What Does a Private Blood Test at Liv Health Actually Involve?

If you have never booked a private blood test before, it is completely normal to wonder what actually happens.

Do you need a referral? Do you need to fast? How long does the appointment take? And what happens once your blood has been taken?

The process at Liv Health has been designed to be simple, straightforward and comfortable.

From choosing your panel to receiving your results, here is exactly what to expect.

Step 1: Choose Your Blood Test

The first step is choosing the blood panel that best matches what you want to understand.

Some people simply want a general overview of their health. Others come to us with a more specific question around areas such as energy, vitamins, thyroid function, hormones, cholesterol or blood sugar.

Liv Health offers a range of general, men’s and women’s health panels, from targeted individual checks through to more comprehensive assessments.

If you are unsure where to begin, our blood test quiz can help point you towards relevant options.

Take the blood test quiz →

Step 2: Book Your Appointment

Once you have selected your test, you can book an appointment online at a time that suits you.

You do not need a GP referral to book a private blood test with Liv Health.

Before your appointment, check any instructions provided with your chosen panel. Most of our tests do not require fasting unless you are specifically advised otherwise.

We also recommend arriving well hydrated and wearing clothing that allows easy access to your arm.

Step 3: Visit Our Preston Clinic

Your appointment takes place at our clinic in Preston city centre:

Liv Health
Unit 2a, The Exchange
Pole St
Preston
PR1 1DX

Our aim is to make the experience feel calm and straightforward rather than overly clinical.

When you arrive, our team will confirm your appointment and make sure everything is ready before your sample is taken.

Step 4: Your Blood Sample Is Taken

Your blood sample is taken by a trained healthcare professional using a standard venous blood draw from the arm.

The process itself usually takes only a few minutes.

A small number of collection tubes may be required depending on the markers included within your panel.

If you are nervous about needles, let our team know. There is absolutely no need to feel embarrassed about it, and we can take the appointment at your pace.

Step 5: Your Samples Go To The Laboratory

Once collected, your samples are prepared and sent for laboratory analysis.

The laboratory measures the specific biomarkers included within your chosen panel.

This could include areas such as:

• Full blood count
• Iron and ferritin
• Vitamin levels
• Thyroid function
• Blood glucose
• Cholesterol
• Liver and kidney markers
• Hormones

The exact markers tested depend entirely on the panel you have selected.

Step 6: Receive Your Results

Results are typically returned within around 48 to 72 hours, although some specialist markers may take longer.

Your report gives you the results from the markers included within your test and allows you to see where your measurements sit in relation to the laboratory reference ranges.

It is important to remember that a result outside a reference range does not automatically mean something is wrong, just as a result inside the range does not explain every symptom.

Results are most useful when considered as part of the wider picture.

Step 7: Understand What Happens Next

This is where Liv Health aims to go beyond simply taking your blood.

Your results are information you can act on.

They may establish a useful benchmark for your future health, identify an area worth monitoring or highlight something that should be discussed further with an appropriate healthcare professional.

Where relevant, our wider wellness services can also provide practical support around areas such as nutrition and targeted vitality injections.

How Long Will I Be At The Clinic?

The blood draw itself is usually very quick, and most appointments are designed to fit comfortably into your day.

The exact appointment length can vary depending on your test and whether you want to discuss anything with the team beforehand.

Do I Need To Be Unwell To Have A Blood Test?

No.

Many people choose private blood testing simply because they want to understand their health better.

It can provide a useful benchmark even when you feel well, giving you something meaningful to compare against in the future.

Ready To Get Started?

Choosing your test and booking your appointment only takes a few minutes.