Blood Test FAQs

PrivateScans blood testing is available only to adults aged 18 and over. This applies whether you choose a Home Blood Test Kit, Clinic Blood Draw or Home Visit Blood Draw.

Professional blood collection services use appropriate phlebotomy equipment and techniques for different vein sizes. If you know that blood collection is usually difficult for you, mention this when arranging your appointment so the clinician can plan accordingly.

Follow the instructions supplied with your kit and fill each required tube as fully as you reasonably can, ideally to the indicated fill level. An insufficient sample may prevent one or more biomarkers from being analysed.

Return the sample as soon as possible after collection because blood samples can deteriorate over time. Avoid posting immediately before weekends, bank holidays or other periods when delivery may be delayed.

Most profiles do not routinely require fasting unless the individual test instructions or your healthcare professional specifically tell you to fast. Always follow the preparation guidance shown for your chosen test.

Warm your hands first to encourage blood flow. Gently massage from the hand towards the fingertip, use the side of the middle or ring finger as directed, and allow the blood to form naturally rather than repeatedly squeezing the fingertip. Use additional lancets from the kit if the instructions advise this.

PrivateScans uses an appointment-based collection journey. Where Clinic Blood Draw is available, choose that option during ordering and select an available location and appointment time before attending.

Some profiles require a venous sample, a larger volume of blood, a particular collection tube or testing that is not suitable for finger-prick sampling. Those profiles therefore require professional blood collection.

Browse the blood-test catalogue, open the profile you need, review what is included and choose one of the sample-collection methods shown for that test. Add it to your basket and complete the ordering journey. If professional collection is selected, the appointment/location step is included in the process.

Select Clinic Blood Draw on the relevant blood-test page. During the ordering journey you will be able to choose from the available collection locations and appointment times for that test.

Where available, a trained phlebotomist attends your home or workplace to collect the sample. Any required request form and sample tubes are provided in advance so they can be given to the phlebotomist at the appointment.

Your kit is dispatched after the order has been processed. Delivery information is provided as part of the ordering journey. If a kit appears to be delayed, contact PrivateScans so the order can be checked.

The blood-test ordering journey is designed to be completed online so your chosen profile, sample method and required details are recorded correctly. If you need help using the website, the PrivateScans team can guide you by phone.

Do not send a clearly inadequate sample unless the kit instructions tell you otherwise. Contact PrivateScans for advice. Depending on the test and circumstances, the next step may be another kit or professional blood collection.

Yes. Delays can occur if a sample arrives late, is unsuitable for testing, requires repeat analysis, or if laboratory equipment or processing is temporarily affected. The turnaround shown on the product page is an estimate rather than a guarantee.

Haemolysis means red blood cells have been damaged during collection, handling or transport. This can interfere with some laboratory measurements and may mean part or all of the blood test needs to be repeated.

Some sample tubes contain additives that need to mix with the blood after collection. Follow the kit instructions carefully, including gently inverting relevant tubes when directed. Clotting cannot always be prevented, but correct collection and handling reduces the risk.

A sample can be unsuitable because there is not enough blood, the sample has haemolysed or clotted, the wrong collection requirements were used, the sample deteriorated in transit, or another laboratory acceptance criterion was not met. If this happens, you will be contacted about the appropriate next step.

Occasionally the laboratory can analyse most of a profile but not one or more individual biomarkers because of sample volume or quality. PrivateScans or the laboratory partner will advise whether repeat sampling or another resolution is appropriate.

We provide secure digital access to your results and the associated doctor-reviewed report once laboratory testing is complete. Your report includes the measured results, relevant reference ranges and clinical commentary where applicable.

Your results are supplied with clinical interpretation and should be considered alongside your symptoms, medical history and overall health. A blood test on its own should not be used to diagnose a condition or start treatment without appropriate clinical advice. If you are unwell or concerned about a result, speak with your GP or another suitably qualified clinician.

Individual tests can occasionally be unavailable because the sample volume or quality was insufficient for that particular analysis. If the requested profile cannot be completed as expected, the team will contact you about the available next steps.

Reference ranges can differ between laboratories and can change over time as analytical equipment, reagents and testing methods are updated. Always interpret a result using the reference range supplied with that specific laboratory report.

Turnaround varies by profile. Many routine tests are reported quickly after the sample reaches the laboratory, while specialist, sexual-health and allergy profiles can take longer. Check the expected turnaround shown on the individual blood-test page.

Eligible home kits contain the sampling equipment, collection tubes, instructions and return packaging required for that test. Check the contents before starting so you can follow the supplied steps from beginning to end.

Take the sample when you can return it promptly. Avoid collecting immediately before weekends or bank holidays, when the package may remain in transit for longer than normal.

Read the complete kit instructions first, prepare all equipment, wash and warm your hands, stay well hydrated unless you have been told otherwise, and make sure you have enough time to complete the collection without rushing.