Key takeaways
- Most routine blood tests at Blood London report within 1 day, and a few report in as little as 6 hours.
- Specialist and genetic tests take longer, from several days to a few weeks.
- The turnaround on each test page counts from when your sample reaches the lab, which is the day you're seen, weekends included.
- Your report is emailed to you as soon as it's ready, whatever it shows.
- You can walk in or book online at 117a Harley Street seven days a week, without a GP referral.
You had your blood taken this morning and you're already checking your inbox. Or you're about to book, and you want to know whether the results will be back before the weekend.
Here's the short answer. At Blood London, most routine blood tests report within 1 day of the sample reaching the laboratory, and samples get there on the day they're taken. Some tests report in as little as 6 hours. Specialist or genetic tests can take several days to a few weeks. Every test page shows its own turnaround, and our popular blood tests page is a good place to start.
If you already know what you need, book a blood test at 117a Harley Street. Over 200 tests report in 1 day, and each test price is plus the £50 blood draw.
Typical turnaround by test type
Turnaround depends on the individual test, but most of the catalogue falls into a handful of common windows.
| Turnaround | Roughly how many tests |
|---|---|
| 6 hours | 10 (the FAST chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR tests and screens) |
| 1 day | over 200 |
| 2 days | around 150 |
| 3 days | just over 50 |
| 5 days | around 195 |
| 10 days | around 40 |
| 2 weeks | around 45 |
| 3 weeks | around 25 |
The rest have other stated windows, such as 4 days, 7 days or a range like 2 to 4 days.
A few everyday examples. A full blood count, results in 1 day, costs £63.75. Vitamin D (25-OH) also reports in 1 day, at £108.75. Complex PSA takes 3 days and costs £75.
When does the turnaround clock start?
The clock starts when your sample reaches the laboratory. Ours get there on the day they're taken, so the turnaround on the test page counts from the day of your visit. Weekends work the same way. A sample taken on a Saturday or Sunday is collected that day, so it reaches the lab without waiting for Monday.
Why some tests take longer
Different tests are processed in different ways, and sometimes at different laboratories. A routine chemistry or haematology test, such as a full blood count, runs on equipment that gives a same-day or next-day result. Other tests need a specific method, a specialist laboratory or a slower biological process such as bacterial culture. Those naturally take longer to complete and report. Complex PSA, for example, is listed at 3 days against 1 day for a full blood count, because of how and where it's processed.
Tests with 6-hour and next-day results
The quickest group is 10 FAST sexual health PCR tests and screens, which report in 6 hours. The 6-hour chlamydia and gonorrhoea urine test is one of them. After that, tests reporting within 1 day are the largest single group in the catalogue, and they cover many of the most commonly requested tests.
If you want a broad check back quickly, the Silver blood profile costs £124 and the Gold blood profile costs £250. Both report within 24 hours, and neither needs fasting. It's one reason people use Blood London as a walk-in or book-ahead option for private blood tests in London.
How you'll receive your results
Your results are emailed to you once they're ready. That happens whatever the test shows, so you'll know your report has arrived without waiting for a phone call.
If you'd like a doctor to talk you through it, add a doctor review to your test for £75. For a full consultation about an abnormal result, or to plan next steps, you can book a private GP consultation at Medical Express Clinic for £150. You can self-request any test here without a GP referral. Staying under a doctor still helps, because someone can interpret your results properly and arrange treatment if you need it.
Private vs NHS result times
Once a sample reaches the laboratory, many routine tests are processed in much the same way whether the request is NHS or private. The main difference is usually access. An NHS blood test normally follows a GP or hospital request, and the results go back to whoever asked for them. They then contact you or share them, for example through the NHS App. At Blood London you can self-request a test, book online or walk in seven days a week, and your report comes straight to you by email.
Browse our popular blood tests and book online, or walk in to 117a Harley Street any day of the week.
Frequently asked questions
Does no news mean good news?
It's better to check. Every result at Blood London is emailed to you once it's ready, whatever it shows, so if nothing has arrived by the stated turnaround, contact the clinic.
Can I get results the same day?
Yes, for some tests. The FAST chlamydia and gonorrhoea PCR tests report in 6 hours. Most other tests take 1 day or longer, and each test page shows its exact turnaround.
Do weekend samples wait until Monday?
No. Blood London is open seven days a week, and samples taken at the weekend are collected and reach the laboratory the same day, just as on a weekday.
Why does my PSA take 3 days?
Each test is processed in its own way. Complex PSA is listed at 3 days, while a routine test such as a full blood count takes 1 day.
Can I get results by phone?
Results are sent to you by email. If you'd like someone to talk them through with you, add a doctor review to your test when you book.
What if a result is abnormal?
If a result falls outside the laboratory's reference range, you can add a doctor review for £75, or book a private GP consultation at Medical Express Clinic for £150 to discuss it and plan any next steps.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can self-request a blood test at Blood London. We still recommend staying under a doctor, so your results can be properly reviewed.
References
- NHS: Blood tests
- Lab Tests Online UK
- UKAS: Medical laboratory accreditation (ISO 15189)