Frequently asked questions
Choosing a test, booking, preparing, results and home kits. Each test page answers questions about that test.
Choosing a test
I'm not sure which test I need?
If you are unsure which test you need, we recommend taking a look at some of our packages. Our website is divided by section and our clinical team have designed a number of panels to suit the most common requests. If still unsure, pleas feel free to contact us by whatsapp/phone/email for guidance. Ultimately, while our team may advise on our offerings, we recommend checking with your doctor as the ultimate responsibility is on the customer to select their tests.
What is a panel/profile?
A panel (or profile) is a group of single tests chosen together to answer one question, such as iron status, thyroid function or a general health check. Booking the panel is cheaper than booking each marker separately, and the markers are reported together so they can be read in context. Each panel's page lists exactly what it includes.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
For the majority of tests you do not need to have a referral, but you do need to know which test or set of tests you will need to have. Whilst we can (when possible) help to explain tests available, it is the patient’s responsibility to select the correct test/s, if requested by their doctor. For some specialist tests, you may require a doctors referral. This will be communicated to you upon enquiry.
Can my child come to Clinilabs?
At this point in time you must be over 16 to attend Clinilabs. We may however be able to arrange pediatric home visits for children. This is subject to availability. Please enquire with reception if you are interested in this.
Booking and appointments
How do I book an appointment at a partner clinic?
Order your test online and choose the partner clinic option at checkout. We then post you a collection kit, and inside it is a unique booking code. Once the kit has arrived, go to clinics.clinilabs.co.uk, enter the code and choose a clinic and time that suit you. You cannot book before the kit arrives, because the code is needed to make the booking. Take the kit with you to the appointment. After your sample is taken, you post it back to our laboratory yourself using the pre-paid label in the kit.
How long will my appointment take?
If you have pre booked your appointment, it should be around 15 minutes. Sometimes it can take slightly longer, we always aim to have you out as soon as possible.
I need to cancel/reschedule my appointment. How can I do this?
Contact reception by phone or WhatsApp on 020 4525 8805, or email info@clinilabs.co.uk, and we will move your appointment to another date. The collection fee paid online is non-refundable but can be re-arranged to any other date.
What is a venous draw/phlebotomy?
Phlebotomy is the act of taking blood from a vein (A venous draw). Certified phlebotomists are required to undertake this safely and expertly. There is a fee for the taking of the sample. This is a standard charge to either draw blood or handle urine or stool samples. This fee must only be paid once per visit. If this is prepaid (when booking online) it is nonrefundable but can be re-arranged to any other date. The price is £50 if paid in person or £30 if prepaid when booking online
Can I collect my blood sample at home?
A home finger-prick kit may be self-collected where the selected blood test is suitable for capillary sampling. Follow the kit instructions carefully, because not every test can use a finger-prick sample.
A venous blood draw must not be self-collected: it must be performed by a qualified healthcare professional who is trained and competent in phlebotomy. You can arrange this at a Clinilabs partner clinic or, where offered, as a home visit.
Preparing for your test
How do I prepare for my test?
In most cases, there is no preparation needed.
With particular tests, we recommend fasting for 8-10 hours ahead. These tests include glucose, cholesterol/lipid profile and homocysteine. In the event that it is difficult for you to fast, this will be noted by the phlebotomist, and where applicable adjusted reference ranges applied. If you are unsure whether you need to fast, please confirm.
With particular tests, we recommend fasting for 8-10 hours ahead. These tests include glucose, cholesterol/lipid profile and homocysteine. In the event that it is difficult for you to fast, this will be noted by the phlebotomist, and where applicable adjusted reference ranges applied. If you are unsure whether you need to fast, please confirm.
Do I need to fast before my test?
Some blood tests require fasting, but many do not. For example, glucose, cholesterol/lipid profile and homocysteine are among some of the tests needed to fast between 8 - 12 hours. If fasting is required, we recommend doing so overnight and scheduling your appointment for the morning. This helps minimise discomfort from going without food. During the fasting period, you should stay well-hydrated, water is ideal, and you may also have clear, calorie-free fluids such as black tea or black coffee (without milk or sugar).
If you are on medication, please check with your referring doctor if you need to fast. If you are self-referring, then you can call us to find out our recommendation.
Please note: If you are unable to fast, this will be noted and adjusted reference ranges applied.
If you are on medication, please check with your referring doctor if you need to fast. If you are self-referring, then you can call us to find out our recommendation.
Please note: If you are unable to fast, this will be noted and adjusted reference ranges applied.
Your results
How will I receive my results?
All results will be sent out by email. Please ensure you have provided us with the best email to reach you on.
How long will my results take?
