We now offer a range of blood tests at Wandsworth physiotherapy, primarily for checking musculoskeletal and nutritional disorders that we see in our clinic.

The practice of taking blood is called phlebotomy, “phleb” meaning vein and “otomy” meaning open or to open. Phlebotomists are professionals that are not doctors or nurses but have been trained in taking blood from a vein in your arm.

The blood tests that we can provide for you are as follows:

• Full blood count
• Cholesterol and heart health blood tests
• Liver and kidney function
• Bone screen for osteoporosis and suspected fractures / poor healing
• Inflammation for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout or ankylosing spondylitis
• Vitamin and mineral testing (B12, vitamin D etc.)
• Thyroid function – for capral tunnel syndrome
• Blood tests for headaches – general FBC plus ESR, hs-CRP, glucose, thyroid
• Hormone panels

We recommend this test as a good full blood and general health test. https://www.youth-revisited.co.uk/individual-test/competitive-athlete/

We also provide a stand alone phlebotomy service where you provide the blood vials and we simply draw the blood for you.

All the above mentioned blood tests help us manage your problems such as using nutritional approaches to diagnosed medical conditions or to help diagnose and manage MSK disorders such as severe tendon pain, rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis as well as prior to an ultrasound guided steroid injection. 

All appointments are secured with payment. All appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the start time or not attended will not be refunded.

What will happen when I have my blood taken?

You must first book an appointment to have your blood taken. There are sometimes things that we may require you to do prior to having a blood sample taken. For example, if you are having a glucose or cholesterol test done this is performed in a fasted state i.e. you will not have consumed any food for 10-12 hours prior to the test. If you are in any doubt about what you need to do you must speak to us prior to your appointment otherwise we may not be able to take the sample.

Once we have established that we can go ahead with the blood test we will use an aseptic non-touch technique (ANNT) setting you up on a treatment table with your arm supported by a pillow. A tourniquet will be applied to your upper arm to help us identify the vein we will take the blood from then we will release the tourniquet.

The phlebotomist will then wash their hands and apply gloves. Your arm will be cleaned with alcohol gel then the tourniquet will be re-applied and the blood sample will be taken. Having your blood taken from your arm can be uncomfortable and we will try to make this experience as painless as possible. Once the sample has been taken we will apply a swab to your arm and then a plaster. Then you will be ready to leave.

When will I get the results?

The blood sample will be then sent to a laboratory and you will be contacted when the results have come back. Blood samples can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to come back and you will be notified of how long you should expect to wait prior to receiving your results.

Can I self refer for a blood test?

Yes, you can self refer for a blood test, however bear in mind we only provide a limited number of tests within the scope of our practice. However, if you have arranged your own blood test through a laboratory and simply require a phlebotomist to take the blood sample then we can do this for you.

Do you accept NHS referrals?

No, we are a private clinic. We can help you if you self fund your blood drawer and test. However, any blood test that you have been recommended by your GP is best performed by them.

How much will it cost?

There is a cost for the phlebotomy service and appointments are 15 minutes. Then there is the cost of the test. These tests are usually priced up by the laboratory who will process the results. We do not add a fee on to the laboratory costs, but you need to be aware that we charge for the cost of the test and the phlebotomy service (unless you have provided your own test kit which you will have purchased). Prices are displayed on our Price List page from the About drop down menu.

Meet The Team