Frequently Asked Questions
What is mobile phlebotomy?
Mobile phlebotomy is a service where a trained professional comes to your home, workplace, or care setting to take a blood sample, instead of you travelling to a clinic or hospital.
What areas do you cover?
We cover Lincolnshire, including Lincoln, Grantham, Boston, Spalding, Sleaford, and surrounding villages. If you’re unsure whether we cover your area, just ask.
Are you qualified and experienced?
Our phlebotomists are all NHS trained and qualified with years of experience. Our principal phlebotomist estimates to have taken nearly 20,000 successful samples. Our training is kept up to date and our CQC registration means you can trust our professional service.
What blood tests do you offer?
We offer a wide range of tests, including:
- General health and wellness panels
- Hormone testing
- Nutritional and vitamin levels
- Allergy and intolerance tests
- Fertility and pregnancy-related tests
- Specialist and referral-based tests
Can I get a blood test at home if I am a difficult bleed?
We aim to make your blood test at home as easy and simple as possible. Our years of experience mean we have dealt with many tricky veins and whilst we cannot 100% guarantee success we will make every effort to ensure we can get the sample.
Who can use this service?
Our service is suitable for adults and children aged 13+, including those who are housebound, anxious about needles, pregnant, elderly, or simply prefer the convenience of a home visit.
Do I need a GP referral?
It depends on the test. Private blood tests usually do not require a GP referral. NHS-requested blood tests typically do require a valid request form from your GP or consultant. We can advise you before booking.
Do blood tests hurt?
Unfortunately there is no way to avoid pain completely, afterall it is a needle puncturing the skin. However most people tolerate it extremely well.
If you're worried about the pain, you can ask your GP or pharmacist for a topical numbing cream like EMLA.
Afterwards there can be some mild irritation to the area and some bruising but this is not usually anything to worry about and will settle in 24-48 hours.
Who carries out the blood test?
All blood samples are taken by a fully trained, insured, and experienced phlebotomist, following UK clinical standards and infection control guidelines.
Will my private blood test results be accepted by my NHS doctor?
Yes, our results are processed by UKAS-accredited laboratories and are presented in a professional clinical format that NHS GPs and private specialists can use. While most doctors welcome the detailed data provided by private screens, please note that some NHS clinicians may choose to repeat a test if it is required for a specific internal treatment protocol or if they need to monitor a result over time within the NHS system.
Is your service safe and hygienic?
Yes. We use single-use sterile equipment, follow strict infection control procedures, and dispose of clinical waste safely and legally.
How are the blood samples transported?
Samples are labelled, stored correctly, and transported securely to an accredited UK laboratory, in line with clinical transport regulations.
Special transport requirements can be arranged with prior notice. Freezing and centrifuging is available.
Couriers can be arranged for samples requiring urgent transport.
What is mobile phlebotomy?
Mobile phlebotomy is a service where a trained professional comes to your home, workplace, or care setting to take a blood sample, instead of you travelling to a clinic or hospital.
How will I receive my results?
Results are sent directly to you by the laboratory via secure email or online portal. We do not diagnose, but we can explain how to seek medical advice if results are outside normal ranges. All tests purchased through Jay's Phlebotomy Service come with a report from a qualified Doctor so you can understand the results and get the most from your test.
We cannot provide medical advice or discuss diagnosis or treatment as a result of your tests. All medical questions should be directed to your GP or specialist.
Can you draw blood for a test kit I bought online (e.g., Medichecks, Thriva, or Forth)?
Yes, we provide a professional "blood draw only" service for all major third-party test kits. If you have purchased a kit from a company like Medichecks, Thriva, or Forth and require a venous blood sample rather than a finger-prick, we can visit your home to perform the collection. We ensure the samples are correctly labeled and packaged according to the kit's instructions, so they are ready for you to post to the lab for analysis.
How long does the blood test take?
Most appointments take 10–20 minutes, depending on the number of samples required and individual circumstances. If you think you need longer, just let us know. It's no problem, we just need to know to plan our diary.
How long do results take?
Results for tests purchased through Jay's Phlebotomy Service will usually be available the day after the lab receives the samples. Some tests can take longer but we can advise if this is the case.
Tests not purchased through JPS will be subject to the timings stipulated by the testing company.
In most cases GP and hospital blood results will be availble 1-5 days after.
Who can use this service?
Our service is suitable for adults and children aged 13+, including those who are housebound, anxious about needles, pregnant, elderly, or simply prefer the convenience of a home visit.
How do I book?
Contact us on your preferred method with any questions or to book an appointment. Slots are available most days and out of hours appointments are available at no extra cost.
What should I do after my blood test to prevent bruising?
To minimize bruising, keep the adhesive dressing on for at least 4 to 6 hours and avoid heavy lifting with that arm for the rest of the day. While minor bruising is a common and harmless side effect of any blood draw, you can significantly reduce the risk by applying firm pressure to the site immediately after the needle is removed. If you do notice a small bruise forming, applying a cold compress for a few minutes can help. If you are taking blood-thinning medication (like Aspirin or Warfarin), please let us know so we can apply extra pressure to ensure the site has fully sealed before we leave.