Private blood tests

What is a blood test?

A blood test is a simple test that involves taking a small amount of blood and testing it in a laboratory. It involves measuring cells, proteins, enzymes, chemicals or hormones in your blood.

You may have a blood test as part of a routine check-up, or to check for certain health conditions if you are experiencing symptoms. A blood test is one of the most common of all medical tests and can diagnose and monitor a wide range of health conditions.

At Circle Health Group, our staff are skilled and experienced in performing blood tests safely and effectively. Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private blood testing with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.

This page explains what a blood test is, why you may need a blood test and what happens during the procedure.

How much does a private blood test cost?

The cost of your blood test will depend on various factors, including which test you are having, how many elements are being investigated, and whether you’re having this as a standalone test or part of an ongoing investigation or treatment plan. Our prices also vary across hospitals.

If you have private medical insurance, most blood tests will be covered by your policy if requested by your GP or consultant. You should always speak to your provider to be sure.

If you are paying for your own treatment, we will give you a fixed price before you book your blood test. The cost of blood tests is often on the lower end compared to other diagnostic tests, however this will depend on the type of test you’re having and how many investigations are being made.

Why might I need a blood test?

Your consultant may recommend a blood test for many reasons, including:

• To check your general health: Blood tests are usually included in a routine check-up to assess your overall health
• To test for certain conditions: If you have symptoms, a blood test can diagnose or rule out many health conditions
• To check your risk of developing certain conditions: Some blood tests can be used to screen for, or assess your risk of developing, certain conditions, such as some cancers or genetic disorders
• To monitor a condition you already have and/or check how well your current treatment is working: Some conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders and kidney disease require regular monitoring through blood tests. Some medications, like blood thinners, need frequent blood tests to manage your medication and dosage

What conditions can blood tests diagnose?

Your blood contains a lot of information about your health, and blood tests can diagnose many diseases, nutritional deficiencies, hormone imbalances and problems with your organs.

Common conditions that can be diagnosed with a blood test include:

• Diabetes
• Allergies
• Heart conditions
• Blood disorders, such as anaemia and blood clotting disorders
• Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
• Hormonal conditions like low testosterone, polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly PCOS), and menopause
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Some cancers, such as ovarian cancer, prostate cancer and blood cancers

How to prepare for your blood test

Preparing for a blood test depends on the type of blood test you are having. Your consultant, GP or other referring clinician will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your blood test. Instructions on how to prepare will also be in your appointment letter.

If there’s anything you’re not sure about, or if you have any questions, please contact the hospital for advice.

Before your blood test, you may need to:

• Fast (not eat or drink anything) for several hours (you may be allowed plain water)
• Avoid smoking, vaping, chewing gum, coffee, tea and other caffeinated beverages on the day of your blood test
• Avoid alcohol or strenuous exercise for 24 hours before your blood test

Staying well hydrated and using moisturiser on your arms may make it easier for your healthcare professional to perform your blood test. Wear clothing with short sleeves or sleeves that roll up easily to your appointment. It may be a good idea to bring a snack or drink with you to have after your blood test.

What happens during a blood test?

Many healthcare professionals are trained in taking blood, including GPs, nurses, consultants, healthcare assistants and specialist called phlebotomists. Whoever is taking your blood will have had specialist training so you’ll be in safe hands.

If you feel nervous or anxious about having a blood test, please tell us before the test. The person performing your blood test will know how to reduce your anxiety and make you feel more comfortable.

During a blood test:

1. You’ll be asked to sit in a chair with a special armrest where you can stretch your arm out in front of you. Blood is taken from the crook of your arm, so you’ll need to have this area exposed during the test
2. We will clean the area with antiseptic liquid
3. We will place a tight band, called a tourniquet, around your upper arm
4. You may be asked to make a fist to encourage blood flow
5. We will insert a needle into your arm. You may feel a sharp scratch, but this lasts less than a second
6. The blood flows through a thin plastic tube to a special tube called a vacutainer
7. We may take several samples of blood from the same tube, depending on the tests that need to be done
8. We’ll then remove the tourniquet from your arm, remove the needle and apply a small piece of gauze or cotton wool to the puncture site
9. You may be asked to apply pressure to the puncture site for around five minutes
10. The tubes are labelled and sent to a laboratory for analysis

Types of blood tests

There are many different types of blood tests. The type of blood test or tests you are having will depend on several factors, including your symptoms, general health, medical history and any medications you are taking.

Common blood tests include:

• Full Blood Count (FBC): Measures the number of red cells, white cells, and platelets to check for anaemia, infections, and blood clotting
• Urea and Electrolytes (U&Es): Assesses your kidney function, minerals like sodium and potassium and hydration levels
• Lipid Profile: Measures fats in your blood, like cholesterol and triglycerides, to assess your risk of heart disease and stroke
• HbA1c: Checks your average blood sugar levels over a period of time to diagnose or monitor diabetes
• Liver Function Tests (LFTs): Look at how well your liver is working
• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Looks at how well your thyroid gland is working and checks for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
• C-Reactive Protein (CRP): A test to measure inflammation in your body

Recovering from a blood test

Recovering from a blood test is usually quick and straightforward. Most people are fully recovered and back to normal within a couple of hours.

After your blood test, you’ll have a plaster or cotton wool ball secured with tape on your arm where the blood was taken. You may be instructed to press on this for around five minutes to make sure any bleeding has completely stopped. Keep the plaster in place for around half an hour.

Wear short sleeves or loose-fitting clothes to prevent anything from rubbing, constricting or pressing on the puncture site for the rest of the day.

You can eat and drink as normal immediately after your blood test. Take a drink and a snack with you to have after your test to replace lost fluids and boost your energy levels, especially if you had to fast before the test.

You can resume normal activities, such as driving and going back to work, as soon as you feel well enough after your blood test.

Potential risks and complications of blood tests

A blood test is usually a straightforward and safe procedure, but as with any type of medical procedure, there is a small risk that side effects or complications can occur. Your care team will explain any possible side effects before your blood test and how best to deal with them.

Common side effects of having a blood test include:

• Soreness/ bruising: It’s common for your arm to feel a bit sore or to develop a small lump or bruise after having a blood test. This will resolve by itself in a few days
• Swelling: Your arm may become swollen after a blood test. Applying an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas to the area for ten minutes several times a day can help relieve any swelling
• Dizziness: Do tell us if you feel dizzy after your blood test. We will help you feel better by sitting or lying down and having something to eat or drink

Rare but serious complications of having a blood test include:

• Haematoma: This is a collection of blood under the skin causing pain and swelling
• Infection: Bacteria may enter the puncture site, causing infection
• Nerve irritation: The needle can irritate a nearby nerve, causing pain, numbness, or tingling in your arm
• Fainting: Fainting can occur during or after a blood test due to anxiety, needle-phobia, dehydration, fasting or low blood sugar. Most fainting is brief and not serious, but in some cases can lead to falls and injuries

Why choose Circle Health Group for blood tests?

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard and delicious, healthy meals
• Transparent, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to book a blood test, you can book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

Clinical sources and further reading

1. Blood tests, NHS
2. Blood tests: how do they work and what do they show?, British Heart Foundation 
3. Blood Tests, Cleveland Clinic