Introduction
At PrivateBloodTests.co.uk, we understand that getting a blood test privately can raise many questions. Whether you're wondering how the process works, when you'll receive your results, or what tests you can book without a GP referral - this page has the answers.
We’ve grouped our most frequently asked questions to make your journey simple, transparent, and stress-free. From booking to results, you'll find everything you need to know below.
General Testing Questions
No referral needed. We supply a free referral passport once your order is placed. Unless a test specifies consultation, you can skip the doctor's appointment.
private blood test without referral in the uk.
We offer a comprehensive range of over 450 blood tests, including:
- General Health Screens (full blood count, liver & kidney function).
- Hormone Panels (thyroid, fertility, cortisol).
- Vitamin & Mineral Levels (vitamin D, B12, iron studies).
- Infection & Immunity Tests (hepatitis, HIV, COVID-19 antibody).
- Allergy & Food Intolerance Testing.
- Specialist Panels for heart health, diabetes, and more.
Our easy online booking lets you select tests individually or as part of bundled health packages.
Absolutely! Our service is designed for anyone who wants to monitor their health proactively. You don’t need to have symptoms or a doctor’s referral to book most blood tests. Many customers use our tests for routine health screening, wellness checks, or to track specific conditions.
Yes! Our private blood testing service is available nationwide through a network of partner clinics across England, Scotland, & Wales. This ensures you can conveniently book and attend a blood test close to your home or workplace.
No. The prices listed include everything: referral, lab fee, phlebotomy. There are no additional charges.
no hidden fees blood test service!
Reported Results: Includes our GP’s commentary - adds up to 2/3 working days.
Unreported Results: Delivered directly to you without interpretation. Ideal if you have your own specialist or can interpret results yourself.
Important: Critical or abnormal results will always trigger us to contact you.
If you select the GP Comments option, one of our registered GPs will provide written commentary on your blood test results - helping you better understand any abnormal findings. This optional service may add 2–3 working days to your result turnaround time.
Please note:
We do not have access to your full medical history or NHS records, so the GP’s comments are based solely on the test results provided.
While this can offer helpful insights, we strongly recommend discussing your results with your own GP or healthcare provider for a complete clinical picture.
Blood test interpretation UK.
Booking & Appointments
1. Pick a Test - Choose from 450+ blood tests - thyroid, hormone, diabetes, full health-screen, COVID, fertility, etc.
2. Pay Online - Secure payments via Card, PayPal & Klarna.
3. Order Referral - Referral paperwork emailed to you fast after patient form completed via email - complete with no extra fee.
4. Book Appointment - Phlebotomy clinics available nationwide; booking details provided post-purchase. (Please let our team know of your appointment date/time using the link we send via email, if you do not complete this step it will cause delays with your results).
5. Visit Clinic - No hidden charges - phlebotomy included in price.
6. Get Lab Analysis - Samples tested at Spire Pathology (UKAS accredited).
7. Receive Results - PDF certificate via email.
8. GP Review (if chosen) - Our GP adds commentary (adds +2/3 days). (However, we always recommend that you discuss your results with your own healthcare professional, especially if you have symptoms or ongoing medical concerns).
Once you complete your order, you will receive a referral letter and booking instructions via email. You can then:
- Book directly with one of our nationwide partner clinics by phone.
- Choose a convenient date, time, and location near you.
If you need help booking, our support team is available to assist you via email or live chat.
Yes, you can reschedule or cancel your blood test appointment. Please notify the clinic or contact our support team at least 24 hours before your scheduled time to avoid any cancellation fees or complications.
To reschedule:
Use the booking confirmation email link provided after purchase, or contact the phlebotomy clinic directly.
If you need assistance, our customer care team is happy to help.
Currently, we do not offer at-home blood testing. All blood samples must be taken at one of our nationwide partner clinics by trained professionals to ensure accuracy and safety.
However, you can visit our sister site, BlueHorizonBloodTests.co.uk, which specialises in at-home blood testing services.
Any discount codes can be added on the last page of the checkout.
Please note: Each order is limited to one discount code or offer. Multiple discount codes cannot be combined in a single transaction. Attempts to apply more than one code will result in only the first entered code being accepted.
During the Test
Proper preparation helps ensure accurate results. Here are general tips:
Fasting: For certain tests like cholesterol, glucose, or iron studies, my require you to avoid eating or drinking anything except water for 8–12 hours before your test (please check the instructions on your paperwork).
Medications: Continue taking prescribed medications unless your doctor advises otherwise. Inform the phlebotomist about any medications or supplements you’re taking.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water before your appointment to make blood draw easier.
