FAQ | Goodbody Clinic – Goodbody Clinic

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FAQs

PLACING AN ORDER

All you need to know about purchasing tests from Goodbody Clinic.

Which test should I choose?

You should choose the test that is right for your needs, symptoms and health concerns. Details of the health biomarkers included in each test can be found on the test pages on our website.

If you want an all-round health test, we recommend the Well Woman or Well Man tests which provide the widest range of biomarkers and the best value to check numerous areas of your health.

How does the service work?

We offer a range of test solutions to suit your needs.

Some of our tests require a tiny blood sample, and so can be taken at home using a finger-prick lancet. These samples can then be either processed using the equipment within the kit, or sent to the laboratory.

Other tests require a larger volume of blood to check for more biomarkers. These need to be obtained via a blood sample taken from your vein by a professional, trained clinician, in one of our UK-wide clinic locations. The samples are then sent to a laboratory for thorough testing.

If your sample has to be tested at the laboratory, Goodbody will provide a pre-paid return address envelope so you can post your sample to our partnered laboratory on the same day the test is completed. Your results will be emailed to you. Turnaround time is listed on each tests product information page.

When will my order arrive?

We dispatch test kits every day from Monday to Friday, excluding Bank Holidays. Standard delivery is 3-4 working days.If you order before 3pm Monday-Thursday and select Express Delivery, we will send your kit out on the same afternoon, for delivery to you within 1-2 working days.Any orders placed over the weekend or on Bank Holidays will be processed on the next working day.

How accurate are your tests?

Our tests are medically-approved and are as accurate as tests you would take in any healthcare facility. Our tests are analysed in a lab which is UKAS accredited, and registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

I've just paid, can I change my order?

If you need to make any changes to your order or your booking, please contact us and we will see what we can do to help you. Be aware that if you need to cancel your test, you may be charged a cancellation fee.

Can I order a test for someone else?

Yes – please add their details when making your booking, and then your details at the checkout if you need to.

Please be aware that our tests are only for customers aged 18 or over.

Why do I need a kit for my appointment?

Many of our clinics hold a stock of blood testing supplies ready for your appointment.

We also work with other locations who are qualified to take blood but do not hold blood testing supplies for us. For appointments at those locations, we will send you a complete kit to take to your appointment, which the clinician will use to take a sample of blood from your arm for testing.

I haven't received a confirmation email.

If you have booked and paid for a test but not received a confirmation email, please contact us and we will look into your order for you.

ARRANGING AN APPOINTMENT

All you need to know about completing your test appointment.

How do I book an appointment?

Booking an appointment is simple. On the test page of your choice, click the ‘Book Now’ button to start the booking process. You will then choose the preferred clinic location, date and time for your appointment.

Complete your details and then simply checkout to pay for your test.

How is the test carried out?

They can be completed in various ways, depending on the test required.

Our more complex blood test samples are typically taken from a vein in your arm, using a small needle.

In many clinics we also offer rapid tests for Cholesterol and Diabetes, which use a small finger-prick sample of blood, analysed there and then with an innovative testing device for results whilst you wait.

We also offer a range of home tests which you can complete using a tiny lancet on your finger to draw a small blood sample.

Do I need to fast before my test?

Some of our tests require you to observe a fasting period. This will be detailed in the product information page.

If you are having a test taken on the advice of your GP or another medical professional, please check with them if they have any specific requirements, e.g testing during your menstrual cycle, pausing any supplements, etc.

I am nervous about my blood test appointment.

We know that blood tests can be daunting. You are welcome to bring a friend or family member to your appointment for support if you wish.

Some customers also like to listen to music or audiobooks during the appointment to distract them.

If you feel nervous, unwell or faint, please do let the clinician know and they will be pleased to help you.

Do I need to fast before my test?

Do I need to take my kit to my appointment?

If you have requested a venous draw test and have received a test kit for this, please ensure you take the complete test kit with you to your appointment.

If you don’t, the clinician will not be able to take your sample.

How often should I take a test?

We believe it’s most effective to monitor your health regularly over time.

So we recommend taking your test every three months. This is the amount of time it typically takes to see the impact of health and lifestyle changes.

Is the a minimum age limit for tests?

Our blood test appointments can only be completed on patients aged 18 and over. If you are under 18 and arrive for an appointment, you will be turned away.

COMPLETING A HOME TEST

All you need to know about our home test kits.

How do I take my sample?

