Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

What services does The Health Lab offer?
We offer a wide range of private blood testing services including health screens, hormone panels, vitamin levels, cholesterol checks, STI testing, thyroid function tests and more. You can view the full list of individual tests and packages on our booking page.

Do I need a GP referral to book a test?
You can get a private blood test without a GP referral. You can book any of our tests directly through our website.

Do you offer consultations before or after testing?
No. We do not offer consultations before or after blood testing. You are encouraged to share your results with your GP or chosen healthcare professional.

We can provide the names and contact information of nutritionists and dieticians we recommend on request.

Locations & Access

Where are your clinics located?
You can find our exact clinic addresses and opening hours on our locations page.

Do you offer home or mobile testing?
We currently offer mobile phlebotomy services only for group bookings of six or more. We do not provide individual home visits at this time. However, at-home test kits are coming soon.

If you wish to organise a mobile phlebotomy service for six or more people, please contact info@thehealthlab.ie.

Appointments & Process

How do I book an appointment?
Appointments must be booked online through our booking system. All appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance. We do not accept walk-ins.

What should I do to prepare for my test?
Test preparation details are listed on each individual test page. You can also refer to our test preparation blog post for general guidelines and we have a section below.

What happens after the test?
Your blood sample is sent to a partner lab for analysis. Most results and a receipt are returned within the timeframe listed on the individual test page. Occasionally, laboratory processing delays can occur, especially for specialist tests. We will email your results as soon as they become available.

Can I reschedule or cancel an appointment?
Our cancellation and rescheduling policy is outlined in our Terms & Conditions. Please review this before booking. All cancellations or rescheduling requests must be made at least 48 hours before your appointment. If you are within the 48-hour window, please contact us, but we cannot guarantee that a refund or reschedule will be possible.

Which test should I book?

If you are unsure which test to book, you can browse our test packages and individual test pages. Each page lists what is included and who the test may be suitable for. We cannot provide personalised medical advice or tell you which test you need, but if you are unsure, we recommend speaking with your GP or healthcare professional before booking.

Preparing For Your Blood Test

How do I book an appointment?
Appointments must be booked online through our booking system. All appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance. We do not accept walk-ins.

Which test should I book?

Before Your Test

Do I need to fast before my blood test?

Some blood tests require fasting, while others do not. Please check the individual service page for the test you have booked, as the fasting requirements will be listed there where relevant. If fasting is required, this usually means no food or drink other than water for the recommended fasting period before your appointment. You should continue to drink water, as being well hydrated can make it easier to take your blood sample. If you are unsure whether your test requires fasting, please check the product/service page before attending your appointment.

Can I drink water before my blood test?

Yes. You can and should drink water before your blood test, even if fasting is required. Being well hydrated can help make the blood draw easier.

Can I drink tea or coffee before a fasting blood test?

If your test requires fasting, it is best to avoid tea, coffee, milk, sugar, sweeteners, juices and any other drinks apart from water before your appointment. Black coffee may affect some markers and can also affect hydration levels, so we recommend water only when fasting is required.

Can I take vitamins, minerals or supplements before my blood test?

Some vitamins, minerals and supplements can affect certain blood test results. For example, biotin, which is often found in hair, skin and nail supplements, can interfere with some hormone and thyroid blood tests. Iron supplements can affect iron-related markers. High-dose vitamin D, B12, folate, magnesium, zinc or other supplements may also influence the levels being measured. Unless you have been advised by your doctor to continue taking something, it may be worth avoiding non-essential supplements before testing. Please check the individual service page for your test and speak with your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure. Do not stop prescribed medication unless advised to do so by your doctor.

Should I stop taking my medication before a blood test?

No. Please do not stop any prescribed medication unless your doctor has specifically told you to do so.

If you are taking medication that may affect your results, you can mention this to your GP or healthcare professional when reviewing your blood test report.

Can I exercise before my blood test?

