Private Blood Test vs GP Blood Test
Should you wait for a GP appointment or book a private blood test? Both options deliver accurate, lab-processed results. Here is a straightforward comparison to help you choose the right route.
GP Blood Tests
Your GP can order blood tests as part of your NHS care. You book an appointment at the surgery, attend during working hours, and results are returned to your doctor within three to seven days. The service is free, but your GP decides which tests are clinically necessary.
Private Blood Test
With a private service like Lola Dispatch, you choose which tests you want, book online, and a DBS-checked phlebotomist comes to your home or office. Appointments are available seven days a week from 7am to 9pm. Results typically arrive within 24 to 48 hours, direct to you.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | GP Blood Test | Lola Dispatch |
|---|---|---|
Cost | Free | £50 per visit |
Booking | Phone or online via surgery | Online booking |
Wait for appointment | 1–3 weeks | Same-day available |
Wait for results | 3–7 days | 24–48 hours |
Location | GP surgery | Home or office |
Tests available | GP decides | You choose |
Who orders | Doctor | Self-order or GP |
Convenience | Limited weekday hours | 7 days, 7am–9pm |
Best for | Routine NHS pathway | Speed, choice, convenience |
When a GP Blood Test Is Better
- Your doctor has recommended specific tests as part of your NHS care
- You are not in a hurry and can wait one to three weeks for an appointment
- You prefer not to pay for blood collection
- The tests are part of a referral to a hospital consultant
- You want your GP to interpret the results and advise on next steps
When a Private Blood Test Is Better
- You want to choose which tests to run without waiting for a GP appointment
- You need results within 24 to 48 hours, not days or weeks
- You cannot attend the surgery during limited weekday hours
- You want regular health monitoring on your own schedule
- You are managing a corporate wellness programme and need flexible testing
- You have mobility issues and prefer a phlebotomist to come to you
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a private blood test worth the cost compared to a free GP test?
It depends on your priorities. If you need results quickly, want to choose which tests to run, or cannot wait weeks for a GP appointment, a private blood test at £50 per visit offers significant time savings and flexibility. For routine NHS-pathway tests where there is no urgency, the GP route is a sensible free option.
Can I order any blood test privately without a doctor?
Yes. With a private service like Lola Dispatch, you can self-order a wide range of blood tests including full blood count, thyroid function, hormone panels, cholesterol, liver and kidney function, vitamin levels, and many more. Some highly specialist tests may still require a clinician to order them, but the majority of common blood tests are available to self-order.
Will my GP accept results from a private blood test?
Most GPs will review private blood test results, especially if the samples were processed by an accredited laboratory. It is good practice to let your GP know you have had private testing done so they can add the results to your medical record. Some GPs may want to repeat specific tests through the NHS if they need to make clinical decisions based on the results.
How long does it take to get private blood test results?
With Lola Dispatch, most results are available within 24 to 48 hours after sample collection. Some specialist tests may take up to five working days. By comparison, GP blood test results typically take three to seven working days, and you may need to phone the surgery to get them. Private results are often delivered directly to you via email or an online portal.
Can I use a private phlebotomist for GP-ordered blood tests?
Yes. If your GP has given you a blood test form, you can arrange for a mobile phlebotomist to collect the samples at your home instead of visiting the surgery. Check with your GP practice first to confirm they accept externally collected samples. This is a popular option for patients who find it difficult to attend the surgery during working hours.
Get Your Blood Test on Your Terms
Skip the GP waiting list. Book a verified mobile phlebotomist and get tested at home or the office, with results in 24 to 48 hours. From £50 per visit.