Routine blood tests are one of the best ways to keep track of your overall health. Getting a blood test at regular intervals can help you track changes in your body and allow you to make important decisions about your lifestyle and general well-being.
Our phlebotomy services/ blood tests can be required for any number of different reasons and are one of the most common forms of medical testing.
We can carry out a wide range of tests, including:
- Fertility hormone tests
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV
- Full Blood Count
- Blood Glucose for diabetes
- Cholesterol Blood Test for risks of heart attack & stroke
- Liver Function Test for the effects of alcohol and much more
- Kidney Function Test
- Thyroid Function Test
- PSA Test for prostate cancer testing
- Allergy Tests
.... etc, etc
Our doctor will advise you as to any specific requirements before you have your test.
Depending on the nature of the blood test, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything except water for up to 12 hours. Equally, there may be certain medications or supplements you shouldn't take prior to your appointment. It's important to follow the doctor's instructions, as it might impact the results.
Usually, the doctor/nurse will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The arm is generally the preferred location as it's easily accessible and the veins are relatively near the surface of the skin. Your doctor will draw blood from either the inside of your elbow or your wrist.
To draw the blood, the doctor/nurse will apply a tourniquet to your upper arm. This is a tightly fitting band that squeezes your arm, slowing down the flow of blood. As a result, your vein will swell allowing for easier sampling. The doctor will clean the area with an antiseptic wipe and insert the syringe into the vein.
During the procedure, you may feel slight discomfort. When the needle is inserted into the skin, you may feel a scratch or a prick, but it shouldn't cause pain. If you're nervous, let the doctor know so they can ensure you're comfortable.
Once the doctor/nurse has drawn the blood into the syringe, they'll remove the needle and release the tourniquet. They'll gently apply pressure to where the sample was taken with some cotton wool to stop any bleeding. Finally, they'll put a small plaster on the mark to keep the area clean.
To learn more about blood tests, please visit the NHS Blood Tests page.
After the doctor/nurse takes the blood sample, they will put it into a tube labelled with your information. This sample will be sent to a laboratory where they will examine the blood. Depending on what they're looking for, they will examine the blood under a microscope or perform chemical testing.
The laboratory will send the results back us. Most tests results are ready the next day , however in some cases, it could be longer, but our doctor/nurse will advise you as to the timeline.
We will then email you the results in a pdf format.
We are only able to see patients aged 16 and over for phlebotomy
No, you do not need a referral letter for a private blood test. We see patients without referral letters from a GP or other health professionals, but we can send your results to your GP for ongoing treatment after the test is complete at your request.
Using a private medical service does not exclude you from using NHS services in the future.
On request - Please contact the clinic for prices