FOR EXISTING PATIENTS
Your blood test
Thank you for organising your blood test with us.
In-person consultation
If you are attending for an in-person consultation, then your blood test can be taken at your appointment if appropriate.
Booking through Nationwide Pathology
If you have chosen to have your bloods done through Nationwide pathology, we will take payment for the cost of the blood test and lab fees.
Once payment has been made, please contact Nationwide Pathology on 01858 571322 to arrange an appointment to have your bloods taken either at a clinic near to you or at a home visit (if available in your area)
Please note that there will be a separate phlebotomy fee charged by the phlebotomy clinic, this will be around £30-50 depending on the clinic.
Getting your results
Once you have had your bloods taken, these will be processed by the lab and the results will be sent directly to your doctor. Your doctor will then share the results, usually with you within 7 days, along with any relevant comments and recommendations based on these results.
If you haven’t heard back
If you have not received your blood results within 10 days of your test, please contact the clinic so we can look into this for you.
Timing before an appointment
If you are having blood tests taken prior to an appointment, please ensure that you leave sufficient time for the results to be received. Whilst this is usually within 2-3 working days, at busy periods and bank holidays this can be longer. Please therefore allow at least a week.
Before your test
Applying HRT Before Blood Tests
Please read the following advice before arranging your test: if you are due to have a blood test to monitor your HRT, please follow the guidance below to help ensure your results are as accurate and meaningful as possible.
GELS & SPRAYS
Oestrogel / Sandrena / Lenzetto / Testosterone
Apply your HRT as normal in the days leading up to your blood test.
On the morning of the test itself, do not apply your HRT until after your blood has been taken. This helps us get a clearer picture of your baseline hormone levels rather than a peak reading immediately after application.
For Lenzetto only: If you apply this on your forearm – please ask the phlebotomist to take the blood from the opposite arm that you apply your Lenzetto on.
PATCHES
Oestrogen patches
If you use an oestrogen patch, no adjustments are needed, continue wearing your patch and change this whenever it is due.
LOCALISED TREATMENTS
Vaginal oestrogen and localised treatments
These do not significantly affect blood hormone levels and no changes are needed.
TABLETS
Oral HRT (tablets)
Take your tablet at your usual time. If your blood test is in the morning, take your tablet after the test if your normal routine allows, or take it the evening before if this is what you normally do. Please let us know if you are unsure.
SUPPLEMENTS
Biotin supplements
Ideally high dose biotin supplements (such as preparations for skin and hair) should be withheld for 3 days before your blood test as these can affect the assays and therefore impact the results. If you forget to do this, you can still go ahead and have the blood test but please do let the phlebotomist know so they can indicate this on the blood form.
ALL OTHER MEDICATIONS AND SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE TAKEN AS NORMAL.
If you have any questions about your blood test please contact the clinic and we will be happy to help.
