Whether you’re chasing a result your GP hasn’t arranged, keeping an eye on something long-term, or just want to know where you stand, private blood tests in Plymouth give you fast access to accurate results without waiting weeks for an NHS appointment. Here’s how it works at Tamar Health and what you can actually find out.
Why People Choose Private Blood Tests
NHS blood testing is excellent but not always timely. GPs can only request tests they have clinical reason to order, and once requested, results can take days to come back through the system. For a lot of people, that’s frustrating, particularly when something feels off and you just want answers.
Private blood tests let you choose what you want checked, book when it suits you, and get results back quickly. Common reasons people come to us include:
- Fatigue, low energy or brain fog with no obvious cause
- Wanting to check vitamin and mineral levels (B12, vitamin D, iron, folate)
- Monitoring thyroid function, cholesterol or blood sugar
- Checking hormone levels including testosterone or oestrogen
- Routine monitoring after bariatric surgery
- Getting results more frequently than their GP will arrange
- A general health check before something like a new fitness programme
Which Tests Are Available?
We offer a wide range of individual tests and pre-built profiles through our accredited laboratory partner, Nationwide Pathology. Some of the most commonly requested include:
General health
Full blood count, kidney and liver function, thyroid function (TSH, free T4), cholesterol and lipid profile, HbA1c and fasting glucose, ferritin and iron studies, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate.
Hormone panels
Testosterone, SHBG, oestrogen, LH and FSH, prolactin, DHEA-S, cortisol. Useful for anyone experiencing symptoms related to hormonal imbalance, including fatigue, mood changes, low libido or irregular cycles.
Specialist profiles
We offer pre-built panels for specific concerns including our TATT (Tired All The Time) panel, hormone health screen, PCOS screen, hair loss panel, and post-bariatric monitoring profiles. These bundle the most relevant markers for each concern into a single, cost-effective test.
How the Process Works
Booking a private blood test at Tamar Health is straightforward. Here’s what to expect:
1. Choose your test and book online
Browse our price list or use the TestSelector tool to find the right test. A booking fee of £25 secures your appointment slot. The remaining balance is paid in clinic before your blood draw. All prices shown are all-inclusive with no hidden extras.
2. Come in for your appointment
Blood draw appointments take around 15 minutes. You don’t need to do anything specific beforehand unless your test requires fasting, in which case we’ll let you know at the time of booking. Our clinic is in Estover, Plymouth, with free parking.
3. Receive your results
Most results are back the next working day. Specialist panels typically take 2 to 3 working days. We contact you when your results are ready, and if anything falls outside the normal range, we’ll flag it and advise on next steps. You won’t just receive a set of numbers with no context.
Why Use a Regulated Clinic Rather Than a Home Test Kit?
Home finger-prick blood tests are convenient, but they have real limitations. Sample quality is harder to control, and some markers simply can’t be tested reliably from a finger-prick sample, particularly hormones and specialist panels that require a larger volume of blood or specific handling.
At Tamar Health, your blood is drawn by a trained clinician and processed by Nationwide Pathology, a fully accredited laboratory. The results are clinically reviewed and reported properly. That matters when accuracy is the whole point.
Tamar Health is also CQC registered, which means we operate under the same regulatory framework as any other registered healthcare provider. Your results are handled correctly, your records are kept, and there is a formal duty of care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast before a blood test?
It depends on what you’re testing. Cholesterol, blood glucose and HbA1c are more accurate when fasted. We’ll advise you at the time of booking if fasting is recommended for your chosen test.
How quickly will I get my results?
Most results are back the next working day. Specialist panels typically take 2 to 3 working days. We’ll be in touch as soon as they’re ready.
What if my results show something abnormal?
We contact you directly and advise on next steps. Depending on the result, that might mean a follow-up consultation, a repeat test, or a referral. We don’t just send you a PDF and leave you to figure it out.
Can I book a consultation at the same time?
Yes. Many patients combine a blood test with a consultation at the same visit, which means your clinician can review results in context and discuss any findings with you directly.
Is there a minimum age?
Our blood testing service is available to adults aged 18 and over.
Book Private Blood Tests in Plymouth
No referral needed. Results next working day. Processed by an accredited laboratory at our Estover clinic.
Book now
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