It is usually best to avoid very intense exercise in the 24 hours before your blood test, as this can temporarily affect certain markers such as muscle enzymes, liver enzymes, inflammation markers and some hormone results. Light normal activity is usually fine unless your test page says otherwise.

What happens if I forget to fast?

If you forget to fast for a test that requires fasting, please let us know when you arrive. In some cases, the test may still be taken, but the results may need to be interpreted with this in mind. In other cases, it may be better to reschedule. Please check the individual test page before attending so you know whether fasting is required.

Where can I find the preparation instructions for my test?

Preparation instructions are listed on the individual product/service page for each test. Please review the page for the test you have booked before attending your appointment. This is especially important for tests involving fasting, hormones, vitamins, minerals, STI testing, fertility markers, tumour markers or specialist tests. You can also refer to our test preparation blog post for general guidelines.

Blood Samples and Redraws

What happens if you cannot get my blood sample?

In some cases, it may not be possible to get a blood sample at the first appointment. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as difficult veins, dehydration, feeling faint, or the vein not giving enough blood on the day.

If this happens, we will offer you the option to come back later that day, or to return on another day and time that suits you for a redraw. If you do not wish to continue with the test or return for another appointment, we will process a refund for the test.

What happens if my sample cannot be processed by the lab?

Very occasionally, a sample may not be suitable for processing by the laboratory. This can happen for reasons outside of our control, such as a sample clotting, haemolysing, leaking, being insufficient, or not meeting the lab’s processing requirements.

If this happens, we will contact you and offer you the option of a redraw at no extra cost. If you do not wish to return for a redraw, we will process a refund for the test that could not be processed.

If only part of a larger blood test package cannot be processed, a partial refund may be offered for the affected part of the test only. The full package cost will not be refunded if the rest of the package has been successfully processed.

Can I come back for a repeat sample?

Yes. If you would like to repeat a blood test, you can book another appointment through our website. Repeat blood tests require a new booking and payment, unless the repeat sample is needed because the original sample could not be processed by the laboratory or because we were unable to complete the blood draw at your appointment. In those cases, we will arrange the redraw with you directly.

Results & Follow-Up

How will I receive my results?
Results will be sent to the email address you used when booking. A PDF receipt will also be included for your records.

Can someone explain my results to me?
We do not provide follow-up consultations. However, you are free to discuss your results with a healthcare provider of your choice. Follow-up is entirely at your discretion.

Can The Health Lab diagnose conditions or prescribe treatment?
No. We provide private blood testing only. We do not diagnose medical conditions, prescribe medication, or replace your GP. Your results should be reviewed with your GP or another suitable healthcare professional, especially if anything is outside the normal range or if you have symptoms.

What if my results show something critical?
If your results show anything deemed medically critical, a member of our team will contact you by phone. If you feel seriously unwell, have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, fainting, confusion, signs of stroke or any urgent symptoms, please contact emergency services or attend an Emergency Department. Do not wait for blood test results.

Payments & Insurance

How much do the tests cost?
Pricing varies by test. You can see up-to-date pricing for all services on our booking page.

Do you offer discounts?
Yes — we often run limited-time discounts which are advertised on our Instagram page and other social media platforms.

Do you accept health insurance?
We do not process insurance claims directly. However, receipts are included with your results and may be submitted to your health insurer. It is your responsibility to confirm coverage with your insurer. We are not responsible if your insurer does not reimburse your claim.

Eligibility & Restrictions

Can anyone book a blood test?
You must be 18 years of age or older to use our services.
Any booking made for a person under the age of 18 will be cancelled and is non-refundable. Please double-check age eligibility before making a booking.

Trust & Safety

Is my personal data secure?
Yes. We are fully GDPR-compliant and use encrypted systems to protect your personal and medical data.

Are your phlebotomists qualified?
Yes. All of our phlebotomists are experienced, fully trained professionals with backgrounds in healthcare and clinical testing.

Still have questions?

Please contact our support team at info@thehealthlab.ie and we’ll be happy to assist you.