Blood Test Services

Fairlop Pharmacy offers a full and comprehensive range of private blood tests.

A few examples of the types of tests we offer can be found here.

The price for this service is dependent on which blood test you require. We are happy to give you a price over the telephone or alternatively you can complete the form above and we’ll give you a call back as soon as possible.

Blood test general information

A blood test is taking a sample of blood for testing in a laboratory. Blood tests have a wide range of uses and are one of the most common types of medical test.
For example, a blood test can be used to:

• assess your general state of health
• confirm the presence of a bacterial or viral infection
• see how well certain organs, such as the liver and kidneys are functioning

Preparing for a blood test

The healthcare professional who arranges your blood test will tell you whether there are any specific instructions you need to follow before your test.

For example, depending on the type of blood test, you may be asked to:

• avoid eating or drinking anything, apart from water (fasting) for up to 12 hours.
• stop taking a certain medication

It’s important to follow the instructions you’re given, as it may affect the result of the test and mean it needs to be delayed or carried out again.

What happens during a blood test?

A blood test usually involves taking a blood sample from a blood vessel in your arm.
The arm is a convenient part of the body to use because it can be easily uncovered. The usual place for a sample to be taken from is the inside of the elbow or wrist, where the veins are relatively close to the surface.

A tight band (tourniquet) is usually put around your upper arm. This squeezes the arm, temporarily slowing down the flow of blood and causing the vein to swell. This makes it easier for a sample to be taken.

Before taking the sample, the healthcare professional may clean the area of skin with an antiseptic wipe.
A needle attached to a syringe or special container is inserted into the vein. The syringe is used to draw out a sample of your blood. You may feel a slight pricking or scratching sensation as the needle goes in, but it shouldn’t be painful. If you don’t like needles and blood, tell the person who is taking the sample so they can make you more comfortable.

When the sample has been taken, the tourniquet will be released, and the needle will be removed. The pressure is applied to the skin for a few minutes using a cotton-wool pad. A plaster may be put on the small wound to keep it clean.

After the test

Only a small amount of blood is taken during the test so you shouldn’t feel any significant after-effects.

However, some people feel dizzy and faint during and after the test. If this has happened to you in the past, tell the person carrying out the test so they’re aware and can help you feel more comfortable.

After the test, you may have a small bruise where the needle went in. Bruises can be painful, but are usually harmless and fade over the next few days.

Blood test results

After the blood sample has been taken, it will be put into a bottle and labelled with your name and details. It will then be sent to a laboratory at a different site where it will be examined under a microscope or tested with chemicals, depending on what’s being checked.

The laboratory will send notification to the pharmacy, as a secured message, when the results can be accessed. The results will be only be accessible by the pharmacist wo has performed the blood test.

Some test results will be ready the same day or a few days later, although others may not be available for a few weeks. You’ll be told when your results will be ready and how you’ll be given them.

The results will not be interpreted by the pharmacist for diagnostic or prescribing purposes. For a consultation on your blood test results you are advised to book an appointment with your GP or a private prescribing practitioner.