Haematology Blood Tests Plymouth
Private haematology testing in Plymouth, no referral needed. From a routine full blood count to a full B12 and pernicious anaemia work-up, your sample is processed by our UKAS-accredited lab partner and most results are back the next working day.
What is haematology testing?
Haematology covers the blood cells themselves, red cells, white cells, platelets, and the substances your body needs to make them properly, including iron, vitamin B12 and folate. It’s the first place to look for the cause of unexplained fatigue, anaemia, or abnormal bleeding or bruising, and it’s also where we check whether B12 deficiency has an underlying autoimmune cause.
This page covers our core haematology tests, with a particular focus on B12, folate and pernicious anaemia testing, an area we’ve expanded given how many people are now having B12 injections at salons and aesthetic clinics without ever having a blood test first.
Vitamin B12, Folate & Pernicious Anaemia Testing
Getting B12 injections at a salon or clinic? A simple blood test tells you whether you’re actually deficient before you start, and if you are, Intrinsic Factor Antibodies testing tells you whether it’s pernicious anaemia, an autoimmune condition needing lifelong injections, or something else that may respond to diet, tablets, or a short course instead.
Vitamin B12
Serum B12 level on its own. Useful before starting B12 injections, for fatigue, brain fog, tingling or numbness, or a vegetarian/vegan diet.
£55
Book This TestFolate
Serum folate (vitamin B9) on its own. Often tested alongside B12, deficiency causes similar fatigue and can contribute to anaemia.
£55
Book This TestVitamin B12 & Folate Pack
B12 and folate together from one appointment, the pair most relevant before B12 injections and the best-value way to check both.
£85
Save £25 vs booking separately
Book This TestIntrinsic Factor Antibodies
Checks for the antibody behind most cases of pernicious anaemia. Best done alongside or after a low B12 result, to find out why levels are low.
£80
Book This TestPernicious Anaemia Work-Up
B12, folate and Intrinsic Factor Antibodies together in one appointment, the full picture for anyone wanting a definitive answer before committing to ongoing injections.
£135
Save £55 vs booking all three separately
Book This TestWhy test first? B12 injections given without a blood test can mask other causes of fatigue or anaemia, and hydroxocobalamin, the injectable form most used clinically, is prescription-only in the UK. A B12 test confirms whether you’re actually deficient, and Intrinsic Factor Antibodies confirms whether it’s pernicious anaemia, so you know whether injections are a short-term top-up or a lifelong need.
Which option should I choose?
- Never been tested before, no strong reason to suspect pernicious anaemia: start with the Vitamin B12 & Folate Pack.
- Already know your B12 is low and want to understand why: add Intrinsic Factor Antibodies to a recent result, or book it on its own.
- Considering committing to ongoing B12 injections, or want one definitive answer: the Pernicious Anaemia Work-Up covers all three in a single appointment.
Other Haematology Tests
Related tests already available at Tamar Health, useful if fatigue or anaemia investigation needs to go wider than B12 and folate.
| Test | What it covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Full Blood Count (FBC) | Red cells, white cells, platelets, haemoglobin, haematocrit | £55 |
| Ferritin | Iron stores, the most sensitive marker for iron deficiency | £65 |
| Anaemia Profile | FBC, iron, B12, folate and ferritin, the key markers behind most causes of anaemia | £111 |
| Tired All The Time (TATT) | FBC, thyroid, iron, ferritin, B12, folate, Vitamin D, liver, kidney, glucose, HbA1c, cortisol | £164 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast for these tests?
No. B12, folate and Intrinsic Factor Antibodies don’t require fasting. You can eat and drink normally beforehand.
How quickly will I get my results?
Most haematology results, including B12, folate and the B12 & Folate Pack, are back the next working day. Intrinsic Factor Antibodies takes longer, around 3-4 working days, so the Pernicious Anaemia Work-Up follows the same 3-4 day timeline since it includes that test.
Should I test before or after starting B12 injections?
Ideally before, so you know your baseline and whether you actually need them. If you’ve already started, testing still tells you whether levels have responded and whether Intrinsic Factor Antibodies point to an ongoing need.
Can I add these tests to another blood test appointment?
Yes, let us know at booking and we’ll combine them with your other tests where possible.
Ready To Book?
Appointments available at our Plymouth clinic. No referral needed, book online in minutes.
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