At Clinilabs we do our best to give your results to you as soon as possible. Each test has an estimated turnaround time which can be found on each test’s page on our website. Please note that these are estimates and whilst we typically provide results sooner than advertised, we may in some cases require more time. If you are unsure about the turnaround time of your specific test and or require tests urgently, please confirm ahead of your visit.
When can I expect my results to be out for same day results?
For tests marked same-day results, have your sample taken at our Fitzrovia clinic by 4pm on a working day and your report is sent by secure email the same day, usually within hours. The earlier your appointment, the sooner your results. Tests with a longer turnaround show it on their page.
Can I speak with a doctor about my results?
We can provide written clinical interpretations and/or virtual/in person consultations for your results. These are additional services and are not included in the price of your tests. Please enquire if you are interested in these services.
The price of the tests includes a report that you will receive by email which includes your results as well as (where applicable) reference ranges and indications whether you fall outside of these.
The price of the tests includes a report that you will receive by email which includes your results as well as (where applicable) reference ranges and indications whether you fall outside of these.
Why are my Clinilabs blood test results different from my other blood test results?
It’s completely normal to see slight differences in blood test results between different laboratories. These variations can occur for several reasons:
Analytical variation: Even when the same sample is tested multiple times on the same machine, small differences can occur. This is called analytical variation and is measured using the coefficient of variation (CV). For example, total cholesterol has a typical CV of around 3% at a level of 5.0 mmol/L, meaning results between 4.85 and 5.15 mmol/L are entirely expected and not clinically significant.
Test-specific variability: Some tests, especially hormone tests, naturally show more variation. These tests can have CVs ranging from 3% to 10%, so minor result changes are common and generally not a cause for concern.
Laboratory differences: Each lab may use different analysers, reference ranges, or testing methods. Even factors like sample type, collection time, and processing date can lead to slight result differences.
Biological variation: Your body’s own levels can fluctuate throughout the day due to stress, sleep, meals, or hormonal cycles. These natural changes can influence your test results as well.
Analytical variation: Even when the same sample is tested multiple times on the same machine, small differences can occur. This is called analytical variation and is measured using the coefficient of variation (CV). For example, total cholesterol has a typical CV of around 3% at a level of 5.0 mmol/L, meaning results between 4.85 and 5.15 mmol/L are entirely expected and not clinically significant.
Test-specific variability: Some tests, especially hormone tests, naturally show more variation. These tests can have CVs ranging from 3% to 10%, so minor result changes are common and generally not a cause for concern.
Laboratory differences: Each lab may use different analysers, reference ranges, or testing methods. Even factors like sample type, collection time, and processing date can lead to slight result differences.
Biological variation: Your body’s own levels can fluctuate throughout the day due to stress, sleep, meals, or hormonal cycles. These natural changes can influence your test results as well.
Home finger-prick kits
How soon will I receive my home blood test kit?
Orders placed before 3pm on a working day are normally dispatched the same day; orders placed after 3pm, at weekends or on bank holidays are normally dispatched on the next working day. Kits are sent using Royal Mail.
For best sample stability, return the completed kit from Monday to Thursday, as soon as possible after collection and in accordance with the kit instructions. Please do not post a sample on Friday, Saturday, Sunday or the day before a bank holiday.
How soon will I receive my home blood test results?
Return your completed kit from Monday to Thursday using the prepaid Royal Mail Tracked 24 service. We normally receive returned kits on the next working day after posting, although postal delivery times are not guaranteed.
Once the laboratory receives a suitable sample, we will endeavour to process it and share the results on the same day where the test method allows. Some tests require additional processing and may take a further 24–72 hours.
About Clinilabs
Where are you located?
Our flagship clinic and laboratory are at 41–42 Foley Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 7TS, a few minutes' walk from Oxford Circus (Central, Victoria and Bakerloo lines), Warren Street (Victoria and Northern), Goodge Street (Northern), Tottenham Court Road (Central and Elizabeth) and Great Portland Street (Circle, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City).
How can I contact Clinilabs?
For all patient enquiries you can contact the reception by phone/whatsapp on 020 4525 8805 or via email: info@clinilabs.co.uk.
For careers at Clinilabs please email careers@clinilabs.co.uk
For careers at Clinilabs please email careers@clinilabs.co.uk
Do you work with the NHS?
We are a private laboratory, and do not currently offer NHS services.
Do you accept insurance?
We do partner with medical insurance providers such as Bupa UK, Bupa Global, Allianz, Cigna, WPA, Vitality. Please note that pre-authorisation is required for payment by insurance. We will also require payment card details to be kept on file; which will only be used in the event your insurance company does not cover your treatment. Please note that prices can vary greatly between insurance companies, and promotional online-only prices may not reflect prices charged if direct billing is being undertaken.
Not answered here? Reception can help on +44 204 525 8805 · info@clinilabs.co.uk