Arrive and take a seat
When you arrive at a collection centre, take a number card, scan it and take a seat.
Patient guide
Kia ora, welcome
Select your language to get helpful information for your visit.
English
Nau mai, haere mai
Welcome to Awanui Labs
Simple information and tools to help you feel prepared and supported at your collection centre visit.
How can we help?
EnglishBefore you arrive
What to expect during your test
Knowing what will happen can make your visit feel easier. Here is a simple guide to the usual steps.
When you are called
Your phlebotomist will ask you to sit down and confirm your full name, date of birth, address and phone number.
Tell us what you need
If you have fainted before or feel worried about needles, let your phlebotomist know. They can position you comfortably and help you feel at ease.
Getting ready
Your phlebotomist will gather the equipment, clean their hands and put on gloves. A tourniquet will sit around your upper arm while they find the best vein.
The blood draw
Your skin will be cleaned with an alcohol wipe. The single-use sterile needle may feel like a small pinch or sharp sting. It may stay in place for 30 seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on the number of tubes needed.
After the blood is drawn
Gauze will be held against the puncture site and you will be asked to apply pressure. Keep your arm straight until you are asked to remove your hand. The tubes will be labelled in front of you and a plaster will be applied.
After your test
- Keep the plaster on for at least 15 minutes.
- Avoid lifting, straining or carrying anything with that arm for two to three hours.
- If you develop a bruise, apply ice wrapped in a towel for 15–30 minutes.
- If you continue to have pain or concerns, call 03 359 0900 or contact your doctor.
Your safety matters.
We check your identity carefully so the right sample reaches the right doctor. Please be ready to say and spell your full name and confirm your date of birth.
We check your identity carefully so the right sample reaches the right doctor. Please be ready to say and spell your full name and confirm your date of birth.
EnglishWhakātā · A pause
Feeling anxious about your test?
Take a few minutes before your blood test. Pick something below — there is no right way.
What to expect
Most blood draws take under a minute. Tell your phlebotomist if you would like to lie down.
Most blood draws take under a minute. Tell your phlebotomist if you would like to lie down.
EnglishManawa tuku · Guided breathing
Follow the glowing orb
Find a comfortable position. Let the circle guide your breath at your own pace.
Ready3:00
EnglishWhakatauākī · Calming words
A few words to settle your mind.
Move through the cards and keep the words that feel useful today.
Settle · 1 / 8
Kei te haumaru ahau.
I am safe in this moment.
EnglishFind a centre
Find your nearest collection centre
Choose your region to see collection centre locations, opening hours and contact details on the Awanui Labs website.
EnglishPlan your visit
Did you know you can make a booking for your blood test?
It is free and takes just a few minutes. A booking means you will be seen at the time you have chosen and will not have to wait.
Have your email address ready and click below.
EnglishWe want to hear from you
Provide feedback
Awanui Labs welcomes your feedback, issues, suggestions or praise. Your comments are valuable and assist us to provide a quality service.
English
Nau mai, haere mai
About Awanui Labs
Awanui Labs brings laboratories and collection centres together across Aotearoa New Zealand. Our people work behind the scenes and face to face to support the health of our communities.
Awanui means “big river” — a name that reflects the way our laboratories and collection centres intersect and join.
Visit awanuilabs.co.nz