FAQs

Blood Testing Services

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How do I prepare for a blood test?
To help things go smoothly:

• Hydrate well: Drink plenty of water before your appointment.

• Fasting vs non-fasting:

  • If fasting isn’t required, have a light meal beforehand.

  • If fasting is required, bring a snack to eat after your blood draw.

• Keep warm: Especially in colder months or if your veins are tricky, arrive warm (coat/layers) to help veins dilate.

• Anxious or prone to fainting? Please tell me at the start so I can help you stay relaxed and safe (we can take extra time, have you lie down, and ensure you’re well hydrated).

• Numbing cream (optional): You’re welcome to apply an over-the-counter topical anaesthetic before your appointment, follow the packet instructions (often applied 30–60 minutes beforehand).

 

I have a test kit from another provider can I still make an appointment? 

Yes absolutely, book in using the blood draw service. make sure you check the paperwork carefully for any specific requirements such as fasting etc, and ensure you bring the kit with you to your appointment

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I have a kit that requires a centrifuge, can you do this?

Yes we have an onsite centrifuge so any kits that require this option can book in for the blood draw and centrifuge service option. Please check any paperwork you have thoroughly to ensure the correct preparations have been made before your appointment. 

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Do I need to fast?
Most general health tests (particularly those testing cholesterol and lipids) are best fasted 8–12 hours (water only, no food, caffeine etc). Your service page will state if fasting is required. If you have a kit from an alternative provider refer to their instructions for this information before booking.

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What can I drink before my test?
Water only during the fasting window. No squash, tea, coffee, energy drinks etc as they can interfere with some tests. Come to the appointment well hydrated.

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Should I stop supplements or medication?

Refer to your specific service requirements. Continue prescribed medicines unless your medical clinician has told you otherwise.

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Can I exercise beforehand?
Refer to your specific service information however, its usually wise to avoid intense exercise for 48 hours (gym, running, cycling, classes) as it can skew certain markers.

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How long does the appointment take?
Most blood draws take 10–20 minutes. Please arrive on time.

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Will it hurt / will I bruise?
You may feel a brief scratch. Mild bruising is possible and settles in a few days. Press firmly on the site for 2–3 minutes after. 

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What if I’m anxious or have tricky veins?
Please tell me beforehand, I’m an experienced phlebotomist and can use smaller needles, extra time, or alternative sites to keep you comfortable.

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When will I receive my results?

• HB Phlebotomy bookings: Most profiles return within 72 hours (1–3 working days), depending on the biomarkers requested and lab workload. If a test is likely to take longer, I’ll let you know at your appointment.

• Need results by a specific date? Please book in advance to allow enough time for processing, turnaround times can vary.

• Third-party testing kits: If your kit is from another provider, please confirm turnaround with your provider or requesting clinician, as they manage processing and reporting.

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How do I receive my results?
Results are sent in PDF format by email. If you’ve booked a report or consultation, we’ll review findings and next steps together.

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Do you share results with my GP?
Results are not routinely shared with your GP however, with your consent, I can email results directly to your GP or specialist. I’ll signpost to medical care if anything needs urgent medical attention.

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Who processes the samples?
Samples are processed by Nationwide Pathology Ltd. A UK, UKAS-accredited partner laboratory. For more information on them please see their website.

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Can children have blood tests?
Yes I am qualified to bleed children from age 7 years

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Private Blood Tests

What tests do you offer?
A wide range, from general health panels to thyroid, hormones, fertility, liver, kidney, lipids, vitamins/minerals, inflammation, and more. 

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I can’t see the exact test I need - can you source it?
Usually yes. Please contact us with which test(s) you require and I can enquire with the lab and provide you with a price.

Please note: an admin fee may apply for quoting and coordination.

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How should I prepare for hormone or fertility tests?
Some tests require specific cycle days or morning collections (usually in the morning of day 21 or day 3 of you cycle where possible). Please contact us before booking for more information.

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Do you interpret results?
I provide wellness-focused explanations and practical recommendations (food, lifestyle, supplementation). I don’t diagnose; I’ll signpost you to your GP/consultant when medical care is needed.

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Do you use functional ranges?
Yes, where appropriate I reference functional ranges alongside lab ranges to highlight potential optimisation areas.