All of the instructions and helpful tips are included in the test kit.

Please take the time to read the instructions thoroughly before you take your sample.

Please aim to fill the tube to the upper line if possible.

If you have any problems, please contact us and our helpful team will aim to assist you.

When should I take my sample?

We recommend taking your sample first thing in the morning, from Monday to Thursday, and posting your sample as soon as possible after it’s collected. If you take the test during the day, it’s best to post the sample before the last post collection of the day.

Please note if you’re taking a testosterone test — it’s important to collect the sample first thing in the morning around 9am, before eating.

Are there any top tips for taking my blood sample?

We recommend giving yourself 30 minutes to complete your sample, and doing so from Monday to Thursday.

Drink plenty of water for 24 hours before taking your sample to ensure you are well hydrated.

Have a warm shower, bath or hold your hand in warm water for at least 5 minutes before taking your test to help blood flow. Make sure your hands are warm and clean.

Do some light exercise beforehand too, jumping jacks, brisk walking or jogging on the spot can help increase blood flow.

Stand up for the whole process with your arm below your heart – gravity will help the blood flow to your finger.

Gently massage your hand in a downwards motion, from just below your wrist to just above the prick on your finger. Do not squeeze too hard as this can damage the blood cells and we won’t be able to analyse your sample.

I'm having difficulty obtaining enough blood.

Please aim to fill the tube to the upper line if possible. The tips below might help you collect your sample.

If you have used all of your lancets and have not managed to fill the sample tube to at least the halfway mark, please let us know as other forms of testing may be more suitable for you.

Here are some tips to help:

Drink a glass of water. Being well hydrated will make it easier to collect your sample.
Shower before you take your test or run your hands under warm water for a few minutes, as heat improves blood flow.
Do some light exercise (move around, go for a walk, etc.) to get the blood flowing.
Make sure your arm is below your heart level – let gravity do some of the work.
Nails that are too long can make it difficult to collect a sample.

What if my kit needs other samples, such as urine or saliva?

If your test requires other samples, such as blood and urine or saliva, please follow the instructions within the kit to collect the required samples correctly.

If you have any problems, please contact our helpful team.

How often should I take a test?

Do you offer tests to check for cancer?

We offer a range of tests that can be used to check your risk of developing cancer due to your genes, as well as check for existing signs of cancer.

You can read more about our saliva-sample genetic cancer tests here.

We also offer home tests such as stool sample kits to check for signs of bowel cancer, and a blood test to check for raised Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) – a common sign of prostate cancer.

AFTER YOUR TEST

Results, GP consultations and repeat tests.

When do I get my results?

If you have completed a test and the sample has been sent to the laboratory for analysis, you should receive your results within 5 days of it arriving at the laboratory.

For an in-clinic rapid test to check Cholesterol or Diabetes, you will receive your results from the clinician during your appointment.

My blood was haemolysed - what does that mean?

A haemolysed test result or ‘haemolysis’ can happen when the red blood cells in the sample burst. When this happens, it is usually not possible to get a test result.

Haemolysis can happen with any blood tests, regardless of the method of blood collection (eg. finger prick sample or venous blood draw) and where it was collected (eg. at the clinic, self-collection or in hospital).

It is more likely to occur in the below cases:

If sample collection was prolonged or difficult and the finger was squeezed too hard or ‘milked’
If the sample was shaken vigorously
If there was a long delay between sample collection and analysis

How are my results sent to me?

Your results will be sent to you via email, using the email address you provide.

For rapid Cholesterol and Diabetes test, which are completed and analysed in-clinic, your results will be given to you on a results card at the end of the appointment.

Do you provide results 7 days a week?

The laboratory analyses samples from Monday to Saturday. Results will be sent to you as soon as they are available, so you may receive them on any day during the week, including at weekends.

My results are overdue. What should I do?

Please contact us with details of your test and your appointment or sample collection date.

I'm confused about my results?

Your results are presented in a format which should be easy to understand, however we know that sometimes it can be complicated or daunting to understand what they mean or what to do next.

Your GP will be able to read your results, so you can take them to an appointment to discuss them with your doctor.

We also offer an online GP Consultation Service, where you can arrange a live video call with a registered GP to discuss your results and next steps in detail, Find out more and request your appointment here.

How do I book a follow up GP consultation?

You can find out more about our online GP Consultation Service here.

Appointments are available at your convenience, from 8am to 8pm, 365 days a year.

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