Frequently Asked
Questions

Collecting a finger-prick sample is straightforward. Our kits contain everything you need, including three lancets (so you have spares if needed) and a small collection tube. Preparation is key: ensure you are well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water before the test. To encourage blood flow, warm your hands in warm water for a few minutes, do some light exercise like star jumps, and stand up during collection to let gravity help. Clean your finger with the provided wipe, use the lancet to prick the side of your fingertip, and gently massage your finger to encourage drops of blood into the tube until it reaches the marked line. Only use the equipment provided in your kit.

Yes, absolutely. If you prefer not to collect the sample yourself, or if your specific test requires a venous blood draw, we have a nationwide network of partner clinics. You can easily find the nearest clinic to you using the 'Find my clinic' tool on our website. Please note that partner clinics operate independently and charge a separate fee for the blood draw service, typically between £30 and £50. We recommend calling your chosen clinic in advance to check their availability and book an appointment.

For the most accurate results, the morning is generally the best time to collect your blood sample, unless your specific test instructions state otherwise. It is crucial that you read the special instructions provided on the test page and within your kit, as some biomarkers fluctuate throughout the day. Additionally, to ensure your sample arrives at the laboratory in optimal condition, please collect and post your sample between Monday and Thursday. Avoid collecting or posting your sample on Fridays, weekends, or bank holidays, as delays in the postal system can cause the sample to degrade and be rejected by the lab.

Fasting requirements depend entirely on the specific test you have ordered. Not all tests require you to fast. For example, tests checking cholesterol or blood sugar levels often require fasting, while others like hormone or vitamin checks may not. Please carefully read the special instructions provided on the product page for your specific test, as well as the information booklet included in your kit, to confirm whether fasting is necessary.

Don't panic—this is a common issue and there are several things you can try. First, ensure you are fully hydrated and have warmed your hands thoroughly in warm water. Try standing up and letting your arm hang down to allow gravity to assist blood flow. If you have followed all the tips and are still unable to fill the tube to the second marked line, please stop. We are happy to offer a complimentary replacement kit so you can try again on another day. Alternatively, if you prefer, we can upgrade your order to a venous sample kit, which you can take to a partner clinic for a professional blood draw.

The turnaround time for results varies depending on the specific test you have ordered. You can find the estimated turnaround time on the individual test description page on our website. Generally, most standard tests take between 2 to 7 working days from the moment the laboratory receives your sample. Please be aware that more complex analyses, such as genetic testing, require more time and can take up to 4 weeks to process.

Once your sample has been analysed and our clinical team has reviewed the data, we will email your comprehensive results report directly to you. The report will be sent to the email address you provided during the checkout process. Please ensure that your email address is entered correctly when placing your order, and remember to check your junk or spam folders if you are expecting results.

Your health and safety are our priority. If your test results fall outside the normal reference ranges or indicate a potential health concern, our clinical team will highlight this in your report. We will clearly inform you that the results are abnormal and strongly advise you to share the report with your GP or a qualified healthcare professional for further investigation, diagnosis, and appropriate medical advice.

Yes, we actively encourage you to share your results with your GP, especially if you have any health concerns or abnormal readings. Your results are provided as a secure, easy-to-read PDF report. You can easily download this PDF to email directly to your doctor's surgery, or you can print a physical copy to take with you to your next appointment.

We aim to keep our pricing simple and transparent. Orders over £50 qualify for free standard tracked delivery. Orders under £50 are charged a flat £4.95 shipping fee. This covers the tracked dispatch of the kit to your address via Royal Mail. Please note that the return postage to the laboratory is also included via a prepaid envelope provided inside your kit.

We use a reliable standard delivery service for all our test kits, which typically takes 1 to 3 working days to arrive at your door. Our latest delivery statistics show an excellent success rate: 90% of our test kits arrive within 24 hours of dispatch, 6% arrive within 48 hours, and 3% arrive within 72 hours. Less than 1% of our deliveries experience any delays or failures.

Yes, you can purchase a test kit for a friend or family member. However, it is vital that during the checkout process, you provide the correct name and date of birth of the person who will actually be taking the test. The final medical report will be generated using these specific details. Once the order has been shipped, we cannot alter the patient name or date of birth on the record, so please ensure this information is accurate at the time of purchase.

We offer a variety of secure payment options for your convenience. We accept all major credit and debit cards (including Visa and Mastercard). For a faster checkout experience, we also fully support digital wallets including Google Pay and Apple Pay.

We operate a 14-day statutory cancellation period from the day after your order is placed. If you cancel before your kit has been dispatched, you will receive a full refund. If your kit has already been dispatched but you are still within the 14-day window, a £10 administration fee will be deducted from your refund — you do not need to return the kit. Once you have opened the sterile components, submitted your sample, or the laboratory has begun analysis, a refund is no longer possible. For full details please see our Cancellations & Returns policy.

In rare cases the lab may be unable to process your sample — for example if the blood clotted or the volume was insufficient. If the rejection is due to a customer error such as insufficient blood or posting over a weekend, we will offer a replacement kit at a significantly discounted rate. If the rejection is due to an error on our end or a laboratory issue, we will cover the full cost of a replacement kit immediately. A rejected sample does not constitute grounds for a full refund as the laboratory service has been provided.

Our dedicated customer support team is here to help you with any questions or concerns. You can reach us by email at sales@meditestdirect.co.uk, and we aim to respond to all queries promptly. Alternatively, you can call us directly on 01158 820 038. Our telephone lines are open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.