose tolerance test - Appointment required (see phone numbers above)
    - 2 hour stay in blood test centre
    - See Glucose tolerance test guidelines
    Glucose load test - No appointment required
    - 1 hour stay in blood test centre
    H. pylori breath test - Appointment required (see phone numbers above)
    - 30 minute stay in blood test centre
    Mantoux testing

    - No appointments required
    - Tests performed Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday only

    - Patient must be available for a second visit 48 - 92 hours after the test.
        - Monday tests are read the following Thursday
        - Tuesday tests are read the following Friday
        - Thursday Friday tests are read the following Monday

    Paediatric Services

    Children of less than 10 years are best taken to the main facility at Canterbury Health Laboratories on Hagley Ave between 0800 and 1600 hours. There are always plenty of experienced phlebotomists and support staff on hand. A "cold spray" is available so the needle won't hurt. A selection of treats like jellybeans, stickers and pencils are given out so as to make the occasion as pleasant as possible.