How long do blood tests take?
When it comes to looking after your health, getting a clear picture of what’s happening inside your body is one of the most powerful things you can do. Blood tests are a quick and effective way to assess your overall health, detect potential health problems early and monitor existing conditions.
But one of the most common questions people have is how long do blood tests take? From the time it takes to have your sample taken to how long you’ll wait for results, this guide explains what to expect at every stage.
What are blood tests used for?
Blood tests are among the most common diagnostic tools in modern medicine. They provide vital information about your overall health, including how well your organs are functioning, whether your immune system is working properly and if there are any signs of infections, inflammation or disease.
At Bluecrest Wellness, our private health check packages include a wide range of blood tests to check for markers such as:
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Cholesterol levels
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Blood glucose (including HbA1c for diabetes risk)
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Kidney and liver function
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Iron and ferritin levels
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Inflammatory markers (like CRP)
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Thyroid function
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Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
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Blood count and haemoglobin levels
How long does a blood test appointment take?
The actual process of having a blood sample taken is usually very quick. In most cases, your blood draw will take no more than 5 to 10 minutes. You may be asked a few questions beforehand, and a qualified healthcare professional will clean the area (usually your inner elbow), insert a small needle into a vein and draw the required amount of blood into one or more collection tubes.
If your blood test is part of a more comprehensive health check, such as a full health MOT, the full appointment may take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of tests included.
How long do blood test results take?
How long it takes to receive your blood test results can vary depending on the type of test, the laboratory processing it and whether you’ve booked a private health check or are using NHS services.
Some of the quicker results include a Full Blood Count (FBC), which is typically available within 1 to 3 days. Tests like HbA1c, used to assess diabetes risk, along with kidney and liver function tests, cholesterol checks and inflammatory markers such as CRP, usually take around 2 to 4 days.
Thyroid function tests (including TSH and T4) and checks for iron and ferritin levels may take a little longer, usually between 2 to 5 days. If you're being tested for vitamin and mineral levels, such as vitamin D, B12 or folate, results can take anywhere from 3 to 7 days. Hormonal tests, including testosterone or oestrogen levels, also tend to have a longer turnaround time and may take between 4 and 7 days to process.
At Bluecrest Wellness, most blood test results are available within 3 to 7 days, with many being uploaded to your secure online dashboard even sooner.
What affects how long results take?
There are several factors that can impact how quickly your results are processed:
1. Type of blood test Some tests, such as a basic full blood count or cholesterol check, are processed quickly. More specialised tests, such as hormonal analysis or vitamin level assessments, may require longer analysis times.
2. Volume of tests If you're having multiple tests done as part of a full body health check, your results may be staggered. Some may be available within a day or two, while others can take a little longer.
3. Lab turnaround time Private providers like Bluecrest Wellness partner with trusted accredited laboratories that prioritise fast turnaround times. NHS tests, while free, can sometimes take longer due to higher demand and lab backlogs.
How will I receive my results?
At Bluecrest Wellness, once your results are ready, you’ll receive:
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An email notification that your results are live
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Access to your secure online dashboard (My Wellness), available 24/7
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A downloadable PDF of your personal Results Report, colour-coded in green, amber and red to help you easily understand what’s normal and where further action may be needed
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Clear follow-up guidance on steps you can take to improve your health
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Advice on when to consult your GP, based on your individual results
What if my blood test shows abnormal results?
Getting an abnormal result doesn’t always mean something is seriously wrong. Many factors, such as dehydration, medication or even stress, can temporarily affect your results. That’s why it’s important to interpret any abnormalities in context, ideally with the help of a qualified medical professional.
If your package includes a private GP consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to talk through any results that fall outside the expected range. You can also share your results with your own GP using the downloadable report.
How often should I get blood tests?
That depends on your age, lifestyle, and personal or family medical history. As a general guide:
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Once a year for most people, especially over 40s. An annual health check including blood tests is a smart way to stay on top of your health.
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Every 3 to 6 months if you’re monitoring a condition such as high cholesterol, diabetes, or anaemia.
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As recommended by a doctor based on symptoms, risk factors or ongoing treatment plans.
If you’re unsure, our team can help you choose the most suitable health check package for your needs.
Benefits of getting regular blood tests
Blood tests can be a powerful tool in preventative healthcare. Regular testing helps to:
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Detect potential health problems early
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Monitor your organ function (e.g. liver, kidneys, thyroid)
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Assess your heart health and diabetes risk
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Track improvements or changes in your health over time
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Support any lifestyle or treatment changes with data-driven insight
Book a health check with Bluecrest Wellness
If you’re ready to take control of your health, booking a private health check with Bluecrest Wellness is simple, quick and convenient. Whether you're after a general check-up or focused insights into your blood health, most of our packages include a wide range of blood tests, from cholesterol and glucose levels to vitamin and hormone checks.
Appointments are available at locations across the UK, often within the same week. With fast turnaround times, clear result explanations and secure access through our online dashboard, we make it easy to get the answers you need, when you need them.