 

Will my NHS GP or private clinician accept your reports?
Yes, results are issued by an accredited UK laboratory and are generally accepted by both NHS and private clinicians. However, some clinicians (particularly in the NHS) may choose to repeat tests to follow their own protocols, confirm results that fall outside their medical reference ranges, or use their preferred assays. This is standard practice.

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IM and IV Services

What IM/IV options do you offer?
A selection of vitamin injections and wellness IVs (e.g., B-vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin C, amino acids). Availability may vary. Please see the IM and IV service page for full details.

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Do I need a consultation?
Yes. For safety, you’ll complete a short medical questionnaire and consent form at the start of your appointment. If anything indicates the treatment isn’t appropriate, we won’t proceed and I’ll explain why, including next steps (e.g. rescheduling, alternative options, or signposting to your GP/clinician).

If you have specific medical queries or a complex history, please contact me before booking as some health conditions mean you are not able to have these treaments done. Bringing a list of your current medications and allergies is helpful.

 

What are the risks or side effects?
Common effects include brief discomfort at the needle site, redness or bruising, mild swelling, feeling warm or flushed, a temporary metallic taste (with some IVs), and increased thirst.
Less common effects can include light-headedness, nausea, fainting, vein irritation/inflammation, or allergic reactions. Serious reactions are rare; you’ll be screened beforehand, monitored throughout, and we carry appropriate emergency equipment.

For treatment-specific risks and contraindications, scan the QR code on the service page or ask before booking. If you feel unwell during or after treatment, tell me straight away and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

 

Can I drive afterwards?
Most people feel fine. If you feel light-headed after a drip, rest and hydrate and eat something before leaving.

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Do you offer group or home visits?
Yes. We offer home-based IV “drip party” packages (see the Drip Party page for details). Individual home visits may also be available, subject to location and suitability. Please enquire to confirm availability, suitability, and any minimum booking requirements. Travel fees apply and are calculated by distance.

All visits require standard pre-treatment screening and a suitable space for safe setup.

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Misc​

Do you accept private health insurance?
No. My services are delivered as wellness services rather than medical treatment, so they’re not covered by private medical insurance. You’re welcome to self-fund, and I can provide an itemised receipt if you’d like to check your policy for any discretionary reimbursement but I am not able to do this on your behalf or claim for your treatment via your insurance company

 

Are my treatments safe?
Yes, safety is my first priority. I use evidence-informed protocols and only proceed when it’s appropriate for you.

• Qualified & insured: I’m trained and qualified to perform all treatments I offer, with appropriate insurance.

• Prescription products: Any prescription-only items are supplied by UK-registered, MHRA-regulated pharmacies and used under the direction of an appropriate prescriber where required.

• Non-prescription supplies: All consumables (e.g. vitamins, needles, cannulas) are sourced from reputable UK suppliers; medical-grade and single-use/sterile where applicable, with proper clinical waste disposal.

• Screening & consent: You’ll complete a medical questionnaire and consent before treatment. If anything suggests it isn’t suitable, we won’t proceed and I’ll advise on next steps.

• Infection control: Strict hand hygiene, clean clinical setup, and single-use equipment every time.

• Monitoring & aftercare: You’ll be monitored throughout, with clear aftercare. We keep appropriate first-aid/emergency equipment on site for the services provided.

Some treatments aren’t suitable for everyone (e.g. certain medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy/breastfeeding, or specific medicines). Please tell me about your health history and current medications in advance, if you’re unsure, get in touch and I’ll advise before you book.

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Where are you based and is there parking?
The clinic is based in Blunitsham village, near St Ives, Cambridgeshire (details provided on booking). Free parking is available at the front and back of the building.

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Do you have wheelchair access?
Unfortunately, the clinic room is on the first floor and accessed only by stairs (no lift), so it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

 

How do I book?
Book online via the Bookings page. If you can’t find a slot, message me as cancellations do pop up.

 

How do I pay for my service?
Card and cash payments are accepted. payment is due at your appointment. Some services require a non refundable deposit payment at booking.

 

Cancellation policy
Please give at least 24 hours notice (see service page for exact policy). Late cancellations/no-shows may be charged. Any deposit paid is non refundable.​

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Data privacy
Your information is handled in line with UK GDPR. See our privacy policy for full details 

 

Gift vouchers
These are available for select services. Please contact me to arrange.

 

Still have questions?
Email or WhatsApp, I’m happy to help before you book.