Avoid strenuous exercise: Intense activity 24 hours before can affect some test results.
Avoid alcohol: Refrain from drinking alcohol 24 hours prior, as it can influence liver and lipid tests.
Always check your specific test instructions and ask our support team if you have questions.
Whether you can eat before your blood test depends on the type of test you’re having:
For fasting blood tests (like cholesterol, glucose, or lipid panels), you should avoid eating or drinking anything except water for 8–12 hours before your appointment.
For most other tests, you can eat and drink normally.
If you’re unsure, please check the test instructions provided with your referral or contact our support team.
Most blood tests at our partnered clinics take 5 to 10 minutes from check-in to completion. The actual blood draw usually lasts just a few minutes.
Please arrive a few minutes early to complete any necessary paperwork. If you have multiple tests or special requests, it may take slightly longer.
After the Test
All blood samples are analysed by Spire Pathology Services, one of the UK’s leading private laboratories. Spire is:
- UKAS accredited.
- Clinically regulated and trusted by NHS and private hospitals.
- Staffed by qualified biomedical scientists and pathologists.
Your sample is handled using strict procedures to ensure accuracy, safety, and confidentiality.
Yes. If your results show significantly abnormal or critical values, a member of our clinical team or one of our registered GPs will contact you directly.
You can also choose to have your results:
- Reviewed by our GP with written commentary (if selected)
This ensures you receive clear guidance if anything in your results requires attention.
We always recommend that you discuss your results with your own healthcare professional, especially if you have symptoms or ongoing medical concerns.
Your test results are delivered securely via email in the form of a PDF laboratory report, designed for easy viewing, printing, or forwarding to a healthcare provider. You can also request:
- GP-reviewed results with medical commentary (if selected).
All results come from UKAS-accredited laboratories.
Turnaround varies by test but typically falls within stated timeframes (which can be found on the product pages). Occasionally delays occur due to lab scheduling, retests, or our GP reviews. You can always request a status update from our patient care team.
Please also remember to add your attendance date via the link on the email we send to you so that our team will know when to search and chase for your results, without this they will not know when to do this and therefore your results will not have been searched for.
Blood test turnaround time UK.
Pricing & Payment
We do not currently accept direct payment through private medical insurance providers. However, many patients are able to:
- Pay upfront and Claim reimbursement from their insurer using the invoice and lab report we provide.
We recommend checking with your insurance provider beforehand to confirm whether private blood testing is covered and what documentation they require.
We accept a wide range of secure payment options to make booking your test quick and convenient:
- Debit & Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- PayPal
- Klarna
Special Topics
Yes. Biotin supplements (over 5 mg/day) can skew test outcomes. If you're taking biotin, stop 48 hours before your appointment, unless instructed otherwise by a healthcare professional.
Biotin (vitamin B7), often found in hair, skin, and nail supplements, can interfere with certain blood test results, especially hormone and thyroid tests. To ensure accurate results, we recommend you stop taking biotin supplements at least 48 hours before your blood draw.
Yes, we continue to offer a range of COVID-19 tests, including:
PCR Tests - For travel, work, or confirmation of infection.
COVID Antibody Tests - To check for past infection or vaccine response (IgG levels).
Please note: Availability may vary depending on government guidelines, laboratory supply, and travel testing regulations. Always check current requirements before booking a test.
Yes, many of our clients use our blood tests as part of visa applications, work medicals, and occupational health checks.
However, requirements can vary by country or employer. Always check with your embassy, HR department, or medical advisor to ensure the specific test or format is accepted. If you have any questions please ensure you contact our team before placing your order.
- You are entitled to a 100% money-back guarantee if you change your mind about getting your laboratory tests before having your blood taken at a Spire location. This guarantee is valid for 14 days after purchase.
- After the 14-day period, you can receive a 100% coupon code or a credit note for the full amount to use against another test.
- Once your sample has been taken, you will no longer be entitled to a refund unless your sample is lost, improperly stored, or incorrectly taken by Spire pathology, resulting in a non or invalid result.
- In such cases, you can choose between a refund for the affected tests (calculated proportionally in a profile) or reattendance for another sample to be taken at the same hospital.
Still Have Questions?
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Our friendly support team is here to help. Use the form below to get in touch - we aim to respond within 1 working day.
Whether you need help booking a test, understanding your results, or choosing the right panel, we’re happy to assist.
📧 Prefer email? Reach us directly at hello@privatebloodtests.co.uk
📍 Looking for clinics? View our clinic locations