What are you looking for?

Taking blood
Ordering tests
Problems
Results
Preparing samples
Miscellaneous

Taking blood

What is the best method to get enough blood you’re your finger for a home test kit?

Start by making sure your hands are warm as this will increase blood flow. Massage your finder downwards towards the tip rather than squeezing and make sure you prick your middle or ring finger.

Can I walk-in for a blood test? Do you have a phlebotomist available at all times?

Yes. All our locations accept walk-ins.

How old does a child have to be to have a sample taken via phlebotomy?

Our phlebotomists will not take blood from children younger than 16 years old.

How old does a child have to be to have a sample taken via a finger prick?

We do not recommend attempting to take a finger-prick sample from anyone younger than 12 years old. However, this type of sample is likely to be easier to take than a draw from a vein. Parents or guardians are advised to use their own discretion.

Do you have needles for thinner veins?

We have a variety of needle sizes in store to make your blood-taking experience comfortable.

How high do I need to fill the tube?

All tubes must be filled as high as possible, this is to ensure that there is sufficient sample to provide a result.

Do I need to fast before I take my blood test?

You do not need to fast for our tests. If you have been requested by your GP or healthcare provider to fast, please write ‘fasting’ on the Test Request Form or call our Customer Service line at 020 7183 3718

Can I bring my child in for a blood test?

Our phlebotomists will not take blood from children younger than 16 years old.

Ordering tests

How do I book an in-store test and how does it work?

Select a test on our products page. Register the test by inputting all your information. Pick a location and appointment time that is convenient to you.

When will I receive the items I have ordered online?

Customer FAQ – We ship all our products using a next-day service. If there are any delays to your shipment, you will receive a notification. Please call our Customer Service team at 020 7183 3718 if you have not received your products after 3 working days.

Can I make an order over the phone?

Unfortunately, we cannot complete your order over the phone. However, our website has been designed to make the ordering process as easy as possible for you. If you have any questions, please call our Customer Service team at 020 7183 3718, and our team will be happy to guide you through the process.

Problems

Will I get another kit sent to me if I cannot fill up the tube?

Yes, we can send you a new test kit by post. Alternatively, you can visit one of our branches to have a phlebotomist take your sample for an additional £30 fee.

Will my results ever be delayed?

Unfortunately, there are certain situations when your results can be delayed. We’ve listed a few reasons below:
  1. Late delivery of the sample
  2. Maintenance of laboratory equipment

What does it mean when a sample is ‘haemolysed’?

Haemolysed blood means that the red blood cells have been damaged during the blood collection or transport processes. Heat can cause it too. Haemolysed blood can be difficult to test and can mean that the blood test needs to be repeated.

Who can I contact if there’s a delay?

Customer FAQ: Please call our Customer Service team at 020 7183 3718 or write to us at results@londonmedicallaboratory.co.uk

When can I expect my refund?

Please allow 10 working days to process the credit once the products have been returned and checked.

Why does a blood sample sometimes clot and how can this be avoided?

Unfortunately, there is no way to completely guarantee that a sample will not clot. To avoid clotting, make sure you gently turn the tube over a couple of times to mix the blood if it has a green or purple top.

Results

How long will it take to receive test results?

Results will be sent the day after your sample arrives at the laboratory. For allergy testing and sexual health profiles, results will be sent 2-3 days after your sample arrives with us.

Once I receive my results, who will be able to interpret them?

We recommend you contact your GP for a full interpretation of your results.

Why was my sample rejected by the laboratory?

Unfortunately, on some occasions, our laboratory cannot perform a test on a sample. This is due to a sample falling short in terms of quality, volume, or some other eligibility criteria. In these cases, the laboratory may need to reject the sample, and not carry out the processing. Sometimes the laboratory is able to compensate for a suboptimal sample, although this often leads to delays and turnaround times may be affected. – this question is in the above section as well.

Why didn’t the laboratory perform all the tests I requested?

In some cases, only certain tests within a profile can be performed. This can happen for several reasons including where the sample was of insufficient volume or quality.

Why is the normal range for my blood result different to last time?

The normal ranges for tests can vary over time because we constantly revise the ranges to take into account any change in our testing equipment, chemical reagents used in the testing process, and the analysis techniques.

Preparing samples

How quickly should I post my samples after taking blood?

As quickly as possible – blood samples can deteriorate over time so do not post on weekends, bank holidays, and at times when there is likely to be a delay.

Miscellaneous

Is there an NHS discount?

Yes, for any NHS staff we are offering some tests at a discounted rate. Please email info@londonmedicallaboratory.co.uk for more information.
Results
Taking blood
Problems
About London Medical Laboratory

Results

Why is the normal range for my blood result different to last time?

The normal ranges for tests can vary over time because we constantly revise the ranges to take into account any change in our testing equipment, chemical reagents used in the testing process and the analysis techniques.

How long will it take to receive test results?

Results will be sent to you the day after your health check results and blood sample arrive at the laboratory

Why was my sample rejected by the laboratory?

Unfortunately, on some occasions, our laboratory cannot perform a test on a sample. This is due to a sample falling short in terms of quality, volume, or some other eligibility criteria. In these cases, the laboratory may need to reject the sample, and not carry out the processing. Sometimes the laboratory is able to compensate for a suboptimal sample, although this often leads to delays and turnaround times may be affected. – this question is in the above section as well.

Why didn’t the laboratory perform all the tests I requested?

In some cases, only certain tests within a profile can be performed. This can happen for several reasons including where the sample was of insufficient volume or quality.

Taking blood

How old does a child have to be to have a Health Check?

Our phlebotomists will not take blood from children younger than 16 years old.

Do you have needles for thinner veins?

We have a variety of needle sizes in store to make your blood taking experience comfortable.

Do I need to fast before I take my blood test?

You do not need to fast for our tests. If you have been requested by your GP or healthcare provider to fast, please write ‘fasting’ on the Test Request Form or call our Customer Service line at 020 7183 3718

Can I bring my child in for a blood test?

Our phlebotomists will not take blood from children younger than 16 years old.

Problems

Will my results ever be delayed?

Unfortunately, there are certain situations when your results can be delayed. We’ve listed a few reasons below:
  1. Late delivery of the sample
  2. Maintenance of laboratory equipment

Who can I contact if there’s a delay?

Customer FAQ: Please call our Customer Service team at 020 7183 3718 or write to us at results@londonmedicallaboratory.co.uk

About London Medical Laboratory

What Quality Assurance & Governance standards does London Medical Laboratory maintain?

The management of the Pathology Department is committed to delivering a service that is compliant with the requirements for Medical Laboratories set by the International Standard Organisation (ISO 15189:2012), the Care Quality Commission (CQC) Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Internal quality assurance is achieved by strict adherence to standard operating procedures for all analytical processes (UKAS ISO 15189:2012). LML participates in National External Quality Assessment Schemes such as NEQAS and EQAAS. These schemes are subscribed to by NHS and private laboratories. Results are subjected to strict internal and external quality control.
LML’s electronic Certificate of Accreditation and schedule can be found here: https://verify.ukas.com/51c75c9c-069c-466d-a4c1-029d74e1caf2

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Need to speak to someone? Please feel free to contact us using the phone number

+44 (0)207 183 3718